When you need to strengthen your skin barrier… Learn the 6-step skincare routine.

At this time of year, cold winds and dry air weaken the skin barrier and accelerate moisture loss, making it difficult to fully protect with your usual skincare routine. While it's acceptable to use a few products tailored to your skin type in other seasons, winter requires layering multiple products in the right order. By prioritizing hydration and adding nutrients that strengthen the skin barrier, you can maintain healthy skin. Learn more about "How to Create a Healthy Skin Barrier in Winter," as published in the American health journal Health.

◇Step 1 = Cleansing Washing your face is always the first step in skincare. Using a cleanser removes dirt and other debris accumulated inside and outside pores, allowing subsequent products to be better absorbed. It's best to choose a gentle, alcohol-free cleanser. This prevents excessive removal of oils and maintains the skin barrier's balance.

 

◇Step 2 = Toner After washing your face, soak a cotton pad in toner and gently pat it onto your face. Toner helps remove any remaining oil and dirt after washing and balances your skin's pH. If you have dry or sensitive skin, choose a toner containing hyaluronic acid or glycerin to help hydrate it. For oily or acne-prone skin, choose a toner containing salicylic acid.

 

◇Step 3 = Serum Next, apply an appropriate amount of serum to your skin. Serums contain high concentrations of active ingredients and can help improve specific skin concerns, such as hydration and brightening. Choose a product with the right ingredients for your desired effect. Examples include: Vitamin C = brightening, alleviating pigmentation; Niacinamide = brightening, improving wrinkles; Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, peptides, ceramides, and glycerin = hydration; AHA = exfoliation; and Salicylic acid = blemish relief.

 

◇Step 4 = Retinol After applying the serum, you can apply a retinol or other retinoid-based product. Because retinoids thicken the skin's layers, it's best to wait for the serum's active ingredients to absorb. Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that increase cell turnover, resulting in brightening skin and improving wrinkles and texture. However, retinol can be irritating to the skin, so use it sparingly to allow your skin to adjust. For the first two weeks, use a pea-sized amount every other day, gradually increasing the dosage.

 

◇Step 5 = Moisturizer Moisturizers are thick-textured and should be applied after functional products like serums and retinoids. While they seal in moisture and maintain a strong skin barrier, they can also prevent some functional products from being absorbed. For dry skin, choose a moisturizer containing ceramides or shea butter. For oily or acne-prone skin, opt for an oil-free moisturizer with hyaluronic acid or a lightweight gel.

 

◇Step 6 = Face Oil Face oils form a protective film on the skin, preventing moisture evaporation and maintaining oil-moisture balance. Because they act as a barrier on the skin's surface, they are best applied as the last step of a skincare routine. Fatty acid-rich face oils like coconut and avocado oils nourish and moisturize the skin, while chamomile and rosehip oils help soothe irritated skin.

 

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I don't think you use just face oil.

Because the oil forms a moisture barrier

Looks like it's finished with moisturizing