Skin Consultation: In what order should I apply my products? How to hydrate and strengthen skin—hyaluronic acid with peptides

Summarized from a consultation originally recorded on November 8, 2023.

Annmarie Skin Care Skin Consultations are FREE, virtual group sessions, hosted live by our in-house skin experts, to provide personalized recommendations and directly answer any skin care related questions. Learn more about our skin consultations.

What Sets Annmarie Skin Care Apart from Other Brands?

Could you tell me more about your company?

Co-owners Kevin and Annmarie Gianni set out on a journey across North and South America in a vegetable oil powered RV with the intention of tracking down the best wellness products and protocols to share with viewers of their popular YouTube show the Renegade Health Show. Viewers began asking Annmarie what products she was using on her skin. Inspired by their own high standards and the lack of suitable products available Kevin and Annmarie eventually crossed paths with their formulator Bunnie to create a line of high-quality, effective, non-toxic, botanically infused skin care. 

What makes the company’s products different from others in the market?

Annmarie Skin Care emphasizes using only clean ingredients, avoiding toxic substances even in small amounts. When sourcing, we consider the ingredient in each step—from how it’s grown to how it’s processed—to ensure true purity and effectiveness. We are proud that most of our products are MADE SAFE certified—an independent third party verification that screens products for over 6,500 toxic ingredients. We have a strong focus on transparency as well as sustainability. We list all of our ingredients on our packaging as well as on our website and make information about our sourcing available to customers. We use recyclable packaging and eco-friendly materials and employ a unique 3-step Energized Botanical Infusion Process to create our products. 

What is the Energized Botanical Infusion Process?

Step 1: Curate 

We carefully curate organic and wildcrafted ingredients—from herbs to high-vibration plant extracts—that meet the highest standards of quality and effectiveness for your skin and body. We forge relationships with farmers and tirelessly audit our sources to maintain our standards of purity and sustainability.

Step 2: Infuse

We infuse hand-selected herbs into organic aloe vera and skin-nutritive oils at low heat (never over 95°). These botanical infusions are left to steep for up to 30 days and energized by crystals before serving as a potent base for all our formulas.

Step 3: Create 

We then add high-performance seed oils, antioxidant-rich botanicals, and synergistic plant stem cells that deliver skin-supporting nutrients and luxurious aromatherapy. The result? Active, supernaturally-effective skin care—and our commitment to Clean Beauty Since Day 1. 

Tell us about your product packaging

We house all of our products in Miron violet glass, which energizes the organic molecules of the product by filtering in a small percentage of light while protecting it from the harmful rays of the light spectrum. These are then packaged with intention using sustainable materials that are recyclable or made up of post-consumer-waste, and produced at a wind-powered facility.

Skin Care Routine & General Product Questions 

What is recommended for overwhelmed individuals in skin care?

We suggest doing your own research to find a skin care line that you can trust. If you are feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start you can begin with the most basic routine of just a cleanser and moisturizer. Then gradually add products based on comfort and lifestyle. A 4-step routine that consists of cleansing, toning, applying a serum and facial oil is suggested daily, both morning and evening. 

Is it necessary to follow a strict skin care routine every day?

Absolutely not! We understand that life gets busy. Some days you might have time for a 6-step skin care routine that includes a treatment mask and gua sha ritual and others you might splash your face with water, put on your SPF and run out the door. It is totally fine to change up your routine here and there to adapt to your lifestyle, but because visible results do often come from consistency, we recommend prioritizing the essentials as your “base routine,” to which you can always add more steps into when you have the time. Below are some examples for essential routines.

Example 4-Step Essential Routine:

• Option 1: Cleanse, tone, serum, facial oil
• Option 2: Cleanse, serum, facial oil, sunscreen

Example 3-Step Essential Routine:

• Option 1: Cleanse, serum, facial oil
• Option 2: Cleanse, serum, sunscreen
• Option 3: Cleanse, toning mist, facial oil
• Option 4: Cleanse, facial oil, sunscreen

Example 2-Step Essential Routine:

• Option 1: Cleanse, facial oil
• Option 2: Cleanse, sunscreen

Can skin care products really make me look significantly younger?

The realistic expectation is to look and feel your best at any age rather than expecting drastic age-reversing results. At Annmarie Skin Care, we believe in working with the inevitable process of aging rather than against it by enhancing the beauty and vitality of maturing skin with pure, nutrient-dense botanicals that protect and nourish your skin naturally.

How do I choose skin care products that are right for my skin?

Our product line is separated into collections to help guide you to the right products for your skin type. For example, our Restore Collection contains products that work well for dry and mature skin types. We also offer these group skin consultations and our skin assessment to help further guide you. Our blog contains an abundance of information that can be useful including our product guides (i.e. Annmarie Skin Care Facial Oil Guide). 

