You’re cleansing your face incorrectly! Plus, four other ways that poor timing can undermine your beauty regimen Credit: Supplied
TIMING is crucial – poor timing can mean the difference between a perfectly runny poached egg and a dry, rubbery one, or a joke that lands well versus one that gets you removed from the group chat.
The same principle applies to your beauty routine.
Applying products too often (or not often enough), or at the incorrect time of day, can compromise even the most basic steps without you realizing it.
Here’s everything you need to know about the optimal timing for your beauty essentials.
We unveil the secrets to a beauty routine with perfect timing for you
Credit: Supplied
Informed Cleansing
Best time to cleanse: Morning and early evening.
Worst time to cleanse: Late at night or before exercising.
Why? You should cleanse your face in the evening to remove the day's impurities, and again in the morning to eliminate the combination of skincare products, sebum, and sweat that accumulates overnight.
During exercise, skincare expert Fiona Brackenbury recommends timing your cleanse to avoid overwashing and stripping the skin.
She also suggests cleansing as soon as you return home. “Cleansing early gives you the time to focus on your skin’s needs, rather than rushing it just five minutes before bed, which could transfer your skincare onto your pillow.”
Additionally, this prevents daily grime from lingering on your skin for too long.
Your Essentials
Oily/Combination Skin
Cleanse and hydrate with CeraVe
Credit: Supplied
CeraVe Blemish Clay-to-Foam Cleanser, £14.50
Dry Skin
This new cleanser is perfect for dry skin
Credit: Supplied
Origins Youthtopia Apple Butter Cleansing Balm, £29
Thoughtful Moisturizing
Best time to moisturize: Morning and night for normal skin; morning, midday, and night for dry skin; only at night for oily skin.
Worst time to moisturize: When your skin is dirty.
Why? “Moisturizing your face twice a day, morning and evening, is ideal for most individuals to lock in hydration,” says Fiona.
However, if your skin is extremely dry or if you spend time in a heated or overly air-conditioned environment, you may benefit from an additional midday moisture boost, she explains.
“If you have oily or acne-prone skin with excess sebum, you only need to moisturize in the evening unless you are also using a hydrating morning SPF.” But cleansing should always come first.
“Regardless of skin type, the worst time to moisturize is when your skin is dirty, as it will trap sweat, oil, and pollution.”
Fiona adds: “The worst time to skip moisturizer is in the evening – skin tends to lose moisture while you sleep, leading to tight skin upon waking.”
Your Essentials
Oily/Combination Skin
This budget moisturizer is a great addition to your routine
Credit: Supplied
Habi Moisture Magic
