The Correct Order to Applying your Skincare

The range of skincare products available today feels more extensive than ever, ranging from serums and retinols to moisturizers and SPF. While a good skincare routine doesn't need to consist of a dozen different products, there are some essential products to include - in the correct order. What is the optimal application sequence for maximum effectiveness? How does it differ during your morning skincare routine and your nighttime skincare routine? Consider this your guide on how to layer your skincare. 

In general, skincare products should be applied from the thinnest consistency to the thickest for maximum absorption and follows a cleanse, treat, hydrate, protect order with some products differing between your morning and bedtime routine.  As you become more familiar with your individual skin concerns, you may customize your skincare routine to better suit your skin type. For example, some morning skincare routines use just water instead of a cleanser. If you have specific questions, we suggest reaching out to a dermatologist or booking a personalized skin consultation. 

Morning routines generally focus on SPF protection so it is important to always include a broad-spectrum sunscreen as the last step of your morning skincare routine. 

1. Cleanser: Wash away anything that has accumulated on your skin overnight like oil and sebum. This may be your regular cleanser or just water depending on your skin type.
2. Toner: An optional step - the use of toner can balance your skin pH and prep it for the following products. 
3. Serum/Treatment: Apply active ingredients to treat specific skin concerns in the order of thinnest to thickest consistency. Most morning serums are focused on hydration or antioxidants like vitamin C. 
4. Eye Cream: Don't forget to hydrate the delicate eye area. Daily application of an eye cream can help maintain the health and thickness of the eyelid skin to ensure it does not lose laxity. If you wear makeup, you may want to use a lighter weight eye cream that can layer underneath makeup without pilling. 
5. Moisturizer: Restore your skincare barrier moisture and lock in hydration. 
6. Sunscreen (SPF): This is critical final step of your morning skincare routine to protect from UVA/UVB rays, free radical damage and photoaging. 

Most evening skincare routines focus on treatment and repair of specific skincare concerns like fine-lines and wrinkles or hyperpigmentation and dark spots. 

1. Double Cleanse: Remove grime and makeup/SPF with an oil cleanser, then water-based cleanser. Whether you have dry or oily skin, all different skin types can benefit from a double cleanse especially those who wear makeup.

2. Toner/Exfoliant: Apply exfoliating products or hydrating toners. If using both, apply toner first. 
3. Serums/Treatments: Apply your nighttime active ingredients which are commonly focused on skin resurfacing and speeding up cell turnover or hydration. 
4. Eye Cream: Nourish the eye area. During our evening routine, you can use a richer cream to lock in hydration. 
5. Moisturizer: Seal everything in with a thicker, richer moisturizer at night. 

6. If you slug, or require extra hydration - include a facial oil or occlusive as the final step. 

The extra stuff:

Here are some other important tips to consider when using advanced skincare products or skincare ingredients not included in a basic skincare routine. 

- While we didn't include essence in the above basic skincare routines, if you are using an essence, apply it between your toner and any serums. Essences are generally more nourishing and hydrating than toners and add a layer of moisture before using any serums. 

- If you’re applying a face mask, depending on the instructions, you should apply it right after cleansing your skin, unless it is meant to be left on overnight, in which case you should apply it last.  

- As for spot treatments, these should be used as needed, and applied as the second last step in your nighttime routine before moisturizer. You may want to skip the treated areas when applying your moisturizer so the ingredients do not interfere with each other 

- In regards to actives, there are some that shouldn't be mixed such as retinol and vitamin C in the same routine. For example, you should vitamin C in the morning and retinol in the evening. 

- Serums are concentrated, nutrient-dense treatments that address specific concerns so it is important that you allow these products a minute or two to absorb into your skin before applying moisturizer. 

If there are other skincare products that you're confused about, keep in mind the general rule of thumb is to use thinner, water-based products first, followed by thicker, oil-based products. As always, it is important to stay consistent and practice your morning and evening skincare routine daily to see the benefits. 

When in doubt, feel free to contact us or reach out to your dermatologist.