Think of it like this: clean, treat, moisturize, protect. Every morning and night, wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Next, use a simple serum to target your main concern, like dryness. Then, lock in moisture with a good moisturizer. Finally, every single morning, the most important step: apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen. This simple order keeps your skin clean, hydrated, and shielded from daily damage.
Use your ring finger! It naturally applies the least pressure. Gently tap or dot the product along the bone under your eye and on the outer corners. Never rub or pull the skin. Pat the product in until it’s absorbed. This “tap and pat” method protects the skin and helps with puffiness by encouraging gentle drainage. Remember, being kind to this area is more important than being quick.
Be gentle! Scrubbing your face too hard can irritate it and actually make you look older. Use a soft cleanser and lukewarm water, not hot. Pat your face dry with a clean towel instead of rubbing it. Also, never go to bed with makeup on. Sleeping in makeup clogs your pores and prevents your skin from its nightly repair, leading to dullness and breakouts.
The key is to match the moisturizer base to your skin’s needs. If your skin is often oily, look for words like “oil-free,” “gel,” or “matte finish.” If your skin tends to feel dry, look for “creamy,” “hydrating,” or with ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Many brands now make SPF moisturizers for different skin types, so you can get both moisture and protection that feels good.