A basic guide to skin care product application

If your dressing table or bathroom cabinet is filled with lots of different skin care products, you may sometimes feel unsure of  the best way to implement your skin care regime.

Generally speaking, you will apply the thinnest product first, layering up to the thickest product such as moisturiser or sunscreen last.

So what is the ideal order of products, taking into account the most common ones in use?

1. Cleanser – whatever products you’re using, you need to start off with beautifully cleansed skin. This isn’t just at the end of the day when you’re removing make up and other products, it’s at the beginning of the day before you start layering!
2. Toner – although your cleanser should remove the majority of oil, dirt and other debris such as old make up from your skin, toner will lift anything remaining. Many toners will also balance your skin’s natural pH. Use after cleansing first thing and at bedtime.
3. Serum – these have become increasing popular in recent years and for good reason! There are different types of serum; if you use just one then apply and allow to dry before your next step. If you use more than one, apply the thinner serum first and the thicker serum afterwards, eg apply Obagi Professional-C serum for defence against aging before Obagi Elastiderm facial serum which helps with firmness.
4. Eye cream – if you use a product such as Obagi Elastiderm eye treatment, now’s the time to apply this.
5. Lotion – while some will move from serum to moisturiser, you may prefer a lightweight lotion in between, which may have a specific purpose such as acne treatment.
6. Cream – this is important, even if you have oily skin! Some products will be a straightforward moisturiser to hydrate your skin, but others address fine lines and wrinkles. Obagi Retinol 1.0 is a cream formula which you would apply after serum but before your hydrating cream. A product that locks in moisture is best, such as Obagi Hydrate which increases skin hydration and seals it in.
7. Sunscreen – perhaps the most important part of your daily skin care routine! Only necessary as part of your morning regime, before your skin is exposed to damaging rays. A broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays is best, such as Obagi Sun Shield™ Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreens. Never forget to supplement your sunscreen with other protection such as hats and cover up clothing during summer days.

We know how busy life it, but ideally give time for one product to dry before applying the next!

Prescribed skincare system

When you are following a prescribed skincare system such as Obagi Nu-Derm then it is extremely important to stick to the routine that you have been given by your clinician. This is because a system like Nu-Derm has been formulated precisely to give the best possible results. So give yourself plenty of time and make your skincare routine a calm and thoughtful part of your day.

How to find out more

If you want to discuss the ideal skincare system for you skin, look for a clinic that offers a free initial consultation and a results guarantee. The team at Brigstock Skin & Laser will be pleased to discuss the Obagi range of products. You can book a free consultation online now by clicking here or by calling us on 020 868 36730.