Your Morning Skin Care Routine

The order of product application is incredibly important as incorrect layering could render the products ineffective – or worse, irritate your skin. If that isn’t enough to convince you to take your routine more seriously, some skin care experts also insist it’s essential to leave enough time between steps for the product to absorb into your skin – “If your formulas don’t have time to penetrate the skin, they won’t work as well, especially when it comes to the application of subsequent steps — the active ingredients won’t be able to reach the skin, making a thorough routine a wasted effort”, says Dr. Yadav.

1. Cleanser – Dr Yadav recommends spending at least 30 seconds to a minute massaging the cleanser making sure the skin is thoroughly cleansed. You can rinse your face immediately unless your cleanser contains active ingredients such as AHAs.

Waiting time: Wait for your skin to feel completely dry. However, if you are using a hydrating toner containing hyaluronic acid apply it immediately after cleansing to a dam face.

Expert tip: Spend some time massaging the cleanser into your oiliest areas like your T-zone, this will help break down pore congestion.

2. Toner – Now you have cleansed your face, it’s time to apply your toner. You should only spend as much time as it takes to fully wipe down your face with a saturated cotton pad. Usually, it takes around 30 seconds.

Waiting time: If your formula contains alcohol or other astringent ingredients it will dry practically instantly and you are ready to move to the next step.

3. Serum – Time to help your skin get a smooth appearance with a serum. This step should take you around 30 seconds or the time it takes to smooth the product over your whole face.