What Is the Correct Order to Apply Skincare Products?

Sticking to a regular skincare routine is essential for several reasons. For starters, your skin is your body's largest organ. Every day, it's exposed to numerous environmental stressors, like sunlight and pollution, which can affect its appearance and health. A well-maintained routine helps protect your skin's natural moisture barrier and shields it from these harmful elements.

Selecting the appropriate products for your skin type is just one aspect of an effective skincare regimen. The other important factor is knowing the correct order to apply those products. Generally, you should apply skincare products from the lightest to the heaviest in texture. Below, we’ll break down the proper order for both morning and evening skincare routines.

Morning Skincare Routine Steps

Cleanse: Always start your morning routine by cleansing your face to remove sweat, oil, and impurities. The type of cleanser you choose should match your skin’s needs. For example, foaming or gel cleansers are usually better for oily or combination skin, while cream cleansers work well for dry skin.

Tone: Toners help remove any remaining dirt or residue and prepare your skin for the following products. In the past, toners often contained harsh ingredients, but modern formulas come in various forms, such as hydrating, exfoliating, or brightening toners. Choose one that fits your skin type and concerns.

Apply Serum: Serums are typically thicker than toners but lighter than moisturizers. They are designed to target specific skin issues, such as dryness or blemishes. If you use more than one serum, apply the thinnest first and let each layer fully absorb before applying the next.

Moisturize: No matter your skin type, moisturizing is essential to hydrate your skin and lock in moisture. For oily skin, opt for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer, while dry skin benefits from richer, creamier options.

Finish with Sunscreen: Whether it’s sunny or cloudy, wearing sunscreen daily is crucial to protect your skin from UV damage. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply it every two hours, especially after sweating or swimming.

Evening Skincare Routine Steps

Remove Makeup: If you wear makeup, begin by removing it using either a dedicated makeup remover, micellar water, or a double cleanse. The double cleanse involves using an oil-based cleanser first, followed by a water-based cleanser to remove any leftover residue.

Cleanse: Once your makeup is off, cleanse your face with lukewarm water, as hot water can strip essential oils and cause dryness.

Tone: Just like in the morning, apply a toner after cleansing. You can use the same toner from your morning routine, applying it either with your hands or a cotton pad based on the product's instructions.

Apply Treatments and Serums: While your skin is still damp, apply your nighttime serums. Nighttime is the ideal time to target specific concerns like uneven skin tone or blemishes. Retinol serums are great for anti-aging, while exfoliating serums can help with acne. However, be cautious not to use too many strong ingredients at once—pair stronger serums with gentler products.

Moisturize: Lastly, lock in moisture by applying your favorite nighttime moisturizer. You can use the same one from the morning or switch to a richer formula for extra hydration overnight. If you want to enhance your nighttime routine, you can swap your moisturizer for an overnight mask to deeply nourish your skin while you sleep.

To make the most out of your skincare routine, the key is consistency and using the right products in the proper order. Whether it's in the morning or at night, following these simple steps can enhance the effectiveness of each product and help maintain your skin's health and radiance. Remember, skincare is a long-term investment, and with patience and dedication, you’ll see lasting improvements in the overall appearance and feel of your skin.