When it comes to your regimen it can get a little confusing on which product goes on at what time! The most important rule to follow is less is more. Remember you can always add but you can’t take away. Another rule if you are ever unsure would be the thinnest serum goes on first. If you find that you don’t have some of these products in your regimen talk with your aesthetician to see what more we can do for you!
You will always start with a cleanser, you want to make sure you are not wasting your product and only use about the size of a pearl. You can always do a double cleanse, this is a method you use to ensure that all make up and debris is removed from the skin. If you are using an exfoliating cleanser be sure to only do one thorough cleanse so you don’t cause any irritation.
Exfoliation follows after you cleanse, depending on your exfoliator you want to do this step about 2-3 times a week. For your exfoliator you want to use about a dime size. For more granulized products make sure your hands and face are damp so it has a better glide on your skin! Rinse and move on to the next step!
After cleansing and exfoliating you can use your toner of choice. This step is easy! You take a cotton ball or pad that is saturated with toner and swipe your skin. Toner helps with the PH levels on the skin, helps adjust oil production or gently renews the skin.
Once your skin is cleansed and toned you will move into your treatment serums and lotions. If you are using SkinMedica’s Essential TNS Serum that will always be the first product you put on for day and night time! This allows the product to penetrate properly into the skin so you get the full effects of this amazing product! You only need to use about a half pump for the face, if you are adding in the neck and chest, a full pump is recommend. If you do not use TNS keep reading for your next steps.
Continuing with treatment serums, you would want to do any of your products that are either for pigmentation, anti-aging or oil control. For example, this is the perfect step to apply Jan Marini’s Bioclear Lotion or your Retinol/Retin-A products. For these types of serums you only need to use about a pea size! After you have applied these types of products it is time for vitamin C or hyaluronic acid serums! If it is a thinner product apply first! If you are using ZO %10 Vitamin C Serum you would apply last. ZO Growth Factor serum is also applied last. Always make sure you are gently massaging this product in an upward motion and to apply on all areas of face! This is where you want to remember the rule of applying your products thinnest to thickest. For SkinMedica’s HA5 serum use damp hands to help the product glide across the skin. Don’t get too worked up on layering these products as long as you apply the right amount and make sure you cleanse prior, you will still benefit from them. For any serum no matter if it is anti-aging, calming, pigmentation or hydration you always want to use a pea size, remember less is more!
Once you have applied your serums you move onto moisturizing and SPF! Use small amounts of each. If you feel you need more then add a small amount more and bring all the way down into your chest. Sunny or not you always want to apply SPF.