what goes first serum or spot treatment

If an all-in-one serum isn't possible, apply liquids first, followed by gels, then creams. Prescription medications and spot treatments need to be applied as close to skin as possible to maximize their benefits. In the case of acne treatments, this dries up excess oil and kills bacteria in your problem spots.

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Which serum do you apply first?

Mar 02, 2016 · If an all-in-one serum isn't possible, apply liquids first, followed by gels, then creams. Step Four: Spot Treatment Prescription medications and spot treatments need to be applied as close to skin...

How to apply a spot treatment correctly?

Sep 23, 2011 · Recommended daytime acne spot treatments: Daytime Blemish Gel provides a smoothing barrier to calm the inflammation while preventing makeup and environmental irritants from aggravating the breakout. If your blemish is a cystic one, you can dab on Anti Cyst Treatment underneath Daytime Blemish Gel but be sure to let each step dry thoroughly.

Do you apply serums before or after moisturizer?

Feb 17, 2022 · Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives which are touted as a holy grail of anti-aging products because they cater to all major skin problems like fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, blackheads...

Should you apply spot treatment before or after moisturizer?

1. Serums go first As a rule, serums should be the first products that touch your skin after cleansing and exfoliating in order to get the best results. Never apply them after your moisturizer as thicker creams and oils create a protective layer over your skin and hinder absorption. 2. Don’t be afraid to mix and match

Do you put serum on before or after spot treatment?

Apply it in the right order It is best to apply spot treatments after cleansing and toning, but before applying serums and creams. The active ingredients are best applied on clean skin, and if you apply a spot treatment on top of a thicker cream or oil, it may not penetrate as well.May 5, 2021

When should I apply spot treatment?

APPLY YOUR SPOT TREATMENT For example, a product like the L'Oréal Paris Youth Code Dark Spot Correcting & Illuminating Serum Corrector should be applied to the skin before moisturiser morning and night. However, formulas with different ingredients or concentrations might be better off applied once daily or even weekly.

When should I use acne spot treatment in routine?

According to Ciraldo, you should spot-treat after you've applied your moisturizer, not before. This helps make sure the product stays on top of the pimple, and doesn't go on the rest of your face.May 1, 2020

Can I use serum as a spot treatment?

Yes, you read that right. For example, if you're using a retinol-based serum at night, use your spot-treatment in the morning and vice versa, as mixing the two ingredients could potentially irritate the skin.Jan 6, 2021

Where Does spot treatment go in skincare routine?

When in Your Skin-Care Routine Should You Apply Spot Treatments? The general rule of thumb is to apply spot treatments at night after cleansing and toning, but before applying serums and creams. “The active ingredients in the spot treatment will generally be most effective when applied to clean skin,” says Dr. King.Nov 25, 2020

Do you put moisturizer after spot treatment?

1 If you're just beginning with your benzoyl peroxide treatment, start using moisturizer now, even before you notice any uncomfortable dryness. You may be able to stave off the worst of it. If you've already succumbed to benzoyl peroxide-induced dryness and flakiness, slather on moisturizer as often as necessary.Sep 13, 2021

What is the correct order of skin care?

Your Daytime Skin Care Routine: A Step-by-Step GuideSTEP 1: CLEANSER. ... STEP 2: TONER. ... STEP 3: ANTIOXIDANT SERUM. ... STEP 4: EYE CREAM. ... STEP 5: SPOT TREATMENT. ... STEP 6: MOISTURIZER. ... Step 7: SUNSCREEN.

Can you put spot treatment all over your face?

Unlike other types of acne products, they are dabbed only on existing blemishes rather than used over the entire face. Some spot treatments are left on overnight; others dry clear so you can wear them out during the day.Sep 17, 2020

Should I apply eye cream before or after serum?

An easy way to determine the correct order for your skin care products is to start with the products that are the most fluid or lightweight in texture and work up to the heaviest texture. With this philosophy in mind, eye cream should be applied after serum and before moisturizer (in most instances) and SPF.

