Ever wonder if all those skincare products you’re putting on your face are supposed to go on in any particular order? The answer is 100% yes. If you want to ensure your products are giving your skin the full benefits then the order matters. So, what’s the best way to layer each of your products? I’m glad you asked.
The general rule to follow is to apply from thinnest to thickest in texture.
Step 1: Cleanser
Always start with cleansing your face no matter what you do or don’t have on your face. At night, make sure you double cleanse (oil-based + water-based) to get everything off.
Step 2: Toner
To be completely honest, I don’t always use a toner but only when I feel like my skin needs it. Toners are meant to help balance your skin and prep it for the subsequent products you’ll apply.
Step 3: Treatments & Serums
This is when you want to layer on any serums or spot treatments depending on your skincare needs. You can also use a sheet mask to get similar benefits. Remember to be mindful of the active ingredients you’re mixing so they don’t react negatively on your skin. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to save your retinol-like products for nighttime.
Step 4: Eye Cream
I only recently learned that there’s no fundamental difference between eye cream and moisturizer so I’ve stopped buying them. I do think there are some formulated for specific purposes like brightening, de-puffing, etc. so if you use one then here’s when you apply it.
Step 5: Moisturizer
Always seal all that hard work in with a good moisturizer. It helps trap in all of the products underneath it to make the ingredients even more effective.
Step 6: Face Oils
If you’re using a face oil, apply it last since oils can penetrate moisturizer but not vice versa. I’ll use an oil occasionally if I’m feeling indulgent but only at nighttime to avoid looking like a greasy mess.
Step 7: Sunscreen (Daytime Only)
You should apply sunscreen every day, period. Even if you’re driving or sitting by a window working, those UV rays are relentless so layer it on.
I hope this was helpful so you’re more informed on the order in which you should be going about your skincare routine to get the best results. Below is a breakdown of how you should approach your daytime vs. nighttime routine so you can save it for future reference!
