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| RIGHT TECHNIQUE TO APPLY SKINCARE PRODUCTS |
Skincare can feel overwhelming, especially with so many products available today. Achieving healthy, glowing skin doesn't happen overnight—it takes consistency, patience, and the right routine. Knowing what to apply, when to apply it, and in what order can make a significant difference in how well your skincare products perform.
Even the best skincare products may not deliver their full benefits if they're applied incorrectly or layered in the wrong order. That's why understanding your routine is just as important as choosing the right products.
If you've ever been confused about whether to apply toner before serum, facial oil before moisturizer, or where sunscreen fits into your routine, you're not alone. In this guide, I'll walk you through the correct order to apply your skincare products so you can get the most out of your routine and achieve healthy, radiant-looking skin.
Step 1: Double Cleanse Your Skin
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| Face Cleansing Source : google |
A proper skincare routine always begins with double cleansing. It's one of the most effective ways to remove makeup, sunscreen, excess oil, pollution, and other impurities that build up on your skin throughout the day.
Start with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup, SPF, and excess sebum. Follow it with a water-based cleanser to wash away any remaining dirt, sweat, and residue, leaving your skin perfectly clean without feeling stripped.
Use lukewarm water while cleansing. It helps loosen dirt and excess oil more effectively than cold water, making it easier to cleanse your skin thoroughly. (Contrary to popular belief, warm water doesn't actually "open" your pores, as pores don't open and close.)
Here are a few cleansers that I've personally used and enjoyed:
Forest Essentials Delicate Facial Cleanser Kashmiri Saffron & Neem – A gentle cleanser that effectively cleanses the skin without drying it out, making it suitable for most skin types.
Forest Essentials Delicate Facial Cleanser Purifying Soya Milk – A great option for dry and dehydrated skin, as it leaves the skin feeling soft, nourished, and comfortable.
Kama Ayurveda Rose Jasmine Face Cleanser – A mild, luxurious cleanser that works well for daily use and leaves the skin feeling refreshed.
Vedic Line Lychee Cleansing Milk – If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, this cleansing milk is an excellent choice. It removes impurities gently while maintaining the skin's natural moisture balance.
Step 2: Apply a Toner
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| Face Toning Source: Google |
After cleansing, the next step is to apply a toner. While toners don't actually "close" pores, they help remove any leftover impurities, rebalance the skin after cleansing, and provide a boost of lightweight hydration. A good toner also preps your skin to absorb serums and moisturizers more effectively.
The easiest way to apply toner is by soaking a cotton pad with a small amount and gently sweeping it across your face and neck. You can also pour a few drops into the palms of your hands and gently pat it into your skin. Allow it to absorb for about a minute before moving on to the next step in your skincare routine.
Some of my favorite toners that I've personally used are:
Forest Essentials Facial Tonic Mist Panchpushp – A luxurious, hydrating toner that refreshes the skin and leaves it feeling soft and revitalized.
Forest Essentials Facial Tonic Mist Bela – Perfect for giving the skin an instant boost of hydration while maintaining a fresh, dewy complexion.
Kama Ayurveda Pure Mogra Water Face & Body Mist – A soothing floral mist that hydrates, refreshes, and can be used throughout the day whenever your skin needs a pick-me-up.
Step 3: Apply a Serum
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| Source : Google |
Serums are one of the most effective steps in any skincare routine because they contain a high concentration of active ingredients designed to target specific skin concerns. Whether you're dealing with dullness, dehydration, pigmentation, acne, fine lines, or uneven skin tone, there's a serum formulated to address your skin's needs.
Depending on the formula, serums may contain ingredients such as Vitamin C for brightening, Hyaluronic Acid for hydration, Niacinamide for oil control and barrier support, or AHAs and BHAs for gentle exfoliation and smoother-looking skin.
Serums have a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly into the skin. Apply 2–3 drops to your face and neck, gently pat it in, and allow it to absorb for about 30–60 seconds before moving on to your moisturizer.
At the moment, I'm using the Biotique Dandelion Ageless Serum. It's an affordable option that has been working well for my skin, and I'll be sharing a detailed review of it very soon.
