Q: Why do I need to use products in a particular order? What order is correct?

A: Let’s face it (no pun intended), skincare products are a personal investment, and as with any investment, you want to ensure you are receiving the maximum benefits from your purchase. When applying skincare products in the correct order, you will avoid waste while improving the penetration of actives and the results you will obtain. Your individual needs will depend on which steps should be omitted or added. No matter what your skin type, proper cleansing is extremely important. If you have normal to oily/congested skin or acne, cleansing in the morning is even more crucial since the skin naturally produces oil during the night and can accumulate toxins and bacteria from air impurity, pillowcases, and sheets. If these excess oils are not removed, the accumulation can contribute to more congestion and breakouts and can interfere with your skin’s ability to absorb key ingredients from serums and moisturizers.

Next a serum in the morning and/or evening will deliver instant and cumulative moisture, protection, and repair. Caring for your fragile eye zone is also key as this area is quick to reveal aging signs so adding an eye care product is a must. Lastly, applying a moisturizer and sunscreen to top off the serum assists in barrier and UV protection, “sealing all that goodness” into the skin.

Now, when adding other products to your skincare regimen, strategically apply with the intended ingredient and product purpose:

AM Routine

• Cleanse
• Tone
• Apply Serum
• Apply Eye Gel / Cream
• Moisturize / Apply Sunscreen

PM Routine

• Remove Eye Makeup / Cleanse
• Tone
• Apply Serum
• Apply Eye Gel / Cream
• Apply Eye Gel / Cream
• Moisturize

*If exfoliation is considered necessary, application depends on the exfoliant type and the step on which it will be implemented. For example, exfoliating cleansers are used during the cleansing step; enzymes should be applied after cleansing, and the skin must be toned and moisturized after their removal; and exfoliating products with mild acids should be applied before the moisturizer.


Q: How long until I see results with skincare?

A: Consistently implementing a skincare routine will show an immediate change in the skin and have cumulative results. Cleansing daily with a pH-balanced cleanser, using a moisturizing toning lotion, exfoliating, and moisturizing will produce the immediate results you are looking for. Pores will be clearer, texture will be smoother, and the skin will glow with an even luminosity. Since long-term effects will be achieved with consistent usage, general health and age are always factors to consider. It usually takes one complete skin cycle to see the improvement in skin health. People aged between 20 – 35 will usually see results in about a month, while those who are older may take 6 – 8 weeks. Also, if we compare a person who loves to bask in the sun versus one who always wears sunscreen and a hat and does not lie in the sun, the “sun lover” will take longer to show improved results due to the damage from UV rays. As a rule, a good estimate of how long it will take to see results is your age in terms of the number of days. For example, if you are 50 years old, allow approximately 50 days to start seeing results.


Q: How early do I need to start with an age prevention routine? What are some healthy habits to help maintain skin elasticity and prevent early sagging?

A: You are truly never too young to start protecting your skin. As we get older, good habits will not only help maintain our skin’s health but help slow down accelerated aging. Collagen and Elastin protein fibers intertwined in a delicate network of mucopolysaccharides within the dermis act as a support layer system for the epidermis, giving skin the ability to stretch and return to its original shape. However, they begin to deplete with age, affecting the balance of all skin components and changing how skin functions. We know that we lose approximately 1% of our collagen each year after about age 30 and significantly more during pre and post-menopause, which results in the appearance of wrinkly and crepey skin most women complain about. Although genetic factors play an important role in how we age, external factors can accelerate that. All of us should implement the below habits into our daily lifestyle to help maintain vibrant skin health:

1. Always get a good night’s sleep. Poor sleep habits can cause reduced collagen production and elastin preservation. It can also inhibit the immune system’s ability to recover and protect us.
2. Add internal and topical Vitamin C to your daily habits. Vitamin C is an essential catalyst for collagen production and preserves skin youthfulness.
3. Include other antioxidant Vitamins like A and E in your skincare routine while choosing foods rich in these and other antioxidants. This will help combat external and internal damage from free radicals and AGEs (Advance Glycation End Products), which break down protein fibers, reducing the skin’s support system and resulting in wrinkles and unwanted sagginess.
4. Introduce AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and Peptides to your daily skincare regimen. AHAs stimulate cell turnover, and Peptides enhance fibroblast activity, improving skin elasticity.

Lastly, but MOST IMPORTANT, ALWAYS WEAR SUNSCREEN. Wear a hat or cap, limit the timing and direct sun exposure, and use body products with ingredients like Green Tea and Water Lily Extract that help the skin recover from UV damage.