In what order should I apply my SkinMedica products?

Let’s go through each step and what it entails, remembering that it is ideal to wait a bit after each step to let the product absorb into your skin-

Step 1: Cleanse

Begin your routine with a facial cleanser both morning and evening. The SkinMedica Facial Cleanser removes makeup, dirt, and environmental pollutants while hydrating and refreshing your skin. Cleansing should always be the first step, AM and PM, in every routine.

We also recommend the AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser a few times a week. It unclogs pores while removing impurities, excess oil, and makeup. Naturally derived alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), and jojoba spheres work together to exfoliate skin and improve texture.

• Splash your face with warm water, gently massage the cleanser over your face, and rinse thoroughly.

If you’re also treating melasma or hyperpigmentation, you may be using the SkinMedica Even & Correct Pads. Wipe over your face daily, or as tolerated, after cleansing and before applying any treatment products. Allow your skin to dry before layering, and avoid the areas near the eyes. 

Step 2: Growth Factors

Next come your growth factors, including the TNS Advanced+ Serum and TNS Recovery Complex. Applying these right after cleansing lets them penetrate the skin and work to their full potential. Growth factors play a major role in maintaining your skin’s elasticity and firmness. They’re natural substances your skin produces to keep cells healthy and repair damage.

TNS Recovery Complex directions: Apply a single pump AM and PM to the face, neck, and chest.

TNS Advanced+ Serum directions: Dispense a single pump onto the back of your hand, blend, and apply to the face AM and PM.

Step 3: Correct

How should I introduce retinol into my routine?

If you’ve never used retinol before, start with Retinol 0.25 and work your way up to Retinol 0.5, then Retinol 1.0, as your skin adjusts. Using it too often, or starting with too strong a formula, can leave your skin irritated, red, and very dry. We like to say start low and slow with retinols. Begin by using it in the evening every few days, then increase the frequency or strength once your skin tolerates it well.

Apply a single pump to the face in the evening. If you’ve never used retinol before, start with twice a week, gradually increase to every other night, then to each evening or as tolerated. Mild redness, peeling, and irritation are expected.

Which SkinMedica treatments target dark spots and discoloration?

SkinMedica’s most advanced brightening treatments include the Even & Correct Advanced Brightening Treatment Serum and the Even & Correct Dark Spot Cream. Apply these morning and evening after cleansing, covering the face, neck, and décolleté.

When do I apply eye products?

This step also includes any eye products, which go on before moisturizer. These treatments work to improve the look of the eye area, lift sagging, and brighten dark circles. Apply them twice daily—options include the TNS Eye Repair and Instant Bright Eye Cream. Use your ring finger to avoid putting too much pressure on the delicate skin beneath and beside your eyes.

Step 4: Hydrate

After cleansing and correcting, hydrate and moisturize.

The HA5 Hydra Collagen Hydrator fits into the Hydrate category and goes on before your moisturizer. HA5 supports your skin’s natural ability to replenish its own hyaluronic acid (HA), and then a moisturizer locks that hydration in. Think of the hydrator as filling the tank and the moisturizer as sealing the cap.

Moisturizing is the final skin care step because it forms a barrier that keeps moisture in your skin throughout the day and night. There are several moisturizers to choose from (see this blog post to learn the differences), and each works a little differently depending on your skin type:

• SkinMedica Dermal Repair Cream
• Rejuvenative Moisturizer
• TNS Ceramide Treatment Cream
• Ultra Sheer Moisturizer

Apply your moisturizer in the morning before sunscreen, and in the evening as your final step.

Step 5: Protect (AM only)