Here’s some advice on applying your skincare favorites from our dermatologist.
– KEYS SOULCARE
Skincare is a journey— and figuring out the right products, schedule, and information can be overwhelming on its own. It’s a good thing we have our in-house dermatologist to help clear things up. Dr. Renée always gives us the scoop on skincare and, today, she’s speaking about one of skincare’s most important factors: application. The order of applying your skincare does matter, so before you layer it on, keep reading. Dr. Renée is answering your questions about the skincare routine steps to follow so you can get the most out of your offerings.
What should be included in every skincare routine?
If just starting a routine, I [recommend] starting with the three basics: cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. It’s even better if it’s a moisturizer with SPF added. Once these three basics have been instituted, my next three recommendations are antioxidants, sunscreen, and a retinoid. Try an antioxidant in the morning before sunscreen and then a vitamin A derivative at night for rejuvenation of the skin.
What can happen if we don’t apply products in the right order?
You run the risk of wasting your time and money using products in the wrong order or wrong time of the day — risking skin irritation. [For example], using retinoids during the day is a waste of product, time, and money. Most vitamin A products are not stable in sunlight, which is why we recommend using them in the evening.
What is the correct way to order or skincare routine?
Start with the lighter-weight liquids. Save the heavier and thicker creams at the end. If you’re going for the full 10-step routine, here’s my recommendation:
- Cleansing is absolutely essential in any skincare regimen. Removing all traces of makeup, excess oil, and other impurities from the skin is necessary in order to optimize ingredient absorption and function.
- Tone to remove dead skin cells and oil that was left after the cleansing step. This enables the next product to penetrate better. Toners can be formulated with AHA/BHA or other hydrating ingredients.
- Serums deliver active ingredients into the skin most efficiently. Antioxidants contained within a serum are the best.
- Acne spot cream to make blemishes a thing of the past. Since you don’t want to dry out your skin, only use this step as needed.
- Moisturize to lock in the serums. You can also add an oil to make the skin more radiant. (Remember, oils can penetrate a moisturizer, but a moisturizer cream is not able to penetrate an oil.)
- Final step for daytime is always sunscreen. If you put sunscreen on first it will prevent the other ingredients from penetrating.
Do I need to follow a 10-step process to benefit from a skincare routine?
No one needs a 10-step routine for good skin health. I try to practice minimalism using quality active ingredients within my own personal skincare. Having a 10-step routine often causes redness, sensitivities, and even allergic rashes after combining multiple items on the skin. I encourage you to add one formula to your regimen at a time. The goal of any regimen is to make the skin look and feel better. It’s up to you to know if it’s working for you or not.
Should my a.m. and p.m. routine be different?
The ideal regimen for the morning is different than in the evening. Antioxidants scavenge the free radicals during the day, so it should go on in the morning along with sunscreen. Our skin health is also regulated by our circadian rhythm. Adequate sleep is necessary for optimal DNA repair within our skin, so I recommend a night cream with a retinoid or other peptides that help promote healing of the skin and its rejuvenation. My most basic regimen:
Day Routine
- Cleanser
- Antioxidant Serum
- Tinted Sunscreen with or without moisturizer
Night Routine
- Cleanser
- Retin-A cream
- Moisturizer, if needed
How long should I wait between each product applied?
Unfortunately, no magic number exists.The time it takes for skincare products to penetrate the skin varies from formula to formula. You should allow for the product to settle into the skin before putting a layer of a different product on. Giving some time avoids piling of the applied product — a.k.a. those little balls that look like lint or dead skin.This also prevents diluting ingredients from both products, [making them ineffective].
What should always be in my daily skincare routine?
Cleansing is the cornerstone of all regimens. Exfoliation should only be performed twice weekly to avoid over-aggressive exfoliation and irritation. Sunscreen is a must for everyone, every single day.
How do you recommend I order my Keys Soulcare offerings?
Take into consideration what is best for your skin type and what works for your lifestyle. The condition of our skin changes seasonally (or even monthly or daily), depending on the weather, your diet, stress level, and how much you sleep.
When specifically asked what to start with, I recommend the Golden Cleanser, Reviving Aura Mist and then Skin Transformation Cream. If you like what you see, add in the Be Luminous Exfoliating Powder two times a week after cleansing, the Radiant Eye Cream after misting, and Let Me Glow Illuminating Serum as your final step.
What’s your order of offerings? Share your skincare routine in the comments!
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