Taking care of your skin keeps your complexion clear and delays signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. With so many skin care products to choose from, you may have trouble deciding which ones to use and when and how to apply them. Following a basic skin care regimen that caters to your skin type and particular problems takes the guesswork out of the question of when to apply which product.
Types
At the very least, cleanse and moisturize your skin daily to keep it free of excess oil, dirt and bacteria, and maintain hydration. Mild soaps and cleansers that do not contain alcohol are good choices for skin all over your body. Look for moisturizers and lotions that are free of fragrances and dyes to discourage irritation and allergic reactions. Before going outdoors, apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to protect your skin from harmful UV rays that can speed the aging process and increase the risk of skin cancer. If you have other skin concerns, such as acne, rosacea, psoriasis or eczema, include an over-the-counter or prescription cream or gel in your skin care routine.
Time Frame
Cleanse your skin with warm water and a mild soap or facial cleanser before applying other skin care products. Use a clean, soft towel to blot your skin dry, and wait several minutes for it to dry completely before applying moisturizers or topical medications. If you use an acne cream or gel or a topical cream to fight another skin condition, apply it after your skin is dry and before adding any other products. Wash your hands and apply moisturizer or lotion once any topical medications you use have dried. If your moisturizer does not contain a sunscreen, apply your sun protection to exposed areas after allowing your skin several minutes to absorb lotions and moisturizers.
Benefits
Applying skin care products in the proper order allows you to get the maximum benefit from each product you use. Topical medications, such as acne creams, work best when you apply them to freshly cleansed skin. This allows the medication to penetrate into your pores to help clear up blemishes. Moisturizing your skin after allowing it to dry after washing and applying other topical products encourages your skin to soak up the product for maximum hydration. Using sunscreen at the end of your skin care routine prevents it from getting smeared away or diluted by applying other products after the sunscreen.
Considerations
You may have to try several products before you find ones that work for your skin type. If you suffer from acne, rashes, fungal infections, psoriasis or eczema, consult with your dermatologist to come up with a skin care routine to alleviate your symptoms. Some skin care products are sold as kits meant to be used in a certain order. For these products, follow the manufacturer's recommendations unless your dermatologist directs you to do otherwise.
Warning
Many skin care products contain perfumes or dyes that irritate sensitive skin. Do not use multiple medicated skin products at the same time unless directed to do so by your doctor. Many acne medications cause excessive dryness, redness and peeling, and these problems are often made worse by using multiple medicated products simultaneously. Stop using any product that causes irritation or undesirable side effects.
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