Ultimate How-to Guide for your Skincare Routine

Have you ever wondered why is the product not working for you? What's different with your skin? Why is everyone else getting results but not you? We've all been there.

It's amazing how little tweaks can make a whole world of difference in your skincare routine. For example: Did you know that applying a water based cream over an oily serum might dilute its effectiveness?

Dermatologists agree that applying your skin care products in the proper order ensures that your skin receives the full benefits of each product. Besides order of application, it’s also important to consider the time it takes for your skin to absorb your products.

“Order is important, but timing is more crucial,” says esthetician and acne specialist Ashley Wiley. Not getting enough time for absorption might also hinders proper functioning and effectiveness of a product. 

Amid all the debate concerning sequences, most people still get confused on proper sequencing of products to extract maximum benefit. So which product goes on top of what, you ask?

An easy rule of thumb to follow is to apply your products with the thinnest consistency to thickest, or from liquid to cream.

Following the Right Order

Step 1: Cleanser

Start by removing dirt and oil buildup with your facial cleanser. Some experts recommend double cleansing, which involves using a cleansing oil first to dissolve your makeup and then washing your face again with your regular cleanser. Check out Minimo’s Genesis Foaming Sulfate-Free Facial Cleanser.  

Step 2: Exfoliator

Exfoliating removes dead skin cells & stubborn product buildup on the skin. When you exfoliate regularly you help remove ingrained dirt, old dead skin, and improve the over all look of your face. When you scrub away the old flakey skin, you reveal more soft, smooth looking skin. Check out Minimo’s Glow Skin-Brightening Facial Scrub with Turmeric or Flawless Acne Fighting Scrub with Activated Charcoal.

Step 3: Toner

A Toner is designed to remove excess build up lingering around after cleansing and to rebalance skin’s pH after washing. Facial toners also prep the skin for moisturizers and serum while getting rid of excess excess oil. Check out Minimo’s Balance Toner.

Step 4: Spot Treatments, Serums, & Eye Treatments

Spot treatments need to be applied as close to the skin as possible to maximize their benefits. Serums are super-concentrated, nutrient-dense treatments that address specific concerns, so it’s better to keep them as close to the skin as possible. Some people apply multiple serums that cater to different skin concerns. If an all-in-one serum isn’t possible, apply the ones with the thinnest consistency first.  Check out Minimo’s DejaVu Acne Control Serum.

It’s vital to apply an eye cream at least every night, starting in your 20s. It’s about maintaining the health and thickness of the eyelid skin. Improving the skin quality in this area early on ensures that the eyelid skin does not easily lose laxity and its smooth appearance.

Step 5: Moisturizer

Using a daily facial moisturizer boosts hydration in your skin, prevents flaking and dullness, and creates a protective layer of moisture that lasts all day. The best time to apply a moisturizer is after using your treatments and serums! Immediately apply a layer of moisturizer to lock in all the goodness of serums and spot treatments. Check out Minimo’s Radiant Skin Brightening Moisturizer or Honeydew Day & Night Cream. 

It’s not that your skincare items won’t work if you don’t layer them a certain way. But, if you apply them in the correct order, you’ll get the max benefits and you’re much more likely to see results from your skincare products.

Call it a ritual. A time-tested method. The result of much toil, research, trial-and-error. It is what we’ve come to know as “The Skincare Routine”.

Check out Minimo’s Skincare Regimens here: Glow | Flawless.