What Order Should I Do My Skin Care In? Expert Advice for Best Results

The correct order to apply skincare is generally from thinnest to thickest consistency. This allows each product to properly absorb into the skin. Figuring out the skincare routine order can feel confusing, but this guide provides a skincare layering guide to help you achieve the best order for skincare products, morning and night. We’ll cover the essential morning skincare steps and evening skincare steps, explain when to apply serums, and address the common question: which comes first moisturizer or sunscreen? Read on for expert advice!

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The Golden Rule of Skincare Application Sequence

The most important rule when layering skincare products is to apply them from thinnest to thickest. Think of it this way: thinner products, like serums, have smaller molecules and need to penetrate the skin deeply. If you apply a thick cream first, it will block the absorption of these thinner, more potent ingredients.

Think of it like painting a wall. You can’t paint a primer over the final coat of paint, right? The same logic applies to skincare.

Daily Skincare Routine Order: Step-by-Step

Here’s a detailed breakdown of both morning and evening skincare routines:

Morning Skincare Steps: Wake Up and Glow

Your morning routine is all about protecting your skin from environmental aggressors like sunlight, pollution, and free radicals.

1. Cleanser: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove any oil, sweat, or product buildup from the night.

   • Why? Cleansing preps the skin for better absorption of subsequent products.
     2. Toner: Toner helps balance your skin’s pH level and can add a layer of hydration.
     

   • Why? Balances skin after cleansing. Look for alcohol-free toners to avoid dryness.
     3. Serum (Antioxidant): Apply an antioxidant serum, such as Vitamin C, to protect against free radical damage.
     

   • Why? Antioxidants neutralize harmful free radicals caused by sun exposure and pollution. This is the time to get your potent ingredients into your skin.
     4. Eye Cream: Gently apply eye cream around the orbital bone to address concerns like dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines.

   • Why? The skin around the eyes is delicate and needs special care.
     5. Moisturizer: Hydrate your skin with a moisturizer suitable for your skin type.

   • Why? Moisturizer creates a protective barrier and keeps your skin hydrated throughout the day.
     6. Sunscreen: This is the MOST important step. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every single day, even on cloudy days.

   • Why? Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays, which cause premature aging, sun damage, and skin cancer. Sunscreen should always be the final step in your morning routine.

   • Which comes first moisturizer or sunscreen? Always apply moisturizer before sunscreen. Moisturizer hydrates the skin, creating a base for the sunscreen to adhere to.

Morning Skincare Routine Order – Summary

Step	Product	Benefit
1	Cleanser	Removes impurities
2	Toner	Balances pH
3	Antioxidant Serum	Protects against free radicals
4	Eye Cream	Addresses eye area concerns
5	Moisturizer	Hydrates and protects skin
6	Sunscreen	Protects against UV rays – CRUCIAL!

Evening Skincare Steps: Repair and Rejuvenate

Your evening routine focuses on cleansing, treating, and hydrating your skin while you sleep.

1. Makeup Remover (if applicable): Remove makeup thoroughly with a dedicated makeup remover before cleansing.

   • Why? Makeup can clog pores and prevent skincare products from penetrating effectively.
     2. Cleanser: Use a cleanser to remove any remaining makeup, dirt, oil, and impurities. Double cleansing (using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser) can be beneficial, especially if you wear heavy makeup.

   • Why? Cleansing ensures a clean canvas for your skincare products.
     3. Exfoliant (1-3 times per week): Incorporate a chemical exfoliant (like AHA/BHA) or a physical exfoliant (like a scrub) to remove dead skin cells.

   • Why? Exfoliating promotes cell turnover, brightens skin, and allows for better product absorption. Note: Don’t exfoliate every day, as this can irritate your skin. Listen to your skin.
     4. Toner: Apply toner to balance your skin’s pH and prep it for serums.

   • Why? Same as morning – balances the skin after cleansing/exfoliating.
     5. Serum (Treatment): Apply a treatment serum that targets specific skin concerns, such as wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, or acne. Retinol is a popular choice for evening use.

   • Why? Serums deliver potent ingredients deep into the skin to address specific issues.

   • When to apply serums? Serums should generally be applied after cleansing and toning but before heavier creams.
     6. Eye Cream: Apply eye cream around the orbital bone.

   • Why? Nourishes the delicate eye area while you sleep.
     7. Moisturizer: Hydrate your skin with a nourishing moisturizer. Consider using a thicker cream or night cream for extra hydration.

   • Why? Moisturizer seals in all the previous products and provides essential hydration while you sleep.
     8. Facial Oil (Optional): If your skin is very dry, you can apply a facial oil as the final step to lock in moisture.

   • Why? Oils create an occlusive barrier that prevents moisture loss.

Evening Skincare Routine Order – Summary

Step	Product	Benefit
1	Makeup Remover (if applicable)	Removes makeup residue
2	Cleanser	Removes dirt, oil, and impurities
3	Exfoliant (1-3x/week)	Removes dead skin cells, promotes cell turnover
4	Toner	Balances pH
5	Treatment Serum	Targets specific skin concerns
6	Eye Cream	Addresses eye area concerns
7	Moisturizer	Hydrates and repairs skin overnight
8	Facial Oil (Optional)	Locks in moisture

Skincare Application Sequence: A Deeper Look

Let’s dive deeper into why certain steps are crucial and how to adjust the routine based on your specific needs.

