Skincare Routine Steps In Details
The rule of thumb for skincare is to apply the lightest product first and the heaviest last, since thinner products can’t penetrate through thicker ones.
Morning Skincare Routine should focus on prevention and protection for the day.
Nighttime Skincare Routine should focus on cleansing and repairing.
Step 1: Cleanser
Morning and Night
Eye Cleanse (Eye-make-up remover)
Before you slather on skincare products, make sure your face is spotless – grime and oil-free – so the ingredients you layer will have better absorption. Start with make-up removers.
Whether you wear eye-make-up or not, Jason Roberts, Clarins Commercial Training Manager, says an eye-make-up remover is a good addition to your cleansing routine. Using one designed for the eyes assures you that it is ophthalmologist tested and gently formulated for the contours of the eyes.
Roberts says, “I am a firm believer of an eye cleanse even if you don’t wear eye make-up. Clarins’ Eye Make-up Removers, contain an ingredient called cornflower that strengthens the eye contours. If you use waterproof eye make-up, you’d want to opt for a heavy-duty make-up remover that doesn’t sting or irritate the eyes. People with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, on the other hand, would benefit from a gentle eye makeup remover with more refreshing and non-irritating formula. These both are enriched with cornflower, along with rose water and aloe vera, which have moisturising, and soothing properties perfect for the delicate eye area, plus it is part-lash care. Win-win! You can also sweep it over your lips too.”
After the eye cleanse, reach for your preferred face make-up remover.
Face cleanse (Face make-up remover)
A double cleanse is super beneficial – as the first removes make-up and, the second cleanse ensures you remove impurities and clear out the pores.
We recommend starting with an oil-based cleanser or cleansing milk to properly break down foundation, surface SPF, pollutant particles, and face make-up. Follow up with a water-based cleanser or Cleansing Micellar Water that dissolves any remaining make-up residue without stripping your skin.
If you are more of a foaming cleanser fan, opt for sulphate-free or SLS free gentle formulas that balance the skin’s natural microbiota – the normal bacteria levels in healthy skin—even after rinsing.
Step 2: Toner
“Toner or serum first?” or “when to use toner day or night?” are some questions often asked about this face routine step. Let’s explore the answer.
Morning and Night
Finish cleansing by applying a toning lotion. Toners are used to remove any last traces of impurities, but they are also designed to specifically restore your skin’s pH balance.
It doesn’t end there. Some toning lotions are even formulated to keep your skin microbiome (bacteria in your skin) happy and healthy. Steer clear from alcohol-based toners that will irritate or sting your face. Look for ingredients like the marine prebiotic and flower polyphenols. Both are proven to rebalance the skin microbiome. These are found in Clarins toning lotions and are also tailored to your specific skin type, ensuring you’re getting the nourishment your skin needs.
So don’t listen when they say you don’t need a toner – you do. It just depends on what to use – so pick wisely.
Step 3: Eye Care
Morning and Night
After applying a toning lotion, continue with an eye product: either an eye serum or an eye cream.
Eye creams are specifically formulated to treat the more delicate skin around the eyes – they’re generally lighter, gentler and designed to help reduce puffiness, dark circles and fine lines.
Roberts suggests applying eye care before face serum or cream. He says, “It will act as a protective barrier around the eye area and protect it from anything else you put over. It is the best skincare order as it is a reminder you’ve done the eyes.”
Eye cream should be applied morning and night as an essential part of your skincare routine steps.
Step 4: Serum
Morning and Night
Serums are concentrated nutrients, hydrators, and antioxidants that benefit your skin’s health.
So, layering something like a serum before your moisturiser is a good idea. Clarins Double Serum, is a cult-fave for a reason. It is perfect for day and night skincare routine as it is formulated with 27 active ingredients including antioxidant powerhouse turmeric that will protect your skin from signs of ageing. It has a magic bunch of ingredients to protect, prevent, replenish and repair the skin.
Step 5: Moisturiser
Morning and Night
Have you ever wondered: serum before or after moisturiser? Here is your answer.
After applying your serum, move on to moisturising. While you could be forgiven for using the same moisturiser day and night, why would you be given the now dazzling choice of products specifically designed to deliver the different levels and types of care your skin needs when you’re running around vs getting your beauty sleep?
Your day cream provides a layer of protection and helps to lock in moisture – but remember to give it a few moments to sink in to ensure it has fully absorbed before applying any other products such as primer or your foundation.
And at the end of the day, the benefits of night cream are too compelling to ignore. These richer, thicker moisturisers pack a more potent punch when it comes to hydrating, nourishing and reviving your skin overnight.
Step 6: Sunscreen
Morning
All skincare experts and dermatologists pledge their allegiance to one thing: SPF, and its ability to improve your skin. Slathering yourself is the best thing you can do to protect your skin from all the harsh environmental stressors, the sun and pollution being the two biggest threats.
Sun protection should be a non-negotiable part of your daily skincare routine and should always be the last step of your morning skincare routine.
Experts recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day.
The best all-rounder is UV PLUS Anti-Pollution SPF50 in Translucent, this sunscreen protects you from the sun and other forms of pollution including blue light.
