Laser Before and After: Real Patient Skin Results
October 9, 2025
Welcome to Aby Ashland, where expert care meets trusted advice. With nearly three decades of experience as a medical esthetician and licensed laser specialist, I know how overwhelming skincare can feel. If you’ve ever asked yourself “How do I know which skincare products to use?” or “What’s the right order for my routine?”, you’re in the right place.
This guide will walk you step-by-step through the essentials: identifying your skin type, choosing the right products, layering them in the proper order, and avoiding common mistakes. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to use skincare products for best results—no more confusion, just glowing, healthy skin.
The first step in any routine is to truly understand your skin. Without knowing your skin type, it’s impossible to choose the right products and see meaningful results. Using the wrong formulas can cause irritation, breakouts, or wasted money. Here are the most common skin types to guide you:
Oily Skin: Shiny complexion, enlarged pores, prone to acne. Needs lightweight, oil-free hydration.
Dry Skin: Tight, flaky, rough. Benefits from richer, hydrating creams and gentle cleansers.
Combination Skin: Oily T-zone, dry cheeks. Requires balancing formulas that target different areas.
Sensitive/Reactive Skin: Easily irritated, prone to redness. Gentle, fragrance-free options are best.
Normal Skin: Balanced, not too oily or dry. Focus on maintenance and protection.
If you’re wondering how to know what skincare products to use, start by observing how your skin feels after cleansing. Tight and dry? Likely dry skin. Shiny within hours? Oily. A mix of both? Combination.
Expert Tip
Even the best skincare products won’t work if you apply them incorrectly. The key is layering from thinnest to thickest textures. This ensures each product penetrates properly and performs its job without being blocked.
Here’s the typical order to follow:
Cleanser
Toner
Serum
Moisturizer
Eye Cream
Sunscreen (AM only)
Think of it as building a routine step by step, where each product creates a foundation for the next. Skipping or reversing the order can reduce the benefits significantly.
Every product has a role, and learning how to apply each correctly is where results really begin. Let’s break it down:
Cleansing removes dirt, oil, and makeup, preparing your skin for everything else. Use lukewarm water, massage gently for 30 seconds, then rinse. Oily skin thrives with foaming cleansers, while dry skin prefers creamy, hydrating options.
Modern toners hydrate, balance pH, and prep your skin for serums. Apply with a cotton pad or pat directly onto your skin. Skip alcohol-heavy toners and choose formulas with soothing or hydrating ingredients.
Serums deliver concentrated active ingredients that target issues like dullness, wrinkles, or dehydration. Vitamin C brightens, hyaluronic acid hydrates, and retinol smooths texture. Use just a few drops and press gently into your face and neck.
Moisturizers strengthen your skin barrier and keep everything balanced. Even oily skin needs hydration—just pick lightweight gels. Dry skin, on the other hand, benefits from creams or balms.
The skin around your eyes is thin and prone to fatigue. Use a pea-sized amount of eye cream and tap gently with your ring finger. Look for caffeine for puffiness or peptides for fine lines.
Daily SPF is non-negotiable. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning, rain or shine. Sunscreen prevents sun damage, premature aging, and protects against skin cancer.
Also Read
3 Step Skincare Routine for Beginners:
The Ultimate Guide to Healthy, Glowing Skin
Using products correctly is one part of the equation, but the real secret is consistency and patience. Think of your skincare as a daily investment in your skin’s long-term health.
Consistency Wins: Stick with your routine for at least 4–6 weeks before expecting visible changes.
Patch Test: Apply new products to a small area first to avoid irritation.
Less is More: Too many actives at once can overwhelm your skin.
Be Gentle: Pat products in, don’t tug or rub.
Adapt Seasonally: Swap formulas as the weather changes.
Support from Within: Hydration, diet, and sleep impact your skin as much as products.
Many people unknowingly sabotage their results with a few common mistakes. By avoiding them, you’ll speed up progress and protect your skin’s health.
Skipping cleansing or using harsh cleansers that strip the barrier.
Over-exfoliating, leading to irritation and redness.
Forgetting sunscreen, the #1 anti-aging product.
Applying products in the wrong order.
Combining too many actives like acids and retinol.
Avoiding moisturizers on oily skin (which makes oil worse).
Your skin is constantly changing. Age, hormones, weather, and stress all influence what it needs. The key is paying attention and being flexible.
If skin feels dry or tight, add richer moisturizers or hydrating serums.
If it feels oily or breaks out, switch to lighter, oil-free products.
If irritation appears, simplify and cut back on strong actives.
Seek professional guidance if skin issues persist.
Learning how to use skincare products for best results is less about buying everything at once and more about building a routine that fits your unique skin. Start with the basics—cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen—then add treatments like serums or eye creams as needed.
Remember, the most effective routine is one you’ll actually follow. Treat your skin with patience and consistency, and you’ll see lasting improvements.
For more expert advice, browse my other guides on topics like skincare routine for oily skin, beginner-friendly routines, and how to know what skincare products to use. With the right approach, your best skin is closer than you think.
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