What’s the suggested order of applying toners, serums, and oils?

We suggest this order: cleanse, tone, serum, oil.

After cleansing your skin, pat it dry and mist your toning mist over your face and neck. While skin is still damp from your toning mist, apply your facial serum followed by your facial oil.

I’m 54 with dry and wrinkled skin. What products do you recommend for a full routine?

For dry or mature skin with the look of wrinkles, we recommend products that naturally soften and moisturize the skin with ingredients that pull moisture in, rich skin-friendly oils, and potent antioxidants. Incorporate a gentle exfoliant that keeps skin fresh and bright and helps products absorb evenly.

Here’s a full routine:

• Cleanse with the Phytonutrient Cleanser (AM & PM)
• Tone with the Neroli Toning Mist (AM & PM)
• Hydrate with the Wild Fruit Serum in the morning (AM) and Activated Night Serum in the evening (PM)
• Apply the Anti-Aging Eye Cream to delicate eye area (AM & PM)
• Moisturize with the Rejuvenating Facial Oil or Anti-Aging Facial Oil  (AM & PM)
• Apply SPF daily with Sun Love Everyday Sheer Sunscreen in the morning (AM)
• Exfoliate a few times a week with the Resurfacing Facial Exfoliant and/or Kaolin Micro Exfoliant 
• Mask 3-4x a week with the Illuminating Pearl Mask 

What is the shelf life of the skincare products?

The general rule of thumb is around one and a half to 2 years. Each product has the expiration date printed on the bottom. Storing products in a cool, dry place will help to preserve their freshness. 

Cleansing & Cleansers 

Can you explain your cleanser options?

We offer four cleansers suitable for different skin types: 

• Aloe Herb Cleanser
• Citrus Mint Cleanser
• Restorative Cleansing Oil
• Phytonutrient Cleanser – Activated Facial Cream Cleanser

Each is pH balanced, with a ph between 5.5 and 5.6 to avoid stripping the skin or disrupting its natural protective barrier. Our cleansers do not contain any harsh sulfates. Instead, they contain a safe low-foaming plant surfactant—sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate.

What is unique about the Aloe Herb Cleanser?

A bestseller time and time again, this cleanser is suitable for all skin types. Coconut oil gives it a soft, creamy texture. It thoroughly cleanses without leaving the skin feeling tight or dry. It contains a dense herb infusion that includes calendula to soothe any temporary redness in the skin. Lemon essential oil purifies, brightens, and provides an uplifting scent.  

Is the cream cleanser sufficient for removing makeup?

The Aloe Herb Cleanser is suitable for removing light makeup. If you prefer, you can also use the Restorative Cleansing Oil. This will thoroughly remove makeup, sunscreen, even waterproof mascara.

Tell us about the Citrus Mint Cleanser.

A purifying gel cleanser in the signature collection, suitable for normal, combination, and oily skin. It contains neem to purify, lemon balm to soothe, and witch hazel distillate to tone and balance skin. 

What makes the Restorative Cleansing Oil stand out?

Part of the luxury Wild Alchemy Collection, this oil cleanser is suitable for all skin types. It contains golden jojoba oil, castor oil, manuka oil, and tea tree oil for deep cleansing and calming. It leaves skin feeling nourished and moisturized. This cleansing oil can be used on its own or as the first step in a double cleanse routine. It is excellent for removing makeup and sunscreen.

What are the key features of the Phytonutrient Cleanser?

Also in the Wild Alchemy collection, the Phytonutrient cleanser has a rich texture due to a combination of coconut oil and mango seed butter. Acai provides a dose of antioxidants while apple extract helps to brighten the look of dull skin. Ideal for addressing the look of dark spots , it’s our most activated cleanser.

How should one approach cleansing for maximum benefits?

Take your time as you massage your cleanser into your skin to ensure a thorough cleanse that will prep your skin to better absorb your treatment products. Especially with the Phytonutrient Cleanser, allow it to be on the skin for at least 30 seconds before rinsing to reap the full benefits of the ingredients.

Toning With Annmarie Skin Care Toning Mists 

Tell me more about your toners. How do they contribute to the skincare routine?

We have 3 different toning mists:

• Neroli Toning Mist
• Rosemary Toning Mist
• Botanical Hydration Mist With Immortelle

Toning helps to complete the cleansing process. It also delivers a dose of skin supporting nutrients and hydration. Depending on the type of toning mist it can also be beneficial for minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores and reducing excess oil. 

What are the key benefits of each toner?

