A frequent question we get asked is the order in which to apply our products. Whether you have a routine with 10 products or just 3, using the products in the right order will ensure your skin gets the full benefits of each product. Also important, is how much time you allow between the application of products; the rule of thumb is 30 to 60 seconds. There is no need for a timer, just a mental count that ensures each product is absorbed before you apply the next one.

Here is our step by step guide for applying your skincare products for best results:

Step 1 - Cleanse
The first step of your skincare routine should always be a cleanser, whether day or night. You want to start off by getting rid of any dirt or makeup that is on your face. This gives you a clean slate to work on and ensures that your pores are ready to absorb the products you apply later. Also make sure to wash for at least one minute. See our blog post on how to wash your face effectively

Step 2 – Rinse Off Mask
If your routine includes a rinse off mask, this is the time to apply it to a freshly cleansed face. Leave on for the desired amount of time and then rinse off gently with water.

Step 3: Tone
Follow your cleanser and masking with a toner. It deeply cleans, stays on your skin and is usually chock full of hydrating and nourishing ingredients. Our Bolden Brightening Toner has the added benefit of gentle exfoliation with 1% glycolic acid, sloughing off dead skin and cleaning out your pores. A toner also works to correct and balance your skin’s pH.

Step 3 - Treat Acne
If you are treating acne with any type of spot treatment it is at this point that you will add such products to your skin. Spot treatments deliver the acne-fighting ingredients directly to the skin to help reduce pain, swelling, and redness. They are also useful for dissolving or loosening any blockages in the pores.

Step 4 - The Glow Up; Apply Serum
Your next item should be your serum. Layer on your favorite to give your skin a gorgeous natural glow. Your serum will deliver powerful ingredients to your skin to help you say hello to youthful skin. If you are like some of us and use more than one serum #10StepGang, start with the serum with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the one with the thickest consistency. 

Step 5 - Apply Eye Cream
Around your eye is quite delicate and so it needs a special amount of love. We squint and constantly move our eyes on a daily basis, and these could cause wrinkles and fine lines over time. Fluids can collect under our eyes and cause puffiness and the thinner skin around the eyes make it appear darker a.k.a dark circle. Taking time to make sure the eye area is hydrated and well moisturized should be part of your everyday routine.

Step 6 – Moisturize
What you use will depend on your skin type and the time of day. For daytime, use a moisturizer with broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. A nighttime moisturizer can take the form of a rich cream or your favorite face oil. Moisturizing before bed creates softer, more hydrated, and better-looking skin the next day. 

Does your current skincare routine look anything like this?

Start reaping the benefits of your skincare products by properly applying them in the above order. Our Bolden 4 Step Clear Skin Kit is a good place to start.