Skincare routine: What products should I use and in what order?

Taking care of your skin can benefit your health in many ways – mentally and physically. Many skincare products can prevent your skin from becoming loose, wrinkly or discolored. And, if you use sunscreen, you can help prevent skin cancer.

Here are products to include in your skincare routine, as well as ranked in the order to use them.

Cleanser

By cleansing, you remove dirt and oils that can build up on your face. This is the first step in a skincare routine because it creates a clean slate for the rest of your products to soak in their benefits. Use a cleanser in the morning and at night.

Toner

Like a cleanser, toner can help clean the skin. It can also help with hydration, as well as reduce acne production and large pores. It’s an additional product to ensure your face is prepped for the rest of your routine. Use a toner in the morning and at night.

Serum

Multiple serums can improve your skin based on its needs, such as anti-aging, treating acne, reducing pore size and hyperpigmentation. Find a serum that’s meant for your skin concern. One facial serum we highly recommend is Vitamin C.

Vitamin C helps brighten your skin, including balancing hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. Vitamin C is key to encouraging collagen production. Collagen is a protein that helps your skin stay firm but can lessen as you age.

Some serums may have directions on whether it’s best to use during the day or at night. Be sure to read the directions to know how to best care for your skin.

Retinoid

Retinoid creams and gels help boost collagen and elastin - cells in your skin that help prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Some prescription-strength retinoids can also help treat acne. If you're looking to improve your skin's texture, without the side effects of prescription retinoids, try retinol – a type of retinoid.

Ask a specialist during a consultation about what type of retinoid would be best for your skin concerns. Because retinoids can make your skin sensitive to sunlight, use it during your nighttime skincare routine.

Moisturizer

After your skin receives its treatments, it’s time to moisturize to seal all the benefits you’ve applied. If you like eye cream, apply that first, then your facial moisturizer. Be sure to rub the moisturizer on your face but also on your neck.

Sunscreen

Using sunscreen can protect your skin. It prevents sunburn, wrinkling and skin cancer. Based on what you incorporate into your skincare routine, sunscreen can be flexible in the order you apply it with other products. It’s recommended to use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen because it blocks 97% of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays.

It’s important to be consistent when creating your own skincare routine. Your skin won’t see a difference if the products aren’t applied regularly. If you’re interested in starting a skincare routine, visit one of our locations to discuss our medical skincare line, injectables or spa treatments.

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This blog was medically reviewed by a MercyOne provider.