How long should you wait to put on moisturizer after serum?

Wait, then Moisturize Serums are not moisturizers. To allow serums to fully absorb, apply and wait 5 minutes before moisturizing. Take note: Well-formulated serums absorb quickly and disappear into your skin. If they leave an oily or sticky residue, they're not doing their job well.Jun 28, 2013

Do I need moisturizer after serum?

In general, it is best to apply serum before moisturizer. This gives the active ingredients in the serum the best chance of working. Otherwise, the best order and time of day for a skin care routine depends on the products' ingredients and the person's goals.Feb 13, 2022

Can I skip moisturizer after serum?

If your skin's happy with serum alone, you can skip moisturizer. But only a lucky few with normal and super oily skin can get away with this, in my experience. So, don't be too disappointed if your skin needs both.

What does oil based skin mean?

Oil-based means there is more oil than water in the mixture ( called a water-in-oil emulsion). The texture is generally more thick, solid, or oily. An oil-based product should go on LAST, to seal in moisture. To understand why better, you need to understand the structure of skin.

Do you need more moisture with one moisturizer?

YOU NEED MORE MOISTURE – Your skin is dry, and one moisturizer isn’t enough. It’s hard to satisfy very dry skin with just one moisturizer. So if you need more moisture, by all means, add another layer of serum or moisturizer. But wait a few minutes for the first layer to absorb before you apply another layer.

Can you use moisturizer and oil together?

Moisturizer and/or Oil. If you’re using both a moisturizer and oil, the ideal order will really depend on your products (their ingredients and viscosity). There are multiple routes of entry for ingredients to travel into skin, so a single answer that satisfies all product combinations isn’t possible, unfortunately.

What is serum for skin?

What is it? Serums contain a high concentration of certain ingredients. An antioxidant-based one will protect skin against damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. Vitamins C and E are common antioxidants used to improve texture and firmness. Others to look out for include green tea, resveratrol, and caffeine.

How to use a pea serum?

How to use it: Take a slightly bigger than pea-sized amount and warm in hands. Apply to cheeks first, then to the rest of the face using upward strokes. Skip this step if: Your toner or serum gives you enough moisture. This is especially true for those with oily skin.

How to use makeup remover?

How to use it: Follow the specific product instructions. You may be advised to apply the makeup remover on wet or dry skin. Once applied, massage in until skin is clean then rinse with water. Skip this step if: You don’t wear makeup, have oily skin, or would prefer to use a water-based product.

What is the best moisturizer for dry skin?

A moisturizer will soothe and soften skin. Dry skin types should opt for a cream or balm. Thicker creams work best on normal or combination skin, and fluids and gels are recommended for oilier types. Effective ingredients include glycerine, ceramides, antioxidants, and peptides.

How to use astringent?

How to use it: Straight after cleansing, either tap directly onto the skin or onto a cotton pad and swipe over the face in an outward motion. Skip the astringent if: You have dry skin.

How long before you use a patch test?

Do a patch test at least 24 hours before first use. Add a few drops of the solution to a cotton pad and sweep across the face. Make sure to avoid the eye area. Skip this step if: You have particularly sensitive skin or experience a reaction to a particular acid.

Does eye cream help with aging?

What is it? The skin around your eyes tends to be thinner and more sensitive. It’s also prone to signs of aging, including fine lines, puffiness, and darkness. A good eye cream can brighten, smooth, and firm up the area, but it won’t completely eliminate issues.

How to get rid of makeup and dirt on skin?

Start your routine with a gentle cleaner that removes dirt, oil, makeup and all the other impurities that accumulated on your skin during the day (and night).

What to use to keep under eye area hydrated?

