Your skin barrier is the body’s first line of defense against the environment, which is why we need to protect it. And while skincare is made to protect, applying them in the wrong order may damage your body's natural armor instead. If you are not sure what the correct order is or if you are currently applying sunscreen before moisturiser (yes, we are calling you out), do not worry because we are here to help!
We have included a step-by-step overview of how to layer your skincare, but a general rule of thumb is to apply products from thinnest to thickest. We are all about keeping it simple which is why Herbal Essentials also emphasises keeping your skincare routine simple with essentials such as cleanser, toner, and moisturiser, and then adding in treatment serums when necessary.
Step 1: Cleanser
The most important and essential step: cleansing. Its primary job is to get rid of grimy oils and set a clean base. This way your skin is prepped to absorb other products and nutrients. A quick tip on picking a cleanser: it is best to use a cleanser that helps to maintain the skin barrier without stripping it of its natural oils.
Try our Purifying Fresh Face Wash which is formulated with Neem and Hyssop to balance sebum production, as well as Aloe Vera to calm and moisturise your skin. It’s a great cleanser that can cleanse, soothe, and maintain your skin’s moisture level.
Step 2: Toner
Toner should be applied after you cleanse since it is serves as a backup to your cleanser, eliminating the pesky traces of dirt and bacteria that your cleanser may have missed. It also helps to prep your skin to take in moisturisers and gives it an extra boost of hydration.
Our Refreshing Toner is made with Cucumber Extract to calm the skin and Rose Water to naturally moisturize. It is clinically proven to increase hydration by +41%, making it the perfect boost of long-lasting hydration for your skin.
Step 3: Eye Care
Steps 2 and 3 often get mixed up, so make sure to write this down. Because of its thinner texture, eye care should be applied before moisturisers. This way, it can best be absorbed into the skin and nourish the eye area.
Our Hydrating Eye Gel is composed of soothing Aloe Vera and hydrating Sodium Hyaluronate. It is clinically proven to boost hydration by 184%, making it an excellent product to brighten and energise the under eye area.
Step 4: Moisturiser
Do not. And we mean DO NOT. Forget to moisturize. Moisturisers not only moisturise your skin (hence its name), but it also locks in all your other products, giving your skin the final nourishment, it needs to glow in a healthy and happy way.
Our Hydra Active Gel Moisturiser uses Peppermint Oil to sooth irritated skin and control excess sebum, giving the skin that extra shine and glow that we all dream of.
Step 5: SPF
Okay, the last must-have step we promise. SPF! We’re talking all day, every day – yes, even in Winter. SPF protects your skin from the Sun’s harsh UVs, so do not forget to apply before you walk out the door.
Step 6: Extras - Masks + Treatment Serums
This step is completely optional, but if you want to treat yourself, add in a face mask or treatment serum to add an extra shine to your skin. Remember, do not go too crazy with the number of products you use. It is best to keep things simple!
Treat yourself after a stressful week with our Rescue Revive Sheet Mask made with Chamomile Extract to help soothe the skin, reducing blemishes and redness to nourish and revive tired skin.
At Herbal Essentials, we’ve harnessed the power of Himalayan spring water in all of our products to help support skin renewal, reduce irritation, and strengthen the skin barrier. Our products can also be mixed and matched with each other, creating a protective and beneficial skincare routine that can be catered to your specific needs.