• Neroli Toning Mist: Hydrates, soothes and refreshes the skin. It has a sweet orange blossom aroma from the Neroli essential oil. 
• Rosemary Toning Mist: Tones, refreshes and cleanses the skin. Also great to apply to hair.
• Botanical Hydration Mist With Immortelle: A blend of botanical hydrosols, formulated to awaken skin with instant hydration and a veil of antioxidants.

Can toners be used midday for a quick refresh?

Absolutely! Mist your toning mist throughout the day to refresh and hydrate skin. 

Can toners be skipped in a skincare routine?

Technically, yes, you do not have to incorporate a toner in your skin care routine but they can really make a difference in how well your treatment products are absorbed into the skin. Applying treatment products to skin while damp from your toning mist will not only increase absorption, but also help your products go further and last longer. 

Hair Care 

Which products are recommended for oily hair, especially for teenagers?

The Rosemary Toning Mist can be spritzed in the hair near the roots to revive, refresh, and absorb excess oil. 

Any specific shampoo and conditioner recommendations?

Our Sweet Sunrise Shampoo and Conditioner hydrate, nourish and strengthen all hair types with a combination of nettle, horsetail and aloe. 

Serums & Elixirs

Tell me about your serums. How do they differ, and which one is suitable for my skin type?

In our signature collection we have 3 serums:

• Anti-Aging Serum: Our best selling serum. This serum is excellent for providing skin with a daily dose of nutrients. It is ideal for all skin types and contains antioxidants, soothing ingredients like rose, and deeply hydrating hyaluronic acid to plump skin minimizing the appearance of fine lines. 
• Citrus Stem Cell Serum:Excellent for thicker textured skin that has had a lot of exposure to the elements. This serum contains a combination of licorice root, uva ursi, and alma berry to lighten the appearance of dark spots. Citrus derived stem cells provide the skin with proteins, peptides, amino acids, etc to strengthen and increase elasticity. 
• Probiotic Serum With Tremella: A great choice for sensitive skin or urban city dwellers. Tremella mushroom deeply hydrates with moisture binding beta-glucans while a probiotic ferment eliminates impurities on the skin’s surface and balances skin’s pH.  

What makes the Wild Fruit Serum unique?

The Wild Fruit Serum is a complex facial serum that is ideal for hydrating, brightening, and rejuvenating all skin types. A combination of apple extract and kakadu plum extract brighten skin tone while knotweed extract provides a potent dose of resveratrol. Each tiny bottle of this serum contains an impressive 1.5 million active plant stem cells!  

Share insights on the CBD serum and its effects on the skin.

The Activated CBD Serum deeply hydrates with a combination of hyaluronic acid and tremella mushroom extract. This combination gives this serum a thick, rich texture. A combination of both water and fat soluble CBD provides an instant as well as a cumulative effect. Antioxidant rich and soothing, this serum is excellent for any skin type but is especially beneficial for calming sensitive skin. 

How should I incorporate serums into my routine?

Serums allow you to customize your skin care routine to target and treat whatever your specific concern might be. After cleansing and toning, you then apply your serum. Finish with your facial oil to lock-in all of the benefits offered by your serum. If you would like to incorporate multiple serums into your routine it is great to choose one for AM use and another for PM use.

How should I use the Hydrate?

Use AM/PM. Thoroughly blend ½-1 full pump of the Hydrate Hyaluronic Acid With Peptides (or 3 drops of the Hydrate Concentrated Boosting Elixir) with 2-3 pumps of your preferred facial serum or 1-2 pumps of your preferred facial oil in the palm of your hand. Apply to skin with gentle upward strokes. 

Note: This is a concentrated elixir and should never be applied on its own directly to skin.

Can serums help with both dehydrated and dry skin?

Serums address dehydration in the skin while facial oils address dryness. 

Tell me more about the Activated Night Serum.

The Activated Night Serum is designed for evening use. It features our bioactive-A complex which is derived from algae. This ingredient provides benefits similar to those of a retinol without any unwanted side effects that are often associated with traditional retinols like hypersensitivity, thinning of the skin, etc. It also contains calming and soothing ingredients like lavender and blue chamomile. And unlike traditional retinol, this product is safe for use during pregnancy!

Moisturizing & Facial Oils

What are the different facial oils, and which one is suitable for my skin type?

We offer Herbal Facial Oils for normal & combination, oily, and sensitive skin. Additionally, there’s an Anti-Aging Facial Oil for dry and mature skin, and a potent Rejuvenating Facial Oil in our Wild Alchemy collection, suitable for all skin types.

Is it essential to use a serum along with a facial oil?

Serums are excellent hydrators while facial oils provide lipids to moisturize skin. The combination of using a facial serum and oil addresses both dehydration and dryness in the skin, which is the basis of healthy, resilient skin. The serum plumps the skin while the oil softens—together, these steps work hand in hand to bring youthful results in your standard anti-aging routine. Applying a facial oil overtop of a serum also helps to lock in all of the benefits of the serum. 

