Does it really matter when and in what order you apply your skin care products? According to the experts, the answer is absolutely!!! Applying your skin care products in the correct order ensures that your skin receives the full benefits of each product applied. Not only that, but we also need to consider the time it takes for your skin to absorb your products. Order is important, but timing is crucial!
A few examples to look at would be; applying a cream-based product first followed by a serum, prevents the serum from penetrating into the skin as cream has an emollient base creating a barrier between the serum application and the skin. In much the same way, should you apply a moisturiser over a sun screen, this prevents the sun screen from being the first product in contact with damaging UVA/UVB rays and as a result, is not effective at protecting your skin (Not ideal in our climate!).
Aside from the order, let’s think about absorption. If an ingredient found in a product stays functionally active within the skin for 1-3 hours, applying any cream that comes into contact with that ingredient before it has completed its function, will potentially inhibit the active ingredient from working effectively. For optimal benefits from your products, ensure to apply all actives as directed by your skin care professional.
An easy rule of thumb to follow is to apply your products with the thinnest consistency to the thickest, or from a liquid to oil. Generally, night time is the best time to load up on skincare actives and day time is where we keep things light and simple with the inclusion of a sun protection.
Let’s take a look at a typical routine using specific skin care products for an ageing skin;
Step 1 – Cleanser
DermaFix Cosmeceutical Skin Care recommends a double cleansing routine with a gentle water-soluble cleanser which easily removes make-up without stripping the skin. DermaFix Gentle Cleansing Gel is formulated for normal to dry and sensitive skin types, effectively cleansing the skin whilst moisturising with natural botanical extracts.
Step 2 – Toner
Revitalizing Toner is free from alcohol and artificial fragrances, helping to balance, refresh and restore the skins protective pH mantle whilst removing residue, thereby completing the cleansing process for enhanced penetration of actives.
Step 3 – Exfoliate
DermaFix DermaPolish is a gentle enzymatic exfoliator effectively removing keratinised skin cells thereby ensuring that all your products are getting maximum penetration and giving your skin a brighter, healthier glow. Gentle enough for daily use, this unique blend of organic enzyme rich powders accelerates cell renewal and softens and brightens the skin.
DermaFix DermaPolish + Activated Charcoal is an enzymatic exfoliator that removes redundant skin cell build-up, offering skin brightening results whilst stimulating cell growth. Promotes anti-ageing skin benefits with an improved wound healing response. The inclusion of Activated Charcoal assists to adsorb toxins and impurities, additionally providing deep-cleansing benefits for a congested skin.
Step 4 – Serum
Serums are super concentrated and usually nutrient dense treatment formulations that address specific skin concerns. It’s therefore better to keep them as close to the skin as possible. If more than one serum is being used, apply the ones with the thinnest consistency first. DermaFix Ceramide Complex is an anti-ageing corrective with its blend of Ceramides, DMAE and Stem Cell Technology providing a tighter, more youthful looking face, neck and jawline.
Step 5 – Eye Product
For best results around the eye area, consistency is key, as results don’t occur overnight. DermaFix Corrective Eye Complex is a highly effective anti-ageing eye complex combining stem cell technology with powerful peptides and hyaluronic, resulting in a perceivable reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.
Step 6 – Moisturise
The last step in your skincare routine is as important as the first. Apply your moisturiser immediately after your correctives and serums to lock in the hydration. DermaFix DeCeLeRate is a peptide rich moisturiser working against ageing by reducing the depth of fine lines and wrinkles, repairing the skin whilst stimulating the production of collagen and elastin fibres, to restore the skin back to its youthful appearance. DermaFix DeCeLeRate contains 3 anti-ageing peptides complexes namely, Matrixyl, Matrixyl ®3000 and Matrixyl® Synthé 6®.
Step 7 (Day Time Only) – Sun Protection
DermaShield SPF 40 is high in both UVA/UVB protection against the harmful effects of the sun. Particles of transparent Zinc Oxide, which protect the skin from damaging UVA rays proven to be responsible for premature ageing, is the key ingredient in this revolutionary non-greasy formulation.
While following this routine ensures greater absorption of nutrients, it’s important to remember that everyone’s skin is different and unique. To get expert advice for your skin type and condition, it’s always advisable to have a professional skin analysis at an accredited DermaFix Cosmeceutical Skin Care Stockist.
For more information on the DermaFix Cosmeceutical Skin Care brand, visit www.dermafix.co.za or call us on 0861 28 23 23.
