With so many skincare brands and products flooding the shelves nowadays, it can feel overwhelming and confusing for many of you who want to set up a skincare routine, but don’t know how. Fret not – we are here to help! In this article, we will guide you on how to set up a basic skincare regimen using the art of layering – did you know that you can have one with just four simple steps? Keep reading to find out how!
According to this Vogue article, skincare products should be applied (layered on) in this order: Cleanser, exfoliator, toner, essence, serum, eye cream, retinoid, moisturizer, face oil, SPF. However, this certainly does not mean that you have to use all these products in your skincare routine – there is no “correct” amount of products that you must use. More products do not mean better results!
With that being said, there are four steps (plus one more for your morning routine) that are generally considered essential to every skincare routine. Follow these steps to get started on your skincare journey!
Step 1: Cleanse
Cleanse your skin twice a day, morning and night. Cleansing removes any dirt, sunscreen and makeup from your skin, making your skin feel refreshed and clear. A good cleanser (try our Soothing Java Black Tea Cleanser!) works to remove impurities and unclog pores without stripping the skin of moisture. If your skin feels tight and dry after cleansing, consider switching to a more gentle formula that leaves your skin feeling soft and clean!
Step 2: Exfoliate
Exfoliate your skin 2-3 times a week at night using a gentle chemical exfoliator (try our Sugarcane AHA Exfoliating Solution!). When done consistently, exfoliating helps to unclog pores, remove dead skin cells, brighten skin, control breakouts and improve skin texture. Sounds wonderful, right? Remember to always follow up with sunscreen the next morning!
Step 3: Serum
After cleansing and/or exfoliating, apply a serum to your face and neck. Serums are lightweight products that absorb quickly and deliver high concentrations of active ingredients to your skin, targeting specific skin problems like aging, dullness and dry skin. If you’re looking for a good and effective serum to start, check out our hydrating Mangosteen Brightening Serum!
Step 4: Moisturize (don’t forget the lips!)
Finally, to finish off your night-time skincare routine, layer on a moisturizer to your face and neck. In tropical climates like Indonesia, go for a lighter, water-based moisturizer for the day and a thicker one for nighttime. You may be wondering: what’s the difference between serums and moisturizers? Well, while serums are generally lightweight formulations that contain high concentrations of active ingredients, moisturizers have thicker formulas that create a physical barrier to lock in hydration for your skin. Hence, it is crucial to always apply a moisturizer in the final step of your skincare routine, to lock in hydration and other nutrients from your serum into your skin! Don’t forget to use a lip balm on your lips as well!
(Step 5: Sunscreen)
In the daytime, you should always follow up with sunscreen after moisturizing. This is because ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are always present (yes, even on cloudy days), which causes skin damage and the development of wrinkles and lines over time. So, start taking care of your skin now by wearing sunscreen everyday!