Eye Care 

Can you explain the differences between the eye products—Anti-Aging Eye Cream and Fruit Ceramide Eye Serum?

The Anti-Aging Eye Cream is nourishing and moisturizing. It is great for combating puffiness with cucumber extract and contains Damas rose plant cells to help minimize the appearance of crow’s feet. The Fruit Ceramide Eye Serum is a potent serum that features pineapple ceramides, sake peptides and lingonberry derived plant cells . They can be used together by layering the Anti Aging Eye Cream overtop of the Fruit Ceramide Eye Serum or separately.

Exfoliation, Masking & Sun Protection 

How do your exfoliants work, and which one is suitable for daily use?

We offer two physical exfoliants. The Ayurvedic Facial Scrub is a very gentle dry herbal exfoliant suitable for all skin types including sensitive. It can be mixed with water or your preferred cleanser and is gentle enough to be used daily if desired. Our Kaolin Micro Exfoliant contains crushed bamboo powder to polish skin, lavender and kaolin clay. It is suitable to be used 2-3 times a week. It is mineral-rich and provides both purifying and soothing benefits.

How should the Ayurvedic facial scrub be stored?

The Ayurvedic Facial Scrub is recommended to be kept outside of the shower to prevent moisture from getting in.

What is the Resurfacing Facial Exfoliant, and how is it different from the physical exfoliants?

The Resurfacing Facial Exfoliant is a chemical exfoliant in the Wild Alchemy Collection. It has a smooth gel texture. It contains honey-derived lactic acid, a mild alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates the deeper layers of the skin, helping to resurface the skin—improving texture and tone. The lactic acid is balanced nicely with cooling cucumber and soothing blue tansy. 

How often should the Resurfacing Facial Exfoliant be used, and when is the best time to apply it?

It is recommended to start by using the Resurfacing Facial Exfoliant for 2-3 minutes once a week and gradually increasing the time depending on skin sensitivity. It should be applied to clean skin in the evening, and sunscreen should be used during the day.

Why is exfoliation important in a skincare routine?

Exfoliation is crucial to remove and build-up, allowing other skincare products to penetrate effectively. It helps achieve smoother texture and improved skin tone. As we age our skin’s natural exfoliation process starts to slow down making incorporating exfoliation into your skin care routine even more important. 

In what order should exfoliation be done in a skincare routine?

It is advised to cleanse first and then exfoliate. The specific order may vary based on the type of exfoliant being used. In general, after cleansing and exfoliating you would then mist with your toning mist and apply your facial serum and oil. 

Can I use the Kaolin Micro Exfoliant in place of a cleanser?

It’s recommended to cleanse with your preferred cleanser prior to exfoliating with the Kaolin Micro Exfoliant, but if in a hurry it can be used on its own without cleansing first. This product does contain some naturally occurring saponins that act as mild cleansing agents on the skin.

How often can I use the Purifying Mud Mask?

It depends on your skin type. For dry and mature skin, you would want to use it less often perhaps once a week or once every other week. It can also be beneficial to mix it with honey or yogurt that will act as a humectant to prevent it from being overly drying. For more oily skin types it can be used once or twice a week.

What is the Sun Love product, and when should it be used?

Sun Love is our Everyday Sheer Sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 20. It is recommended for daily wear (even on cloudy days!). It is made with non-nano zinc oxide and contains buriti fruit, pumpkin seed, and hemp seed oil to nourish skin. It can be worn on its own as a daytime moisturizer or on top of your preferred facial oil.

Teen & Pre-Teen Skin Care 

Is it okay for children, like a 7-year-old and a 9-year-old, to use cleanser and facial oil?

Yes, it is generally fine for preteens and teens to use a simple skin care routine like the Essentials Collection Renew Facial Cream Cleanser and Radiate Facial Oil. It can be beneficial to start healthy skin care habits early on. If there are specific skin concerns that need to be addressed such as oily skin or breakouts additional products could also be incorporated. 

Which masks do you recommend for a 7-year-old and a 9-year-old?

It really depends on their skin type and skin concerns. The Illuminating Pearl Mask with honey and crushed pearl powder is great for hydration and brightness. The Purifying Mud Mask is also good, especially for occasional breakouts.

What skincare products do you recommend for a 14-year-old with acne breakouts?

The Essentials Collection, including the Renew Facial Cream Cleanser and Radiate Facial Oil, along with the Rosemary Toning Mist, can be a good starting point for a simple routine. Incorporating the Purifying Mud Mask weekly would also be beneficial. 

Want to join us for our next skin consultation? (It’s totally free!)

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