With all the different products to choose from these days, it’s no wonder we have a hard time knowing what to put on first. The first basic steps are:
- Use an eye makeup remover for stubborn mascara/eye makeup (if you feel you need a separate product)
- Cleanse your whole face
- Use a toner/freshener/astringent if you like
From here, it all depends on what you are using. In most cases,
you should apply a treatment like an AHA, BHA or vitamin product
as step four, then your moisturizer (if you need more moisture
than your treatment offers), then sunblock last. Most sunblock
products should go on last for the best protection.
The confusion starts when you are using multiple treatment
products and moisturizers and eye creams and on and on. What
I’ve found works best is to alternate days/nights with different
treatments, rather than piling on layer after layer on your
face. For example, some vitamin creams like vitamin A (usually
known as retinol) make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so
you could use it at night and use an AHA/BHA in the morning. I
would apply it after cleansing and toning, but before a
moisturizer.
You can also layer on products depending on how potent you want
them to be on your skin. For instance, if you are sensitive to
acne treatment creams like benzoyl peroxide, consider applying
it after your moisturizer so there is a barrier against
irritation. Conversely, if you are concerned about fine lines
around your eyes, apply your eye cream right after
cleansing/toning but before your regular moisturizer for the
maximum benefit.
