Okay, so you know I’m always on the hunt for the next big thing in beauty. And I've found something that sounded… well, a little backwards, TBH. It's called the 'reverse skincare routine'. I know, right? Sounds crazy!
Basically, instead of cleansing first, you slather on your moisturiser and serums before you even THINK about face wash. I was skeptical, I’ll admit. But my skin has been drier than the Sahara lately, so I figured, what have I got to lose?
Why Reverse Skincare? The Lowdown
Look, here's the thing: The theory behind this is pretty simple. By applying your hydrating products first, you're creating a protective barrier on your skin. Then, when you cleanse, you're not stripping away all the good stuff – just the dirt and grime. It’s all about maximising hydration and minimising irritation. Sounds good, doesn’t it?
Plus, people reckon it helps with product absorption. The idea is that your skin is already prepped and primed to soak up all the lovely ingredients.
My Reverse Skincare Experiment: Honesty Hour
Alright, so I tried this reverse skincare routine thing for a solid two weeks. Here's the tea:
Week 1: I started by applying my favourite moisturiser, the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream. It's a classic for a reason – super hydrating without being greasy. Then, I followed with a hydrating serum; I’m currently obsessed with the Paula's Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster. After letting those sink in for a few minutes (while I made my morning coffee, naturally), I used my usual CeraVe cleanser.
This didn't work for me at first. The first couple of days, I didn't notice a HUGE difference. My skin felt… okay. Not drastically different. But I persisted.
Week 2: This is when the magic started happening! I noticed my skin was less tight after cleansing. Usually, I feel like I need to rush to apply moisturiser immediately, but this time, I had a little more wiggle room. My skin actually felt… plump! I also started using a richer moisturiser at night, the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Night Cream, before cleansing in the morning.
I even tried incorporating a facial oil before cleansing – the Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil. That was a total win. My skin felt so soft and dewy.
My Verdict: Did It Work?
For me, YES! Reverse skincare has been a total win, especially for combatting winter dryness. My skin feels more hydrated, less irritated, and generally happier. It's now a key part of my skin cycling hydration routine.
How to Incorporate Reverse Skincare into Your Routine
Okay, so you’re probably wondering how to actually do this. Here's my step-by-step guide:
Things to Consider
Skin type: This might not be ideal for everyone*. If you've got super oily skin, this might be too much. But if you're dry or dehydrated, it's definitely worth a try. I have combination skin, and it works great for me, especially in the colder months.
* Product compatibility: Make sure your products play nicely together. Avoid using potentially irritating ingredients (like harsh exfoliants) right before cleansing.
* Listen to your skin: As always, pay attention to how your skin is reacting. If you notice any irritation or breakouts, stop using the routine and adjust your products.
* Don't forget your scalp! We often focus so much on facial skincare, but a healthy scalp is just as important. Have you tried Healthy Scalp, Happy Hair – It's That Simple!? Give it a read! And speaking of reversing things, have you heard of Reverse Hair Washing? My Honest Thoughts!? It's another interesting concept to explore! You might even consider Scalp Derma Rolling? OMG It WORKS! to really boost scalp health.
My Go-To Products for Reverse Skincare
* Moisturiser: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Night Cream
* Serum: Paula's Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster, The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
* Facial Oil: Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil, Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil
* Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Final Thoughts
Reverse skincare might sound a bit strange, but trust me, it's worth a shot, especially if you're struggling with dry, dehydrated skin or want to boost your skin barrier repair. I'm so glad I gave it a try! It's definitely changed my skincare game for the better.
Have you tried reverse skincare? Let me know in the comments! I'd love to hear your experiences.