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The Order of Skincare Products for Maximum Effectiveness
Having a good skincare routine is more than just using the right products; it’s also about how you layer them. Using high-quality products incorrectly means they won’t all work nicely, since some will absorb better at certain stages in your skincare routine, it’s usually best to apply them in order from lightest to heaviest based on their function and compatible ingredients.
Benefits of using the right skincare products in the right order include improved absorption, decreased interference between product applications, and giving active ingredients the best chance of effectiveness when layering with other types of product like serums, treatments, moisturizers, and sunscreens.
Morning Skincare Routine
Fun fact: The vast majority of your morning skincare routine will provide your skin with moisture and protect it from daily external factors. These products will be lighter than those you use at night, with a special emphasis on applying sunscreen for ultimate protection.
Cleanser – Cleansing is typically the first step in refreshing the skin and removing any residual products from overnight buildup. After cleansing, you can help prepare your skin for treatments by applying lightweight hydrating products such as toners or essences. Serums, which have concentrated ingredients focusing on something specific, such as dullness or uneven skin tones, should be used next.
Moisturizer will help keep hydration in your skin and support the skin barrier after applying serums. The last skincare step in the morning is sunscreen to give your skin a layer of protection from UV and environmental damage.
Morning Skincare Routine Table
| Step | Product | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cleanser | Remove oil and residue |
| 2 | Toner/Essence | Light hydration prep |
| 3 | Serum | Target concerns |
| 4 | Moisturizer | Seal hydration |
| 5 | Sunscreen | UV protection |
Night Skincare Sequence
Because night routines tend to focus more on treatment, this is when many people use stronger active ingredients and more hydration to improve their skin from the stressors of the day (sun and pollution). If you’re wearing makeup or sunscreen during the day, you should start your night routine with an oil cleanser or makeup remover, followed by a water-based cleanser, to ensure that your skin is properly cleansed.
After your skin is cleansed, you can apply hydrating products, such as toners and essences, before your treatment products. The last step before applying moisturizer is to apply treatment serums, although you may also want to apply facial oils to seal in your treatment products.
Active ingredients also need to be considered too. You want to use a stronger ingredient like acid, retinoids or exfoliants according to both the directions of the product and your own tolerance, rather than simply throwing everything together in an indeterminate amount of each active.
Night Skincare Routine Table
| Step | Product | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Makeup Remover/Oil Cleanser | Remove sunscreen and makeup |
| 2 | Cleanser | Clean skin thoroughly |
| 3 | Toner/Essence | Prep and hydrate |
| 4 | Treatment/Serum | Active ingredients |
| 5 | Moisturizer | Barrier support |
| 6 | Face Oil (Optional) | Extra nourishment |
Why is it so important to apply skincare in the correct order?
When products are applied in the proper order, they will work better and you won’t waste time applying products. For instance, if an occlusive product is the first one applied, because it’s an occlusive, it can prevent lighter-weight products applied after it from entering through (and being absorbed) into skin.
In addition, applying products in a thoughtful order allows for consistency with your skincare regimen, and helps you know what products to use, and how they are incorporated into your routine.
Layering Rules Table
| Texture Type | Apply When |
|---|---|
| Water-based | First |
| Gel products | After water-based layers |
| Creams | Later steps |
| Oils | Final step |
Questions & Answers
1. What is the proper skincare order?
Cleansing = lighter-weight treatments = moisturizer = sunscreen in the morning.
2. Is sunscreen applied before or after the moisturizer?
After the moisturizer in the morning, but is the last step in the morning.
3. When do you apply serum?
After cleansing and before applying moisturizer.
4. When do you apply oils?
Usually, after moisturizing or at the end of your routine, prior to exfoliating.
5. How important is it that I apply my skincare in the correct order?
Yes. Using the correct order allows products to be better absorbed into the skin and to work better.
Disclaimer
This article is only for informational purposes concerning skin care products. The actual ingredients needed to be used on your skin will vary from individual to individual, based on skin type, type of product, and sensitivity to products. Consult your dermatologist for specific recommendations.
