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So you figured out how you’re supposed to prep your skin for the day, but what about the evenings? For some people, it’s as simple as using makeup remover, face wash and night cream. Hey, that actually works for some people, especially for those lucky ones that don’t have problematic skin.
However, if you have this whole routine, or are thinking about going for a full nighttime skincare regimen, here’s the order of products to use to maximize the benefits of everything:
Step #1: Makeup Remover
Some people actually skip this step and go straight into a cleanser, especially if their face wash indicates it also removes oil-based makeup. But the truth is that no matter how good a cleanser claims to be, it will never remove all the makeup as thoroughly as a makeup remover. The best thing you can do for your skin is take your makeup off with your chosen remover (micellar water, coconut oil or whatever works for you) so that it can do all the heavy lifting, leaving your face wash to wash away the extra grime, sebum, dirt and maybe any leftover makeup that you might have missed in this first step.
Step #2: Cleanser
Having your cleanser as your second step ensures that you have a clean, blank canvas to help your skin soak up the rest of your products as effectively as possible. This is why the Aloe Vera Cocoon Facial Scrub Soap is perfect for the job, since the finger soaps deeply cleanse while refreshing your face for the next step. You can purchase the soap through the Pretty Me website or our official Lazada store.
Step #3: Toner & Essence
Just like you would in your morning routine, the next step is to soak a cotton pad in toner and pat it all over your face.
If you have essences or boosters that you like to apply at night, you can apply it during this step after or in place of toner. The main thing about toner is that it cleans and refreshes your face, while essences and boosters are about treatment. If you feel that toner is completely unnecessary at this stage, feel free to skip it.
Step #4: Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes are very delicate and sensitive, so before you go into any of your harsh treatments, it’s best that you put your eye cream on first. That way, the eye cream can double as a protective layer from the next steps in your regimen.
Step #5: Serum & Spot Treatment OR Exfoliating Treatments/Detox Mask
Any anti-aging serums and or acne treatments that you use daily should be applied at this time. These products work best during the night, when your skin cells regenerate, so incorporate these products in your evening skincare routine rather than your daytime one.
Now if you want to use a detox mask or an exfoliating peel/treatment, this is the time to do it. But one thing you should remember is that these products should be the only products applied in this step. This is because the combination of serum and prescribed creams and spot treatments with any exfoliating or detoxifying product can be extremely irritating. Thus, on days for peels or detox masks, make sure you forgo the serum and creams. In reality, you only should be using exfoliants and detox masks once a week. Twice, max.
If your skin type is dry, you can follow the exfoliant or mask with a face oil for that extra bit of hydration. Otherwise, you can move on to the last step.
Step #6: Moisturizer or Night Cream
There’s a difference between daytime moisturizers and night cream. For day creams and lotions, they tend to be slightly thinner and may contain SPF. If there is no SPF in your moisturizer, you can use it in your nighttime regimen as well. But as we’ve said, when you sleep it the time your skin cells regenerate, so it’s best to use a thicker, more potent night cream, so that your skin really could rejuvenate and renew overnight.
Then again, it’s not the end of the world if you don’t have a night cream. Any moisturizer as the final step is better than no moisturizer at all.
As you might have noticed, some products may not apply to you or seem unnecessary. It’s about figuring out what’s best for your skin (and your schedule, really). If you have the time to do all these steps, great. But the most important thing is to find out what works best for you, and that may take time and a little trial and error. Eventually, you’ll find the products and routine best suited for you.
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Sheena is the lead fashion writer here at Pretty Me Philippines and has contributed articles for numerous lifestyle blogs and online publications. Other than keeping up with the latest trends, she loves baking and home DIY projects.