7 Basic Skincare Products Explained: Purpose & Amount Required

Do you know the purpose of the different products in your skincare routine? Many of us have a day and night skincare routine that we follow blindly, but understanding the purpose of each skincare product would allow us to formulate a better skincare routine that is suited for our skin.

There is no one size fits all when it comes to caring for your skin. While there are many skincare routines out there to follow, we know that things can get a little confusing especially when it involves several different steps and products. But fret not, we are here to share with you the basic skincare routine you can follow and the purpose of each skincare product. Ahead, discover the following skincare steps for healthy-looking skin:

1) Cleanser

Always begin your skincare routine with a nickel-sized amount of cleanser. If you are wearing makeup, you may also opt for a double cleanse by using an oil-based cleanser, followed by a water-based cleanser.

Double cleansing is a popular beauty technique in Japan that has recently trended on social media like TikTok, as it is known to thoroughly cleanse the skin in a gentle way. Massaging an oil-based cleanser to your face helps to dissolve waterproof makeup, sunscreen, excessive oil and other impurities. Following up with the water-based cleanser can then cleanse the pores more deeply and prevent problems like acne from occurring due to clogged pores.

2) Facial Sheet Mask

After cleansing your face, you can consider using a facial sheet mask to boost hydration in your skin. Apart from that, there is a wide assortment of facial masks in the market to target the various different skincare concerns, such as anti-ageing masks.

While it is most commonly used as part of the night routine, masking in the morning is also great to help prepare the skin for smoother and longer-lasting makeup. If you are keen to start masking in the morning, you may consider using 1 minute daily sheet masks like Saborino, which is fast and easy to incorporate into your routine. Take the Saborino Skin Test to find the facial mask that is best suited for you now!

3) Toner

Facial Toner acts as a pre-moisturiser or primer that helps to prepare your skin for other skincare products. It also helps to balance the pH of the skin and remove the leftover residual dirt from the skin. Facial toners are best applied by soaking a cotton pad and gently sweeping it across the face.

4) Serum

Face serums contain active ingredients in it and is typically known to target specific skincare concerns such as dullness and wrinkles. Some of the common serums include Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid and Glycolic Acid. For face serums, you can apply 2 drops and massage it gently to the face after cleansing and toning. However, do note that some face serums do not mix well together, such as Vitamin C and AHAs. Hence, it is best to research on the specific serums before adding it to your skincare routine.

5) Eye Cream

As the area around the eyes is more fragile, eye cream is a gentler form of moisturiser that is specially formulated for the eye area. While it helps to hydrate the eye area and improve the appearance of dark circles and wrinkles, eye creams can also help to reduce puffy eyes. To add eye cream to your skincare routine, squeeze out a pea-sized amount of eye cream and tap gently to the eye area, right before the moisturiser step.

6) Moisturiser

Moisturisers are important in ensuring that our skin is hydrated throughout the day. As one of the last skincare steps in the routine, moisturisers help your skin to lock in and absorb all the products underneath it for more effective results. All you need is a nickel-sized amount of moisturiser for your face.

7) Sunscreen

Finish your daytime routine with a sunscreen to ensure that your skin is protected against the harmful UV rays that can cause enhanced ageing effects. The rule of thumb is to apply two-finger worth of sunscreen to your face and neck. Remember to re-apply every 2 hours for optimal protection.

Bonus Tip

For other products not covered in this article, the general guide is to start with the most watery products, followed by the ones with a thicker consistency. On your busy days, you can use multi-benefit products that save time such as Saborino 3-in-1 Morning Masks during the day and 5-in-1 Night Masks after a long day out.