Cleansing: The Foundation of a Good Routine

• Why it Matters: Cleansing removes dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities that can clog pores and prevent your skincare products from working effectively.
• Types of Cleansers: Choose a cleanser that suits your skin type.
  • Oily Skin: Gel or foaming cleansers
  • Dry Skin: Creamy or oil-based cleansers
  • Sensitive Skin: Gentle, fragrance-free cleansers
• Double Cleansing: This involves using an oil-based cleanser first to remove makeup and sunscreen, followed by a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining residue.

Toning: Balancing Act

• Why it Matters: Toner helps to balance your skin’s pH level, which can be disrupted by cleansing. It can also remove any remaining impurities and prepare your skin for serums and moisturizers.
• Types of Toners: Look for alcohol-free toners that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or soothing ingredients like rosewater.
• Application: Apply toner with a cotton pad or spray it directly onto your face.

Serums: Powerhouse Treatments

• Why it Matters: Serums contain high concentrations of active ingredients that target specific skin concerns. They are lightweight and absorb quickly into the skin.
• Common Serum Ingredients:
  • Vitamin C: Brightens skin, protects against free radicals
  • Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates and plumps skin
  • Retinol: Reduces wrinkles, improves skin texture
  • Niacinamide: Reduces redness, minimizes pores
• Application: Apply a few drops of serum to your face and neck and gently pat it into the skin.

Eye Cream: Special Care for a Delicate Area

• Why it Matters: The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face, making it more prone to wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness.
• Key Ingredients: Look for eye creams that contain ingredients like peptides, caffeine, and hyaluronic acid.
• Application: Gently pat eye cream around the orbital bone, avoiding direct contact with your eyes.

Moisturizer: Hydration is Key

• Why it Matters: Moisturizer hydrates your skin and creates a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss.
• Types of Moisturizers: Choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type.
  • Oily Skin: Lightweight, oil-free moisturizers
  • Dry Skin: Rich, creamy moisturizers
  • Combination Skin: Gel-based or lightweight cream moisturizers
• Application: Apply moisturizer to your face and neck, using upward strokes.

Sunscreen: The Ultimate Protector

• Why it Matters: Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays, which cause premature aging, sun damage, and skin cancer.
• Types of Sunscreen:
  • Physical Sunscreen: Contains mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
  • Chemical Sunscreen: Contains chemical filters that absorb UV rays.
• Application: Apply a generous amount of sunscreen to your face and neck, at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you are sweating or swimming.

Skincare for Different Skin Types

The fundamental principles of layering remain the same, but you’ll want to adjust the products you use based on your skin type:

• Oily Skin:
  • Use lightweight, oil-free products.
  • Consider using a gel-based moisturizer.
  • Exfoliate regularly to prevent clogged pores.
• Dry Skin:
  • Use rich, hydrating products.
  • Consider using a facial oil to lock in moisture.
  • Avoid harsh exfoliants.
• Combination Skin:
  • Use a combination of lightweight and hydrating products.
  • Target oily areas with oil-free products and dry areas with richer products.
• Sensitive Skin:
  • Use gentle, fragrance-free products.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals and exfoliants.
  • Patch test new products before applying them to your entire face.

Additional Tips for Successful Skincare Layering

• Wait Time: Allow each product to fully absorb before applying the next. This usually takes a minute or two.
• Less is More: Don’t overload your skin with too many products. Start with a few essentials and gradually add more as needed.
• Patch Test: Always patch test new products before applying them to your entire face to check for any allergic reactions or sensitivities.
• Listen to Your Skin: Pay attention to how your skin feels and adjust your routine accordingly. If your skin feels dry, add more hydration. If it feels oily, use lighter products.
• Consistency is Key: Stick to your skincare routine consistently for the best results.

Fathoming Active Ingredients and Potential Conflicts

Some active ingredients don’t play well together. Here are some common combinations to avoid:

• Retinol and Vitamin C: These can be irritating when used together, especially for sensitive skin. If you want to use both, apply Vitamin C in the morning and Retinol at night.
• Retinol and AHAs/BHAs: Combining these can lead to excessive dryness and irritation. Use them on alternate nights or days.
• Benzoyl Peroxide and Retinol: These can deactivate each other, reducing their effectiveness. Use them at different times of the day or on alternate days.

When in doubt, consult a dermatologist!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What if I use prescription skincare? Apply prescription medications first, after cleansing and toning. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
• Can I skip a step in my skincare routine? Yes, you can customize your routine based on your needs. If you are short on time, focus on cleansing, moisturizing, and sunscreen.
• How long does it take to see results from a skincare routine? It can take several weeks or even months to see noticeable results. Be patient and consistent with your routine.
• Is it okay to use different brands in my skincare routine? Yes, you can mix and match products from different brands as long as they are suitable for your skin type and address your specific concerns.
• Can I use facial oil instead of moisturizer? Facial oils can be used in place of moisturizer if you have oily skin or as an additional layer of moisture if you have dry skin.
• What about face masks? Where do they fit in? Face masks should typically be applied after cleansing and before toner. They are usually used 1-3 times per week.

By following these expert tips and guidelines, you can optimize your skincare routine order and achieve healthy, glowing skin! Remember to be patient, consistent, and listen to your skin’s needs.