Do you struggle with dull, dry skin or stubborn breakouts? Many people face these skin issues on a daily basis. These problems often result from habits that clash with your skin’s natural repair process. Your skin renews itself every 28 days. Understanding this supports healthy, balanced skin. Everyone starts somewhere; small changes can make a big difference. While skin protects daily, neglecting care weakens this barrier. The Prep-Treat-Seal method, a practical and straightforward approach, can help you overcome these issues and support your skin’s renewal.
A good skincare or haircare routine isn’t about using lots of products. It’s about choosing the right ones and using them in the correct order. In this article, you’ll learn about the Prep-Treat-Seal method for building your routine.
The Ordinary’s first event
The PTS Pyramid, a simple three-step routine known as the Prep, Treat, Seal method. On Friday, 22 March, skincare fans attended The Ordinary’s first event in Malaysia, focused on learning and exploring straightforward skincare routines. Hislop presented this method, suitable for both beginners and experts, providing an easy-to-remember and practical framework for use. The tips shared at this event can be added to your daily skincare routine, helping you develop effective habits at home.
The Prep, Treat, and Seal method is a straightforward three-step framework: prepare your base, treat concerns, and seal in benefits. It’s designed to be simple, effective, and easy to use, providing you with a clear path to healthier skin.
Let’s break down: “Build your skincare routine: Prep-Treat-Seal.”
Build Your Skincare Routine: Prep-Treat-Seal
The Prep Phase: Setting the Foundation
First, wash your skin with a cleanser. Even the best products will not work if your skin is not clean. A cleanser removes buildup, helps your skin or hair absorb the following products, and prepares you for the next steps. To choose a cleanser, consider your skin type:
If you have oily skin, a gel cleanser is ideal, such as Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash or La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel.
For dry skin, opt for a cream cleanser, such as CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser or Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser. If your skin feels tight, it’s likely dry; if shiny, it’s expected to be oily.
These simple tips make it easy for everyone to take action.
Follow these Steps:
Cleanse: Gently cleanse your skin to remove dirt, Oil, and any remaining product residue. Use a cleanser that fits your skin/hair type.
Exfoliate: Ditch dead skin or product residue. Begin with once a week, especially if you’re a beginner, to avoid over-exfoliating. Signs of too much exfoliation include redness and stinging. Depending on your skin’s sensitivity, you can gradually increase to 1–3 times a week.
Balance (Tone): Restore pH levels and hydrate lightly. A toner or hydrating mist preps the surface for what’s next.
The Treat Phase: Care and Nourishment
This is the step where you focus on your primary skin concerns, such as acne, dryness, dullness, breakage, or frizz.
Skin:
- Serums with actives (Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Retinol, etc.)
- Spot treatments
- Masks
Hair:
- Protein treatments
- Deep conditioners
- Scalp serums
Incorporating Treats into Your Routine
Choose one or two treatments per routine. Start slowly and patch-test new products. To patch test, apply a small amount to your inner arm and wait 24 hours to check for any irritation or allergic reaction. Let each product work. Using too many at once can irritate skin or reduce results. Remember, you’ll see texture changes after 4 to 6 weeks of regular use. Knowing this helps you stay patient and avoid switching products too soon, encouraging you to remain committed to your routine.
The Seal Phase: Locking in Benefits
The Seal step locks in benefits and protects skin. Sealing prevents moisture from entering and ensures that active ingredients remain in place. It stops water loss and shields against wind or pollution. Without sealing, a significant amount of effort is wasted. At night, your skin can lose up to 25% more water if you don’t seal, making this step vital for hydration and skin strength.
