What order to apply your skincare: Men’s Edition
You wouldn’t wax your car before washing off the dirt and grit, would you?
No, of course not. You know better than that. So why would you treat your skin any differently?
Just like your car, your skin needs proper care in the right order. And while it might be tempting to slap on your skincare products in whatever sequence you grab them, that’s not going to give you the best results. The key to maximising the benefits of your skincare routine is to layer your products from thinnest to thickest. This way, each product can be absorbed properly and do what it’s meant to do.
Keep reading for a quick guide for the right order...
1. Face Wash
This is your first step—always. Think of it as the pre-wash for your car. You need to get rid of all the dirt, oil, and grime that’s built up over the day (or night). This step is non-negotiable because if you don’t wash your face first, everything else you apply afterwards is just sitting on top of that dirt.
This is the only product in the routine you’re going to rinse off, all the others need to be left for your skin to fully soak up.
2. Toner
Toners are often misunderstood, but they’re crucial, especially if you're serious about getting the most out of your other products. They’re usually thin, watery, and designed to help your skin absorb whatever comes next.
Plus, they help balance your skin’s pH after washing and also get rid of any dirt left from the facewash. Don’t wash this off, leave it to soak into your skin.
3. Serum
Serums are where the magic happens. These are your active ingredients—like anti-ageing compounds, antioxidants, all the good stuff to target specific skin issues. They’re typically lightweight and runny, allowing them to penetrate deeply into your skin and thanks to the toner you’ll be able to absorb the most goodness.
4. Moisturiser
Moisturiser is the buffer that locks everything in. It’s thicker and needs a bit more time to absorb, but it’s essential for keeping your skin hydrated and protected. If your skin were a car, this would be your wax, sealing in all the goodness underneath.
5. SPF
Last but definitely not least, SPF is your protective shield. This step is crucial for your morning routine. Think of it as the final protective layer, without it, everything you’ve done before can quickly be undone by sun damage. Moisturisers can come with added SPF in which case you don’t need to add it as a separate step. What you do need to remember is to reapply an SPF every 2 hours.
So, there you have it—a simple, step-by-step guide to getting the most out of your skincare routine. Now, be honest, is this the order you’ve been using?
If not, don’t worry. It’s never too late to start doing things the right way. Your skin—and your future self—will thank you.