The Exact Order to Apply Skincare Products, According to Dermatologists
Unlock healthier, glowier skin by learning the dermatologist-approved order for layering skincare, from cleansers to SPF—plus expert tips and FAQs.
Confused by the barrage of serums, toners, oils, and creams crowding your shelves? You’re not alone. With new launches and viral routines popping up daily, understanding the correct skincare routine order can feel overwhelming. Yet, dermatologists consistently emphasize that both what you apply and when you apply it are critical to getting the best results for your skin. Here’s a comprehensive, science-backed guide to crafting and layering your regimen—whether you’re just starting or optimizing an existing routine.
What Is the Basic Skincare Routine?
If you want clear, healthy skin without too much fuss, dermatologists agree that a basic routine comprises just three essential products:
- Cleanser
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen (SPF)
This foundational trio supports all skin types by cleansing, hydrating, and protecting. Everything else—think essences, toners, face oils, or actives—can be added as needed, but these three steps are non-negotiable for long-term skin health.
How to Build and Layer Your Skincare Routine
The golden rule for skincare layering is “thinnest to thickest”: Always apply products with lighter, watery consistencies (like serums or essences) first, and follow with heavier, more occlusive formulas (like creams and oils). According to Dr. Shereene Idriss, this order ensures each product effectively absorbs and works as intended. Applying a serum over your moisturizer, for example, minimizes the benefits of those potent active ingredients because their penetration is blocked.
The Correct Order for a Skincare Routine
Here’s the step-by-step sequence for both morning and evening routines, with key product recommendations and expert tips for each stage.
Step 1: Cleanser (Morning & Night)
Why it’s essential: Cleansing removes oil, dirt, sweat, and environmental pollutants, setting a clean base so active ingredients can work effectively. At night, it also whisks away makeup and sunscreen, which can clog pores.
- For dry/sensitive skin: Opt for a creamy, non-foaming cleanser with soothing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or colloidal oatmeal.
- For oily/acne-prone skin: Use a gentle foaming or gel cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for added acne defense.
- Double cleanse at night: Start with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water to dissolve makeup, then follow with your standard face wash.
Step 2: Toner (Optional, but recommended for most)
Purpose: Toners help to remove residual impurities and prep the skin for better absorption of serums and treatments. Today’s formulas can also hydrate, soothe, or lightly exfoliate, depending on their ingredients.
- Hydrating toners: Boost moisture with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera.
- Exfoliating toners: Use AHA/BHA ingredients to gently slough off dead skin; best at night and for non-sensitive types.
Step 3: Face Serum
What it does: Serums deliver high concentrations of active ingredients—like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, or niacinamide—deep into the skin. They’re targeted for specific concerns (brightening, smoothing, hydration, anti-aging) and absorb quickly due to their lightweight, watery texture.
What others are reading
- Use a vitamin C serum in the morning to brighten and boost antioxidant protection under sunscreen.
- Hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid work well in both AM and PM.
- Anti-aging or acne serums (retinol, peptides, or salicylic acid) are best saved for evening routines.
Step 4: Eye Cream
How it helps: Eye creams are formulated for the delicate under-eye area, tackling puffiness, dark circles, or fine lines. They are usually lighter than face creams and should be applied before heavier products to maximize absorption and minimize potential irritation.
- Apply gently: Use your ring finger to tap, not drag, from the inner to outer corner.
Step 5: Spot Treatment
When to use: If you’re targeting blemishes, dark marks, or other specific skin imperfections, spot treatments go on now. This ensures direct contact with cleansed skin for optimal effect, before occlusive moisturizers might block active penetration.
- Common actives: Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone for acne and discoloration.
Step 6: Moisturizer
Why every skin needs it: Even oily and acne-prone skin require moisture. A good moisturizer locks in hydration, strengthens the skin barrier, and ensures actives don’t excessively irritate or dry your skin.
- Light gel formulas work well for oily skin and humid climates.
- Rich creams are ideal for dry or mature skin, especially in colder weather.
Step 7: Retinol (Evening only, if using)
For anti-aging and acne: Retinol (or other retinoids) should be applied in your PM routine—after moisturizing to reduce irritation or before, depending on product instructions and your skin’s tolerance.
- Start slow: Begin 2-3 nights per week and gradually increase as skin builds tolerance.
- Layer with moisturizer: For sensitive skin, sandwich retinol between layers of moisturizer.
Step 8: Face Oil (Optional)
What it does: Face oils seal in previous layers, delivering extra nourishment and locking in moisture. They go after creams, as most are heavier and form an occlusive barrier.
- Use sparingly—just a few drops—pressed onto drier areas or the whole face.
Step 9: Sunscreen (SPF) (Morning only)
Why it’s crucial: No anti-aging or brightening ingredient works without protection from UV rays. Sunscreen should always be applied last in your morning routine to shield all your other products (and skin!) from sun damage.