6. Eye cream. Another unnecessary step you do out of habit. The eye area doesn’t need any special ingredients, so your fave fragrance-free facial moisturizer would do. If you want to use a separate eye cream , apply that first. It helps keep the undereye area hydrated, smoother, and brighter.

Why do you need a moisturizer?

A moisturizer locks in moisture and all the other skincare products you have just applied, boosting their efficacy. That’s why it makes sense to use it last. Plus, out of all your skincare products (sunscreens excluded!), moisturisers have the thickest texture. Anything you put on top will struggle to reach your skin.

Do serums work better than moisturisers?

Serums are the workhorses of skincare. They contain higher concentrations of active ingredients than moisturisers, so they’re able to treat dehydration, wrinkles, sun spots, and everything else you’re dealing with better and faster. They have thinner textures to so the sooner you apply them, the better. Put them on top of moisturisers, and chances are they won’t be able to get through to your skin.

Can you put a moisturiser on after moisturiser?

If you find they’re way too harsh for your skin and cause severe peeling, flakiness and redness, you can put them on after moisturiser. Yes, you’re diluting their effectiveness. But that’s what makes them more tolerable to your skin. You can always invert the order again once your skin has gotten used to the harsh med.

Can you put tretinoin on after moisturiser?

If your doctor’s prescribed you any meds (think Tretinoin or Hydroquinone), use them now your skin’s freshly clean. Those active ingredients need to penetrate the skin deeply to fix whatever issue you’re dealing with. The only exception? If you find they’re way too harsh for your skin and cause severe peeling, flakiness and redness, you can put them on after moisturiser. Yes, you’re diluting their effectiveness. But that’s what makes them more tolerable to your skin. You can always invert the order again once your skin has gotten used to the harsh med.

Do you need a moisturiser for oily skin?

Anything you put on top will struggle to reach your skin. (P.S. If you have very oily skin, you may not need a moisturiser at all. A moisturising sunscreen in the AM and a hydrating serum at night may be enough for you).

What serum should I use for daytime skin care?

To save time, I’d recommend a Vitamin C se rum combined with hyaluronic acid so you don’t have to spend time layering in the early morning. But if you do choose to layer serums, always apply the hydrating serum after the treatment serum.

What to do if your skin is red and peeling?

If you aren’t using retinol, this is where you might opt for a glycolic or lactic acid serum that will exfoliate your skin overnight .

When you combine skincare products, do you need to be careful?

When you begin to combine the skincare you already own with new things you want to purchase, you need to be careful about which active ingredients you are layering together. Always check to see what the main ingredients are in your products to avoid irritation.

Can you use retinol on acne?

Technically retinol is an acne treatment, but it doesn’t play well with the actives in spot treatments, so be careful if you need to use both. Remember, putting retinol on an active breakout will do nothing to cure it, as retinol is working on the deeper layers of skin. Retinol is never to be used as a spot treatment!

Can you use a cleanser in the morning?

You can use the same water-based cleanser that you use in the morning, obviously, but if you want to include a more indulgent step into your nighttime self-care routine, then look for a cleanser that doubles as an oxygenating mask for a deeper clean.

Can you use benzoyl peroxide on breakouts?

If you have any active breakouts, this is where you would apply a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid spot treatment. Do not apply any other skincare over a spot treatment, especially retinol.

Can you use Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid together?

The Dos. Benzoyl Peroxide + Salicylic Acid = Yes, sometimes. For the acne prone, using these two together once a week can work wonders on active breakouts or congested pores. If you are not experiencing either, it’s best to leave these two alone. Vitamin C + Peptides = Yes!

How to apply skincare products?

The very first step in how to apply skincare products starts with a fresh, clean face. It's important to remove dirt and oil buildup with your cleanser. For stubborn makeup, use oil-free makeup remover pads or cloths before you cleanse. Be gentle when and avoid pulling or overly scrubbing your face.

How to get rid of acne spots on face?