Here’s a breakdown with budget-friendly recommendations for each stage:
1. Prep (Cleanse):
- CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (for normal to dry skin)
- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (all skin types)
- La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser (if on sale)
- Simple Micellar Gel Wash
2. Treat (Serum/Active):
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (for Oil control, pores)
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (for hydration)
- The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA (for brightening)
- Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum (for uneven skin tone)
- Geek & Gorgeous C-Glow Serum (Vitamin C, for brightening)
- Acne: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution (spot treatment)
3. Seal (Moisturize/Protect):
- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (face & body, all skin types)
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel (for oily/combo skin)
- Vanicream Moisturizing Cream (sensitive skin)
- The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA (lightweight option)
- Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion (all skin types)
If daytime, don’t forget sunscreen:
- Coppertone Pure & Simple Face SPF 50
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 55
- Bondi Sands Face SPF 50+ (Australian, affordable)
- Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence (Asian, affordable online)
Best Sealing Techniques
Skin:
Use a moisturizer suitable for your skin—gel for oily skin and cream for dry skin.
Finish with facial Oil to lock in hydration, especially at night.
Hair:
Apply leave-in conditioners or creams to retain moisture.
Use oils or butter to seal in hydration, especially for curly or coily hair types.
Facial Oil (Optional)
Facial oils help retain moisture and enhance the skin’s glow. They work best for dry or mature skin or as an extra boost in winter. For best results, use Oil after Moisturizer or mix a few drops into your cream. Avoid using Oil before applying water-based products, as it can block absorption. Use at night, for dry or mature skin, 2–3 drops.
Sunscreen (AM only, but always)
Skipping SPF brings skin issues back. Sun exposure worsens hyperpigmentation, accelerates the aging process, and breaks down collagen. Even the best skincare cannot counteract the effects of daily UV damage.
Choose for your skin:
Mineral sunscreens are recommended for individuals with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Chemical sunscreens for a lightweight, invisible finish.
Putting It All Together: Sample Routines
Find your skin type below and start there. Select the most suitable routine to optimize benefits from the Prep–Treat–Seal method.
Morning Routine
For Beginners: Cleanser, Vitamin C serum, Moisturizer, Sunscreen. This simple routine covers the basics: Vitamin C protects against environmental damage. Moisturizer keeps the skin hydrated. Sunscreen guards from UV rays.
Some budget-friendly options include Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser or Simple Kind to Skin Refreshing Facial Wash Gel. For Vitamin C serum: The Ordinary’s Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% or Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum. Affordable moisturizers include Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel and Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion. For sunscreen: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen or Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lotion.
Advanced: Cleanser, Hydrating toner, Vitamin C + Niacinamide, Peptide moisturizer, Sunscreen. This routine strengthens defenses: Niacinamide reduces inflammation, peptides support collagen, and sunscreen prevents sun damage.
Night Routine
Beginners: Cleanser, Hyaluronic acid or retinol, Moisturizer. Hyaluronic acid keeps skin hydrated overnight, while retinol promotes cell turnover, addressing early signs of aging.
Advanced: Double cleanse (Oil + water-based), Exfoliating toner (2- 3x/week), Treatment serum (retinol, Niacinamide, peptides), Moisturizer, Occlusive (if needed). Double cleansing removes impurities. Exfoliating toner renews skin. Treatments and moisturizers help active ingredients penetrate and retain moisture.
Use this Template for Prep, Treat & Seal:
Dry skin: Focus on hydrating treatments, such as hyaluronic acid, squalane, and ceramides.
Oily skin: Opt for lightweight textures, oil-control treatments, and non-comedogenic products.
Acne-prone skin: Incorporate BHA, Niacinamide, or sulfur treatments, and avoid pore-clogging ingredients.
Aging skin: Emphasize retinoids, peptides, antioxidants, and barrier-repair.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Using too many activities at once
Skipping sunscreenOver-exfoliatingg
Not moisturizing oily skin
Constantly switching products before giving them time to work
Bottom Line
The Prep-Treat-Seal method isn’t just a passing trend. It’s a lasting yet straightforward way to enhance your skincare routine. You don’t need a long list of products or expensive brands to see results. The key is to make Prep-Treat-Seal part of your daily habits, just like brushing your teeth. Try linking it to something you already do each day, like having your morning coffee or getting ready for bed. This makes it easier to stick with and see fundamental changes over time.
Be careful with your routine. Some combinations, such as retinol and acids, can irritate. Stick to one active at a time unless you’re experienced.
Community Inquiries
Here, we invite you to continue the conversation. What would you ask a dermatologist? Share your questions, and they might be featured in a future update of this guide.