- Choose an SPF 30 or higher.
- Apply generously—don’t forget your ears, neck, and chest.
- Reapply every two hours when exposed to the sun.
Full Skincare Routine Order at a Glance
| Step | Product | When to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cleanser | AM & PM |
| 2 | Toner | AM & PM (Optional) |
| 3 | Serum | AM & PM |
| 4 | Eye Cream | AM & PM |
| 5 | Spot Treatment | AM & PM (as needed) |
| 6 | Moisturizer | AM & PM |
| 7 | Retinol | PM (as tolerated) |
| 8 | Face Oil | AM &/or PM (Optional) |
| 9 | Sunscreen | AM only (last step) |
Why Does Skincare Routine Order Matter?
Layering skincare correctly allows for maximum product efficacy, optimal penetration of actives, and reduced risk of irritation. Applying products out of order (for instance, moisturizer before serum, or sunscreen first) can leave potent actives blocked and unabsorbed, or even cause breakouts and sensitivity via occlusive buildup. Stick with the principle: thinnest to thickest, water before oil, SPF always last in the morning.
What Age Should You Start a Skincare Routine?
There’s no set age, but most experts recommend introducing the basics (gentle cleanse, moisturizer, SPF) in your teens, particularly when hormonal changes, oiliness, and acne first appear. More advanced products—like retinols or exfoliating acids—are best reserved for your twenties and beyond, or under a dermatologist’s guidance.
What Does Non-Comedogenic Mean?
Non-comedogenic means a product is formulated so it doesn’t clog pores or contribute to blackheads and breakouts. This is especially important for acne-prone, oily, or sensitive skin. Check labels or seek dermatologist recommendations if you’re prone to congestion.
What Tools Are Used for Skincare?
Several non-essential but popular tools can enhance your routine:
- Jade roller or gua sha: For gentle facial massage and depuffing.
- Cleansing brush: Offers extra exfoliation for deeper cleansing.
- Silicone face scrubbers: Gentle, hygienic option for massaging in cleansers.
- Mask brush or spatula: Hygienic application of masks or treatments.
Meet the Experts
- Shereene Idriss, MD—board-certified dermatologist, expert on product layering and ingredient synergy.
- Mona Gohara, MD—dermatologist, advocate for basic routine and gentle actives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I skip some steps if my skin is sensitive or my morning is rushed?
A: Absolutely. Dermatologists urge you to stick to what your skin needs that day. The essential trio—cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF (in the morning)—is enough for most skin types and occasions. Add serums, targeted treatments, or oils as desired or when your skin tolerates them.
Q: Are toner and essence the same thing, and can I use both?
A: No. Toners typically prep and lightly exfoliate or hydrate post-cleansing, while essences are more concentrated, hydrating treatments, especially popular in K-Beauty routines. You can use both, but always layer the thinnest formula first.
Q: Where do exfoliants and masks fit in my routine?
A: Exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA) or rinse-off masks should be used after cleansing, but before serum and moisturizer. Limit exfoliation to 1–3 times per week to prevent irritation.
Q: How long should I wait between applying products?
A: While absorption is typically rapid, waiting 30–60 seconds between layers gives products time to penetrate before the next goes on. This is especially helpful for actives or acids.
Q: Do I need to wash my face in the morning if I cleansed before bed?
A: Yes. Oil, sweat, and dead skin cells accumulate overnight, making a gentle morning cleanse beneficial to refresh and prep the face for daytime products.
Summary Table: Product Application Order (Morning vs Night)
| Step | Morning | Night |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cleanser | Cleanser (double cleanse if wearing makeup/SPF) |
| 2 | Toner (optional) | Toner (optional) |
| 3 | Serum | Serum |
| 4 | Eye cream | Eye cream |
| 5 | Spot treatment | Spot treatment |
| 6 | Moisturizer | Moisturizer |
| 7 | SPF | Retinol (and/or oil, if using) |
| 8 | Face oil (optional, after SPF if used) | Face oil (optional) |
Key Takeaways
- Apply products from thinnest to thickest, water- to oil-based.
- The most vital skincare steps: cleanse, moisturize, protect with sunscreen.
- Introduce actives (like retinol, vitamin C, or acids) gradually and layer according to skin tolerance.
- Always end your morning routine with SPF 30 or above.
- Consistency and simplicity yield lasting results—tailor steps to your unique skin type and lifestyle.
References
- https://dermamade.com/derma-blog/what-is-the-correct-order-of-products-for-skin-care/
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/4546-what-order-apply-makeup-skincare
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/a25372431/what-order-to-apply-skincare-products/
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/your-skincare-routine-order-explained
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/celebrity-hair-makeup/a40308203/shani-darden-skincare-products-order-to-apply/
- https://www.hercampus.com/school/ucla/i-tried-cosmopolitan-s-skin-care-regime-month-and-i-love-it/
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