Acne products should go on bare skin. Take a damp cotton swab or tissue and wipe the blemish or broken out area to remove the skincare products that were just applied just in that area only. Apply the acne spot treatment and let it dry.

What is the best time to exfoliate your skin?

Hey Adam! I always recommend exfoliating skin in the morning. It removes impurities and dead cells causing your skin to repair throughout the day. Make sure to always wear broad spectrum sunscreen daily, especially after you exfoliate, since your skin is more fresh. At night, wash with a gentle foam free cleanser.

What is the key to skincare success?

The key to skincare success is consistency, patience, and understanding which product ingredients work best together and the order they should be applied on your skin. Proper sequence matters for the best results. There is a definite order to applying skincare products in order to maximize their benefits. To reap the rewards, follow the steps below ...

What should I do after washing my face?

As a general rule of thumb after washing your face, you should start with the lightest products and end with the heaviest products. Toners, spot treatments and serums should always come before lotions and moisturizers. Anything water-based will sink into your skin easier without any heavier products getting in the way.

How long should I wait to put on acne treatment?

In the case of acne treatments, this dries up excess oil and kills bacteria in your problem spots. For best results, allow at least five minutes before putting on your next product to ensure it doesn't knock out the benefits of the medication. Acne products should go on bare skin.

What to do if you don't use a toner?

If you don't use a toner, put your serum on next. Serums are nutrient-rich, so it's better to keep them as close to bare skin as possible. Some people apply multiple serums that cater to different skin concerns. If an all-in-one serum isn't possible, apply liquids first, followed by gels, then creams.

How to apply blemish cream?

How to apply a blemish product at night: 1 Perform your regular nighttime skincare routine. (This usually includes cleansing, toning, applying a serum and followed with moisturizer and eye cream. Of course, you’ll always want to use products exclusively for your skin type. Take the Skin Type Quiz .) 2 Take a damp cotton swab or tissue and wipe the blemish or broken out area to remove the skincare products that were just applied. 3 Apply the acne spot treatment and let it dry. Done!

What is night time spot lotion?

Recommended nighttime acne spot treatments: Night Time Spot Lotion is a powerful treatment to quickly dry up infection associated with blemishes.

How to get rid of acne spots on face?

Take a damp cotton swab or tissue and w ipe the blemish or broken out area to remove the skincare products that were just applied. Apply the acne spot treatment and let it dry. Done! The goal is to get the spot treatment to work directly on the blemish and not have any other product interfere with the performance.

What is daytime acne gel?

Recommended daytime acne spot treatments: Daytime Blemish Gel provides a smoothing barrier to calm the inflammation while preventing makeup and environmental irritants from aggravating the breakout.

What is the best SPF for acne?

Daily Protection SPF 30 is an excellent one to use since it doesn’t clog the pores or cause problems.) Take a damp cotton swab or tissue and wipe the blemish or broken out area to remove the skincare products that were just applied. Apply the acne spot treatment and let it dry.

Does sunscreen help scars go away?

It might come as a surprise, but sunscreen is a key component to getting a post-breakout red or dark scar to go away faster. When your skin is exposed to UV daylight (in spring, summer, fall, and winter), this keeps pigment cells awake and prevents a blemish scar from fading as quickly.

1. Cleanser

Removing makeup residue, excess oil and impurities comes first. Cleanse your skin squeaky clean before slathering on any other products. Before applying your skincare products, always remove the makeup and cleanse your face with a cleanser according to your skin type.

2. Toner

Next comes toning. Use a non-alcoholic and mild toner to help tighten your skin for a poreless appearance. Toners are essentially just priming the face for ingredients to be better absorbed later on. “The ‘good’ toners include either soothing or moisturizing ingredients to soothe dry skin or chemical exfoliants to cure acne and pimples.

3. Serums

Serums are an essential part of our skincare routine as they are just shots of extremely concentrated nutrients, hydrators and antioxidants that seep into our skin. They are an absolute nutrient-rich thirst quencher for our skin.

