Skin Care Routine - Serum or Moisturizer First

A good skin care program consists of cleansing, exfoliation, toning and moisturizing. However, what about all the other skin care products you use, such as: serums, sunscreen, primer, or even prescription products. Where do these fit in with your skin care routine?

Below is a summary of the proper sequence for your skin care products.

Cleanser - select a cleanser that is based on your skin type. Not sure of your skin type read my article What Skin Type are You?

Avoid foaming cleansers as they contain the chemical Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) which was originally used as an industrial degreasing; it is widely used in shampoos, bubble baths and other washing products to product foam. This chemical can irritate eyes, skin and mouth. There is a growing list of synthetic ingredients manufacturers are adding to their products every day which are or will be detrimental to your health sometime in the future. Consider natural cosmetics or even you're your own. Get some recipes at Complete Skin Care Therapy and click on the recipes tab.

Exfoliate - this is a method to slough off dead skin cells so that the new skin cells show through. Exfoliation can also promote circulation and bring about a natural glow. However, do not overdue your exfoliation treatments. Additionally, cleansing is not required if doing an exfoliation treatment.

Toner - the purpose of toner is to restore pH balance and remove any left over residues from your cleanser or exfoliate. pH is the measurement of acids and alkali in the skin and the amount of acid in the skin determines the skin's resistance to bacteria.

Prescription - these products should be applied after you have cleansed and toned the skin. Your complexion will be more receptive to the prescribed product when the face is free of dirt, oil, etc.

Serums - If using an antioxidant serum this should be applied next. Antioxidant serums protect the skin from free radicals and the sun.

Eye creams - should be applied prior to moisturizing. Your moisturizer will lock in the active ingredients of your eye cream or serum. A good eye cream will contain antioxidants, SPF and has moisturizing qualities.

Redness reducer - if you are troubled with redness on your complexion, look for products that contain green tea (with caffeine), which is high in antioxidants and niacinaminde to constrict blood vessels and reduce redness. Use your redness reducer product and then a sunscreen, and there is no need to use a moisturizer. If you suffer from a red, blotchy or ruddy complexion avoid retinoid, scrubs and alcohol-based serums.

Moisturizer - goes on before the sunscreen. Your moisturizer cream locks in the active ingredients from your eye creams, prescription creams, serums, etc. Moisturizers usually contain more oil than water so if you were to apply your moisturizer first; your lighter products would simply slide off.

Sunscreen - if you moisturizer contains a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and you are indoors most the day, you can forego additional sunscreen products.

Primer - a primer is used to fill in lines, hide pores, or just even out the skin tone. Primers are the last step, in a sense it is like waterproofing your skin.

Remember to take care of your skin and you will enjoy a healthy complexion for a long time.

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