When you start your routine or get to a point where you decide to add more active ingredients into an existing routine, knowing when to use what can be confusing.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone in this confusion! With all the serums, creams, and treatments, it can get confusing very quickly.
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So let’s break it down step by step, and demystify layering skincare products!
Thinnest to Thickest
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s talk about the rule of skincare application: apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency.
This rule ensures that each product can penetrate your skin effectively without being blocked by heavier products.
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of your AM and PM routines!
Morning Routine
Cleanser
Start your day with a clean slate! In the morning, you don’t need a heavy-duty cleanser – a gentle one will do.
I love the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser. It’s effective yet gentle, perfect for kickstarting your day.
Toner (Optional)
If you use a toner, now’s the time to apply it. Toners can help balance your skin’s pH and prep it for the products to follow.
The Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Facial Toner is a cult favorite for a reason – it’s gentle and refreshing!
Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C is your daytime bestie. It helps protect your skin from environmental damage and gives you that coveted glow.
The TruSkin Vitamin C Serum is a great affordable option that’s made a huge difference in my skin’s brightness.
Other Water-Based Serums
If you’re using any other water-based serums (like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide), apply them now.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a fantastic hydrating serum that plumps up my skin like nobody’s business!
Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is delicate, so show it some love! Gently pat on your eye cream – don’t rub!
The CeraVe Eye Repair Cream is a great affordable option that helps with puffiness and dark circles.
Moisturizer
Lock in all that goodness with a moisturizer. For daytime, I prefer something lightweight that works well under makeup. The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is my go-to for this step.
Sunscreen
Last but definitely not least, sunscreen! This is non-negotiable, folks. Even if you’re staying indoors, those UV rays can still get you through windows.
The EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen SPF 46 is my holy grail. It’s lightweight, doesn’t leave a white cast, and plays well with makeup.
Evening Routine: Time to Unwind and Repair
Oil-Based Cleanser (if wearing makeup or sunscreen)
If you’re wearing makeup or sunscreen (which you should be!), start with an oil-based cleanser to break it all down.
The Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm is my ride-or-die for this step. It melts away everything without stripping my skin.
Water-Based Cleanser
Follow up with your regular cleanser to ensure your skin is squeaky clean. The CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is perfect for this second cleanse – it’s gentle yet effective.
Exfoliant (2-3 times a week)
Exfoliation is key for glowy skin, but don’t overdo it! 2-3 times a week is plenty for most skin types.
I swear by the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. It’s gentle enough for regular use but still gets the job done.
Toner (Optional)
If you use a toner, now’s the time. The Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner is fantastic for hydrating and prepping your skin for the next steps.
Treatments (Retinol, Acne Treatments, etc.)
This is where you apply your heavy-hitting treatments. If you’re using a retinol, like the CeraVe Retinol Serum, this is its moment to shine.
For acne treatments, the Paula’s Choice CLEAR Regular Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment is a game-changer.
Serums
Layer on your serums from thinnest to thickest. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% is amazing for controlling oil and reducing the appearance of pores.
Eye Cream
Don’t forget your eye area! The RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream is perfect for nighttime use, helping to reduce fine lines while you sleep.
Moisturizer
Seal everything in with a nourishing night cream. The CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is my go-to. It’s lightweight but still super hydrating.
Face Oil (Optional)
If you have dry skin or just love that extra glow, pat on a few drops of facial oil as the very last step. The Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil is liquid gold for your skin!
Special Considerations
Now that we’ve got the basic order down, let’s talk about some special considerations:
Prescription Topicals
If you’re using prescription topicals (like tretinoin), apply these after cleansing and before any other products. They need to be closest to your skin to be most effective.
Sheet Masks
Love a good sheet mask? Use these after cleansing and toning but before serums and moisturizers. They’re like a supercharged toner!
Mixing Products
Some products play well together, while others… not so much. Here are some general rules:
- Don’t mix vitamin C with retinol or AHAs/BHAs. Use vitamin C in the morning and retinol/acids at night.
- Niacinamide is pretty friendly and can be mixed with most ingredients.
- If you’re using multiple actives (like vitamin C, retinol, and acids), consider alternating days to avoid irritation.
Waiting Times
Do you need to wait between applying products? Not necessarily, but it can help:
- Wait about 20-30 seconds between each step to allow products to absorb.
- If you’re using pH-dependent products (like vitamin C or AHAs/BHAs), wait about 15-20 minutes before applying the next product.
- Always wait for your sunscreen to dry completely before applying makeup.
Adjusting for Skin Type
While the general order remains the same, you might need to adjust based on your skin type:
Oily Skin: You might skip moisturizer in the morning and just use a hydrating serum under your sunscreen.
Dry Skin: Consider adding a hydrating essence after toner and before serums. The COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is amazing for adding that extra boost of hydration.
Sensitive Skin: You might need to space out your active ingredients more. For example, use vitamin C one day, and retinol the next, rather than layering them.
Combination Skin: You might use different products on different areas of your face. For example, a lighter moisturizer on your T-zone and a richer one on your cheeks.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Pilling: If your products are pilling (forming little balls on your skin), it’s usually because you’re using too much product or not allowing enough time between layers. Try using less product and waiting a bit longer between steps.
Products not absorbing: If your products seem to sit on top of your skin, you might need to exfoliate more regularly.
Also, make sure you’re applying products to damp skin – this can help with absorption.
Increased sensitivity: If your skin feels irritated, you might be using too many active ingredients. Try simplifying your routine and reintroducing products slowly.
Remember, It’s a Journey!
Whew! That was a lot of information, right? But here’s the thing – skincare is a journey, not a destination.
It’s okay to experiment and adjust your routine as you go. What works for me might not work for you, and that’s totally fine!
The most important thing is to listen to your skin. If it’s happy with a simple cleanse-moisturize-sunscreen routine, that’s great!
If it thrives on a 10-step Korean skincare routine, that’s awesome too. There’s no one-size-fits-all in skincare.
Start with the basics and slowly introduce new products one at a time. This way, if something doesn’t agree with your skin, you’ll know exactly what caused it.
And remember, consistency is key. It can take 4-6 weeks to see results from a new skincare routine, so be patient and stick with it!
I hope this guide helps demystify the order of skincare product application for you. Here’s to glowing, healthy skin – you’ve got this!
