What is the right order in which to apply skincare products?
I don’t think there is a “perfect” sequence. But there is one step I know should come last: applying the sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher (50 doesn’t offer much more protection than 30, so choose a sunscreen you like). Sunscreen may require reapplication because it will go away if we touch our skin, sweat, or take a swim.
More than “how many steps,” try to include the ingredients your skin needs at any time during the day. Making a routine complicated will make most people more unlikely to follow it.
So, what do you want to apply under that sunscreen?
What your skin needs
Antioxidants will increase the protection against sun and environmental injury in general.
Nutrition: amino acids (especially essential amino acids), fatty acids (especially essential fatty acids), vitamins, and more.
Use actives that promote skin renewal and support your skin stem cells for older skin.
The order? It doesn’t matter that much unless you have a shower before applying the skincare products. In this case, it’s best to start with water-based serums.
For acne-prone skin
Summer, with sun, heat, and sweat, will worsen acne. Pay attention to your skin, clean it more often, and go for T-zone serum if you feel sebum secretion is out of control.
Avoid the sun, especially if you are using salicylic acid. And, don’t touch benzoyl peroxide, which will add to the sun damage and accelerate skin aging.
What you don’t want:
Avoid chemical peels and irritants in general, they will potentiate the damage caused by the sun.
Fragrances, because they will irritate your skin and, often, will cause hyperpigmentation (see this post)
Before bed
Cleanse your skin at night and apply vitamin A serum or cream. Repair damage done during the day, eliminate senescent cells (look for quercetin), and give yourself another dose of epidermal growth factor and other goodies. If you have dry skin, apply some ELS last.
For most people, keeping it simple will make it more likely to stick to the routine.
Hannah
DISCLAIMER: These claims have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease.