Skincare Basics: A Pocket Guide from Nurse Mallory Lee at The Skin Clinic Antigonish

Whether you're starting your first skincare routine or fine-tuning what you already do, knowing how and when to apply your products is key.

At The Skin Clinic Antigonish, we believe skincare should be clear, personalized, and results-driven, without the overwhelm.

This guide covers all the essential steps:

Morning and evening routines, how to reapply after the gym, what to pair (and not pair), plus targeted tips on SPF, exfoliation, and eye cream.

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Cleansing Basics: The 60 Second Rule + Double Cleansing

A proper cleanse sets the stage for everything else in your routine.

• Spend at least 60 seconds massaging cleanser into your skin to fully break down SPF, makeup, oil, and impurities.

• Use gentle motions to avoid irritation.

• Double cleansing at night is especially helpful if you:

  • Wear SPF or makeup daily

  • Have oily or acne-prone skin

  • Live in an urban or polluted environment

How to Choose the Right Cleanser for Your Skin

Not all cleansers are created equal — the best one for you depends on your skin type and lifestyle.

• Gel or Foaming Cleanser – best for oily or acne-prone skin; controls excess oil without stripping.

• Cream or Lotion Cleanser – great for dry or sensitive skin; soothing and barrier-protecting.

• Oil or Balm Cleanser – ideal for makeup wearers or those who double cleanse; melts away sunscreen and long-wear products.

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✨ Your skin should feel clean, but never tight or squeaky after cleansing. If it does, your cleanser may be too harsh.

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Morning and Night: The Best Skincare Application Order

A good routine is all about layering your products from thinnest to thickest, or from water-based to oil-based. Here’s how to build your routine morning and night.

Morning Skincare Routine

1. Cleanser – to remove oil and prep your skin

2. Toner (optional) – for hydration or pH balance

3. Antioxidant Serum – like Vitamin C to protect against free radicals

4. Spot Treatments (if needed) – acne or pigment correctors

5. Moisturizer – lightweight hydration

6. Sunscreen – non-negotiable. Always apply SPF 30+ as the last step

Evening Skincare Routine

1. Cleanser – double cleanse if wearing SPF or makeup

2. Toner (optional) – for hydration or pH balance

3. Antioxidant Serum – like Vitamin C to protect against free radicals

4. Active Treatments – like Retinol or exfoliating acids (only one active at a time)

5. Hydrating Serums – such as hyaluronic acid

6. Moisturizer – to repair and lock in hydration

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Eye Cream: How & When to Apply It

The eye area is thinner and more delicate, making it prone to dryness, fine lines, and puffiness.

• Apply after serums, before moisturizer (unless otherwise directed).

  
  

• Use your ring finger to gently tap along the orbital bone.

  
  

• Ingredients to look for:

  Peptides – firming and smoothing

  Hyaluronic acid – hydration

  Vitamin C – brightening

• Use AM to smooth for makeup, PM for repair.

• A grain-of-rice amount is enough for both eyes.

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SPF & Makeup: What You Need to Know

Makeup with SPF is great, but it’s not always enough on its own. Here’s how to protect your skin, all year long, especially during the sunny days in Nova Scotia:

• Always apply broad-spectrum SPF as the last step in your skincare routine, before makeup

• Don’t rely on SPF in your foundation or primer — you typically don’t apply enough for full protection (unless you're using Colorescience SPF makeup)

• Reapplying sunscreen is key:

  • Use SPF mist, cushion, or powder to reapply over makeup

  • If you're bare-faced, reapply your regular SPF as usual

  • Every 2 hours outdoors or after sweating is ideal

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What to Mix, Match, or Avoid in Your Routine

When building a skincare routine, some ingredients work beautifully together, while others should be kept apart to avoid irritation or reduced effectiveness.

Pairs Well Together

• Vitamin C + SPF – antioxidant + protection combo

• Retinol + Niacinamide – niacinamide helps reduce retinol irritation

• AHAs/BHAs + Hyaluronic Acid – exfoliation plus hydration

• Peptides + Moisturizers – barrier-repairing and nourishing

Avoid Using Together

• Retinol + AHAs/BHAs – too harsh and irritating

• Vitamin C + Retinol – If you’re new to retinol or have sensitive skin, we recommend using one in the AM and the other in the PM until your skin adapts.

• Benzoyl Peroxide + Retinol – can deactivate each other

• Too many actives at once – alternate nights for best results

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Midday Skincare: What to Do After the Gym

Living an active lifestyle? Whether you're hitting the gym at lunch or just need a midday refresh, here’s how to care for your skin without overdoing it.

DO:

• Use a gentle cleanser or micellar water to wash off sweat, oil, and SPF

• Apply a hydrating mist or toner (optional) (hale derma)

• Reapply a lightweight moisturizer

• Reapply SPF if heading back outdoors

SKIP:

• Vitamin C

• Retinol or exfoliating acids

• Active treatments in general

These are once-a-day products. Doubling up can lead to irritation, not better results.

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Exfoliation: How Often & Which Is Best for You

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, brighten tone, and boost product absorption — but too much can damage your skin barrier.

Chemical exfoliants (AHAs like glycolic acid, BHAs like salicylic acid) dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells for a smoother surface.

Physical exfoliants (scrubs, brushes) physically buff away dead skin but can be abrasive for sensitive skin.

How often:

• Normal/Combination: 1–2x/week

• Oily/Acne-Prone: 2–3x/week (BHAs often preferred)

• Sensitive: 1x/week or less (enzyme-based or very gentle formulas)

  
  

Always follow exfoliation with hydration — and SPF in the morning.

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Want Help Building the Right Routine?

We offer personalized skincare consultations at The Skin Clinic Antigonish, a boutique medical spa in the heart of Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Whether you're new to skincare, looking to treat specific concerns, or want a professional-grade routine that works for your lifestyle, we’re here to help.

Book Your Consultation

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Call the clinic at (902)863-8000

Or book directly here!

Let’s build a routine that works with your skin, not against it.