Want the best skin of your life? Maximise your skin care – we teach you how to apply and layer your serums and moisturisers like a pro
If you’ve been buying bottle after bottle of expensive creams but are yet to see the results, consider this: you may be applying your skin care all wrong. The application process is as important as the product itself; same goes for the order of layering. Want the best skin of your life? We share pro tips on the proper ways and order to apply your skincare products.
Start with cleanser
Hands up if you’re guilty of haphazardly washing your face (I know I do on exhausting work days!). Using warm water to open up your pores, massage the cleanser onto skin going in circular strokes, taking special care not to tug skin. Rinse thoroughly with warm water then finish with a splash of cold water.
Exfoliate to deep clean
Always be gentle with your exfoliator – your skin isn’t a sandboard! Let your scrub do the job by massaging with a light hand. The recommended number of times to exfoliate is two to three times a week, but if your choice of a scrub is a cleansing brush, stick to once a week to avoid over-exfoliation.
Mask up
The best time to slap on a mask is after exfoliating as that’s when your skin is most open to the nutrients it can provide. Hop on to the multi-masking trend if you haven’t – it helps you target different concerns of your face.
Yes, toner is necessary
Guilty of skipping toner? Then this top reason to use it might just convince you: it picks up all the excess grime and makeup left behind by your cleanser. It also shrinks pores (apply regularly for a month and you’ll see real results) and is particularly great at tackling oily, and acne-prone skin by balancing your skin’s pH levels. Apply on cotton pads, then gently move them in small circles across your face to pick up impurities and traces of makeup. Only do this once a day if your skin is on the dry or sensitive side.
Next comes your serum/essence
It’s suggested that serum penetrates better when your skin is moist, so keep it well hydrated by leaving toner damp on your skin or with a mist. Pump a few tiny drops into your hands and gently rub them together to activate the serum. Next, pat gently and press firmly the serum onto the skin of your face and neck.
Dab and tap your moisturiser
Two words to remember: Dab and tap. Starting from the center of your face, work outwards and upwards. Keep it light-handed, move in upwards strokes and swirl your moisturiser in circular motions to target fine lines. Remember to apply the same amount to your neck and decolletage. Bonus tip: use your knuckles to massage skin to stimulate blood flow (hello glowy skin!).
Depuff your peepers
The worst thing you can do to your skin is tug at your undereyes – they’re extremely delicate and will show the first signs of aging. Take a pea-sized amount of eye cream enough for both eyes, then using your ring finger, tap it under your eyes and under your brow bone.
Don’t leave the house without sunscreen
Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before you go outdoors as it takes time to absorb. Use enough to evenly cover a skin and massage it on. Reapply every 90 minutes – no excuses!
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