It seems like we are always trying to get things done as quickly as possible because, you know, we have stuff to do. When it comes to at-home skin care, most women tend to take their time with their routine at night. It can be like a ritual, making you slow down and reflect. However, in the morning most of us tend to be in a rush. We hit the snooze button a few too many times and can’t seem to find the time to do our routine properly. I frequently hear patients telling me that when they’re in a rush they just “mix all their skincare products together and throw them on, one and done!” As a Licensed esthetician, I certainly have those mornings where I am in a rush and don’t feel like I have the time, but I remind myself to take that extra minute to do it the right way because I know my skin will thank me for it.
Why Shouldn’t I Mix My Skincare Products Together?
So, you wash and tone and then mix your moisturizer, sunscreen and foundation in your hands and apply and off you go… totally fine right? Wrong! The problem with mixing is that it changes the product on a chemical level which can affect the efficacy of the product, meaning you won’t get the desired results. In every skin care line, each product is designed to do a certain task. With most medical-grade lines, there is a specific sequence and timing to how the products are applied. Another common mistake is applying products immediately one after another without allowing time for each to penetrate the skin and dry. This is essentially mixing the products on your face. To get the best bang for your buck, it’s important to follow the regimen laid out by the product manufacturer or a skincare professional as best we can.
General Skincare Routine Sequence:
- Cleanse– using a Clarisonic brush or similar device and a cleanser suited to your skin type.
- Tone- helps to remove other impurities and balance your skin’s pH levels.
- Serums & Treatments- eye creams, defense serums and healing complexes.
- Moisturize– maintains natural skin barrier lipids and seal in hydration.
- Daytime Sunscreen– an absolute must!
Why Should I Stick to My Skincare Routine?
As we get older, one of our biggest concerns is anti-aging and keeping our skin healthy. Sticking to a normal routine optimally conditions your skin, protecting it from harsh environmental factors and maintaining its hydration, tone and elasticity. If you fall out of a routine, it can take a while and be difficult to get back to where your skin was before, because we all just keep aging. But our skin is an amazing organ, and capable of so many things. Using high quality products (ideally medical-grade) for your particular skin type is very important to keeping your skin in good health.
Why is it Important to Use the Right Products?
Sometimes it can feel like there is “too much” on your skin when applying multiple products at a time. Consulting with a skincare professional will help in finding the right products for your skin types, because the right products should be noticeable but they shouldn’t feel thick or heavy. Higher quality products tend to be more concentrated, meaning a little bit goes a long way. I have had patients tell me that they don’t like a certain product because it’s too thick or sticky, but by digging a little deeper I discovered that the issue was that they were using too much, or they were mixing the products together. After I had them dial it back a bit and apply in the proper sequence, they reported that their skin then felt light and hydrated.
At Beyond Aesthetics, we offer free consultative skin assessments and treatment plans. All of the products used in our facials and sell for home use are medical-grade. With regular professional treatments and a specialized home skincare regimen, beautiful and healthy skin is achievable. So remember, take that extra minute to apply products the correct way, it really it does make a world of difference.
