references
Cleveland Clinic: “Here’s the Right Order to Apply Your Skin Care Products”
American Academy of Dermatology: “Should I apply my skin care products in a certain order?”
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: “Collagen”
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology: “The effect of Vitamin C on melanin pigmentation – A systematic review”
Cleveland Clinic: “Melanin”
National Library of Medicine: “Salicylic Acid Topical”
Harvard Medical School: “Why is topical vitamin C important for skin health?”
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology: “Sodium L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate 5% lotion for the treatment of acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial”
American Academy of Dermatology: “Rosacea treatment: Acne-like breakouts”
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology: "Vitamin C Prevents Ultraviolet-induced Pigmentation in Healthy Volunteers: Bayesian Meta-analysis Results from 31 Randomized Controlled versus Vehicle Clinical Studies"
Harvard Health Publishing: "Tinted sunscreens: Benefits beyond an attractive glow"
Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.
A general rule of applying skin-care products is to rub in lightweight products first, with the thickest topicals applied last.
Image Credit: LumineImages/iStock/GettyImages
Image Credit: LumineImages/iStock/GettyImages
Experts recommend against using makeup wipes as a shortcut. “They leave behind residue that can cause irritation or acne breakouts,” Dr. Green says.
For acne-prone or sensitive skin, try:
Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Peel Pads ($33.70, Walmart; $52, Sephora) First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads ($36, Sephora.com)
A sunscreen that’s actually sunscreen is important. Using cleansers or makeup which happen to have SPF coverage usually isn’t enough. “Makeup really shouldn’t be your only source of sun protection,” Dr. Marmon says. “Even if you apply foundation all over your face you are pretty much always blending it in to achieve a certain look and not using the amount needed to protect your skin.” Plus, SPF levels in moisturizers and makeup are likely diluted, Dr. Green says. The best routine is to apply a moisturizer followed by a separate sunscreen. However, using SPF in moisturizer or makeup is better than not using any sunscreen at all. In any event, many sunscreens actually do double duty with moisturizing ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. “Look for a tinted sunscreen with moisturizing ingredients,” Dr. Marmon says. “These products are designed to act as sunscreen but can be thought of as moisturizer and makeup as well.” Once the all-important sunscreen is in place, then you’re ready to apply any make-up.
“Makeup really shouldn’t be your only source of sun protection,” Dr. Marmon says. “Even if you apply foundation all over your face you are pretty much always blending it in to achieve a certain look and not using the amount needed to protect your skin.”
Plus, SPF levels in moisturizers and makeup are likely diluted, Dr. Green says.
The best routine is to apply a moisturizer followed by a separate sunscreen. However, using SPF in moisturizer or makeup is better than not using any sunscreen at all.
In any event, many sunscreens actually do double duty with moisturizing ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. “Look for a tinted sunscreen with moisturizing ingredients,” Dr. Marmon says. “These products are designed to act as sunscreen but can be thought of as moisturizer and makeup as well.”
Once the all-important sunscreen is in place, then you’re ready to apply any make-up.
More Recommended Sunscreens
More Recommended Sunscreens
You may need to adjust the timing of some skin-care steps if you are a night shift worker. For instance, if you work at nighttime, it may wind up being morning (just before you head to bed) when you want to use a stronger cleanser to remove makeup and grime from the day.
Cleveland Clinic: “Here’s the Right Order to Apply Your Skin Care Products”
American Academy of Dermatology: “Should I apply my skin care products in a certain order?”
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: “Collagen”
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology: “The effect of Vitamin C on melanin pigmentation – A systematic review”
Cleveland Clinic: “Melanin”
National Library of Medicine: “Salicylic Acid Topical”
Harvard Medical School: “Why is topical vitamin C important for skin health?”
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology: “Sodium L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate 5% lotion for the treatment of acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial”
American Academy of Dermatology: “Rosacea treatment: Acne-like breakouts”
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology: "Vitamin C Prevents Ultraviolet-induced Pigmentation in Healthy Volunteers: Bayesian Meta-analysis Results from 31 Randomized Controlled versus Vehicle Clinical Studies"
Harvard Health Publishing: "Tinted sunscreens: Benefits beyond an attractive glow"
