The heat of the Summer can leave many of us wanting to ditch the thicker skincare products. However if you layer your products correctly, they should all be absorbed and the heat shouldn’t interfere with your skincare routine – sounds like bliss!
In What Order Should I Apply Skincare in Summer?
To put it simply, start with the lighter, thinner, water based products first, and then gradually layer on your thicker, oil based products, with SPF being applied at the very end.
By applying from lightest to heaviest, you are preventing any physical barriers from a thicker product getting in the way of absorption, by doing this you’ll really make the most of each of your skincare products.
In Summer this principle stays the same, lighter products first, heavier products last. Cleansing comes first, always. If your skin then needs to be rebalanced, apply your toner. After this start with your water based serums, perhaps your hyaluronic acid serums. Then you’ll want to progress onto your thicker serums, vitamin C serums or retinol creams as these are more likely to be oil based. Then go in with the lighter creams, and thicker moisturizers, and top it all off with a good layer of SPF.
It is vital that your SPF is applied last, by doing this you are ensuring that it is as efficient as it can be at protecting your skin from harmful UV and environmental damage.
How to Start an Anti-Ageing Skincare Routine?
Here’s an example of a brilliant anti-ageing Summer skincare routine, and the order in which it should be applied for optimal results.
Step 1 – Cleanse
The Obagi-C® Fx C-Cleansing Gel will gently cleanse your skin, removing dead skin cell build up, and any dirt, excess sebum and make up. This cleanser has been infused with vitamin C, so not only will it leave your skin feeling squeaky clean, it’ll also experience a boost in radiance.
Step 2 – Tone
After cleansing you’ll want to apply the Obagi-C® Fx Balancing Toner to a cotton disk, and lightly smoothe this over dry skin. This will help to restore the skin’s natural pH levels, repair the skin barrier and remove any excess sebum or congestion left behind during cleansing.
Step 3 – Exfoliate
If you’re looking to achieve younger, more refined skin you’ll want to exfoliate once to twice per week. A great product for the job is the Obagi Professional-C® Microdermabrasion Polish + Mask. This potent antioxidant scrub contains 30% l-ascorbic acid (the purest form of vitamin C) and ultra fine crystals to buff away dead skin cell build up, revealing softer, more radiant skin underneath.
Step 4 – Brighten
Brighten your complexion and diminish pigmentation with the Obagi Professional-C® Serum 15% (also available with 10% or 20% vitamin C). This serum is next to be applied as it’s the lightest of the serums and creams in this routine. Apply a few drops to the face and neck and allow it to fully absorb before moving onto the next step. This serum will stimulate collagen and elastin production, creating smoother, tighter skin with a more youthful appearance. Fine lines and wrinkles will be reduced and pigmentation will be lighter with consistent use.
Step 5 – Hydrate
We all know that in every great skincare routine there must be an equally brilliant moisturiser, Obagi Hydrate® is just that! This best selling cream is infused with mango, shea butter and HydromanilTM. HydromanilTM forms a matrix on the surface of the skin, preventing moisture loss, keeping the skin hydrated and plump for longer.
Step 6 – Protect
No Summer skincare routine would be complete without an SPF. Obagi’s Sun Shield MatteTM Broad Spectrum SPF 50 will protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, preventing sun damage and pigmentation formation. This luxury, non-greasy formula should be applied last, so that when the UV rays make contact, the SPF will get to work protecting your skin. Remember, apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before sun exposure and keep topped up throughout the day to maximise protection!
All of these products come together to form the Pure Obagi Antioxidant Kit. The specially selected ingredients and products make this kit perfect for ageing skin. You can be sure that the high content of antioxidants and SPF will keep your skin protected from sun damage and environmental toxins this Summer.