4. Eye cream

Opt for a hydrating eye cream that can help eliminate the risk of dry skin around your eyes that eventually result in crow feet and wrinkles. A caffeine rich formula with a rollerball applicator works well for those with water retention problems and under eye bags.

5. Spot treatment

Spot treatment varies from zit clearing solutions to dark spot correctors. But since they only target the problem areas, these are supposed to be applied before any other heavy products.

6. Moisturizer

Regardless of what products you use or skip, no skincare routine is complete without using a moisturizer. It not only plays an important role in hydrating your skin but also helps trap in all the products underneath it to show you better results. This step is bound to give you a glowing skin.

7. Retinol

Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives which are touted as a holy grail of anti-aging products because they cater to all major skin problems like fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, blackheads and dark spots, inflammation, pore size and appearance of blemishes too. Pressing a dime-sized amount onto the skin can work anti-ageing wonders.

How to use serums on face?

Apply with a gentle massage. Gently massaging your face as you apply your serums can help improve circulation, says Ramirez. Not only that, it also delivers a fresh dose of oxygen to the skin, which Ramirez says is the “best serum or oil out there.”. 7. Allow your serums to soak.

How many serums should I use for my face?

While there is no limit to how many serums you can add to your regimen, esthetician Enrique Ramirez, founder of Face to Face NYC, suggests stopping at three. Piling on more products than that is not only time-consuming, it also reduces the chances of each ingredient getting properly absorbed by your skin.

What should I use after cleansing my face?

1. Serums go first. As a rule, serums should be the first products that touch your skin after cleansing and exfoliating in order to get the best results. Never apply them after your moisturizer as thicker creams and oils create a protective layer over your skin and hinder absorption. 2.

What is the rule of thumb when choosing a serum?

Consistency is key. When it comes to deciding which serum goes first, Dr. Austin says the rule of thumb is to always start light. “Always layer by consistency. Lighter serums will be easily and quickly absorbed while the heavier hydration serums/oils seal in the ingredients and leave your skin soft,” explains Dr. Austin.

Is face serum Japanese?

Face serums have long been a part of Japanese women’s straightforward approach to skin care, but in recent years, the obsession with these hardworking skin care wonders has spread to beauty enthusiasts everywhere. And for good reason.

Can serums and oils be mixed?

The great thing about serums and oils is that they are team players. They can be mixed and work well together, especially if you have a number of skin care woes that need addressing, says board-certified dermatologist Craig Austin, creator of medical-grade skin care line Cane + Austin.

Can I use multiple serums at night?

In particular, Ramirez recommends using multiple serums especially for those with mature skin as it requires stronger and more potent ingredients to repair and strengthen the skin after collagen starts to break down. 9. Layering is best done at night.

What is a serum?

A serum is a lightweight, gel-based product with a consistency that is less emollient than a moisturizer. Most serums are water-based and have a light and silky feel when applied to the skin. Use a moisturizing serum containing antioxidants in the daytime to protect the skin from pollution and the sun’s rays. ...

How to layer makeup products?

Layer your cosmetic products by starting with the thinnest and most lightweight products and ending with the thickest and heaviest ones. After cleansing or exfoliating your face to remove oil and dirt (with a product formulated for your skin type), apply two pea-sized drops of lightweight serum to your face. ...

What is the purpose of a moisturizer?

A moisturizer contains water-binding agents and emollients to impart a smooth and creamy feel to the skin. Moisturizers can be water- or oil-based, and often contain emollients such as mineral oil, shea butter, plant oils, lanolin and animal oils to prevent evaporation and seal in moisture.

Do facial beautifiers hydrate skin?

If you have a collection of beauty and facial pampering products that you use daily, you’ll need to know how to layer these beautifiers on your skin properly. While serums and moisturizers both help to hydrate parched skin, applying these products in the wrong order affects their absorption, penetration and effectiveness.