Step 4: Don't Forget Your Eye Cream
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| Eye Cream Applying Source : Google |
The skin around your eyes is much thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face, so it deserves a little extra care. Choose an eye cream based on your specific concerns, whether it's dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, wrinkles, crow's feet, or dryness.
Take a small amount of eye cream and gently tap it around the under-eye area and along the orbital bone using your ring finger. Avoid rubbing or pulling the skin, as this delicate area is more prone to irritation and premature aging. Allow the eye cream to absorb completely before moving on to the next step in your skincare routine.
Step 5: Moisturize Your Skin
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| Moisturizing Source : Google |
Moisturizing is one of the most important steps in any skincare routine, regardless of your skin type. A common misconception is that people with oily or combination skin don't need a moisturizer. In reality, every skin type needs hydration to maintain a healthy skin barrier and keep the skin soft, smooth, and balanced.
Daily exposure to pollution, air conditioning, harsh weather, and UV rays can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leaving it dehydrated and dull. A good moisturizer helps lock in hydration, strengthens the skin barrier, and keeps your complexion looking healthy and radiant.
Choose a moisturizer that's best suited to your skin type:
For oily or combination skin: Opt for a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer such as The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturiser or The Body Shop Drops of Light Pure Healthy Brightening Day Cream.
For dry skin: A richer formula like Kulsum's Kaya Kalp White Lily Rehydrant Lotion provides long-lasting hydration and helps relieve dryness
Step 6: Seal Everything In with a Face Oil (Optional)
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| Face Oil Source : Google |
Face oils are usually the final step in a nighttime skincare routine because they help lock in the moisture and hydration provided by your serums, eye cream, and moisturizer. Since oils form a protective layer on the skin, they're best applied after your water-based skincare products.
While face oils can penetrate and nourish the outer layers of the skin, they also help reduce moisture loss by sealing in the products applied underneath. Applying a face oil before lighter products can make it harder for those products to absorb effectively.
Choose a face oil based on your skin type and concerns:
Dry or dehydrated skin: Look for nourishing oils like argan, avocado, marula, or squalane.
Oily or combination skin: Opt for lightweight, non-comedogenic oils such as jojoba, grapeseed, or squalane.
Dull skin: Choose oils rich in antioxidants, such as rosehip or sea buckthorn, to help boost radiance.
Warm 2–3 drops between your palms and gently press the oil onto your face and neck. You'll wake up with skin that feels soft, nourished, and healthy-looking.
Step 7: Never Skip Sunscreen
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| Sunscreen Source : Google |
The final and most important step in your morning skincare routine is applying sunscreen. It protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, which are one of the biggest causes of premature aging, pigmentation, sunburn, and skin damage. No matter how good your skincare routine is, it won't be as effective if you skip sunscreen.
Apply a generous amount of sunscreen to your face, neck, and any exposed areas at least 15–20 minutes before sun exposure. Allow it to absorb for about 30–60 seconds before applying makeup. If you're spending time outdoors, remember to reapply every two hours, especially after sweating or swimming.
Here are two sunscreens that I've personally used and recommend:
Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic Sun Block SPF 30 PA++ – A lightweight mineral sunscreen that's comfortable for everyday wear.
Avène Very High Protection Emulsion SPF 50+ – My current favorite. It offers broad-spectrum protection, feels lightweight on the skin, and works beautifully under makeup without feeling greasy.
Final Thoughts
Healthy, glowing skin doesn't come from using the most expensive products—it comes from following the right skincare routine consistently. Cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin every day can make a noticeable difference over time.
Remember, skincare is not about achieving perfection overnight. Give your products time to work, stay consistent with your routine, and choose products that suit your skin type rather than following every new trend.
Whether your skin is oily, dry, combination, or sensitive, the correct order of applying skincare products helps each product perform at its best. Most importantly, never skip sunscreen during the day—it's one of the best investments you can make for healthy, youthful-looking skin.
I hope this guide has helped clear up any confusion about the correct skincare routine order. If you have a favorite skincare product or a tip that has worked wonders for your skin, I'd love to hear about it in the comments below.
Thanks For Reading,
Kaurz
