Incorporating a strategic sequence into your morning and nighttime routines can significantly impact your skincare results. Brushing your teeth before diving into your skincare routine is a small change that can lead to noticeably better outcomes for your skin. Here’s why this sequence is beneficial:

1. Maintaining Skin's pH Balance

The skin's natural pH level ranges from about 4.7 to 5.75, slightly acidic, which helps to maintain the skin's barrier function and prevent bacterial growth. Toothpaste, particularly those that are whitening or tartar control, often have a higher pH level, which can disrupt the skin's natural pH balance when it comes into contact with the skin around the mouth. By brushing your teeth before applying skincare products, you minimize the risk of altering the skin's pH with toothpaste residue, ensuring that the skincare products work in harmony with the skin's natural state.

2. Reducing Microbial Contamination

Oral hygiene products can sometimes harbor bacteria, especially if the toothbrush is not replaced regularly or is stored in an environment conducive to bacterial growth. When you brush your teeth after applying skincare, there's a risk of transferring these bacteria to your face, which can lead to breakouts or infections. Brushing your teeth first followed by a proper facial cleanse helps reduce the potential for microbial transfer, promoting a clearer, healthier complexion.

3. Optimizing Product Efficacy Through Clean Absorption

Toothpaste residues, especially those containing sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), can leave a film on the skin that affects the absorption of skincare products. This barrier can prevent the active ingredients in skincare products from penetrating the skin effectively. By brushing your teeth before your skincare routine, you ensure that your skin is free from any filmy residue, allowing for the optimal absorption of serums, moisturizers, and other treatments.

4. Enhancing the Protective Skin Barrier

Skincare products are designed to enhance the skin's protective barrier by providing hydration, replenishing lipids, and delivering antioxidants. Disruption of this barrier by external agents such as toothpaste can lead to increased sensitivity, dryness, and irritation. Brushing your teeth prior to skincare application supports the integrity of the skin barrier, ensuring that the skincare products can function effectively to protect and nourish the skin.

Conclusion

By adjusting the sequence of your morning and nighttime routines to brush your teeth before applying skincare products, you're not only optimizing the efficacy of your skincare regimen but also embracing a holistic approach to personal health and hygiene. This small change can lead to a significant improvement in skin health and overall well-being, proving that sometimes, the order of operations is key to achieving the best results.