Creating the Perfect Skincare Routine: What Order to Apply Your Skincare Products

I consider myself a skincare addict. I’m always researching new products, learning about the latest trends, and on the hunt for the perfect skincare routine. Learning about skincare – what works best for your skin type and how you should use these products – is truly a science.

So, if it seems overwhelming and you don’t know where to start you aren’t alone. 

In this post, I’m sharing what order you should be applying your skincare products for maximum effectiveness because why spend all of this money to not get the most out of it.

Does it really matter what order you apply your products? Absolutely! Our skin is incredibly porous so putting products in the correct order for our skin to absorb them means you are getting the most out of your skincare routine.

A general rule of thumb is to apply products from thinnest to thickest. 

For example, if you apply a thin or water-based product over a thick cream it won’t be able to properly absorb into your skin….I’m sure you get the picture.

Applying your products in the incorrect order could also be harmful to your skin long-term. Putting on SPF before your moisturizer means it won’t be able to fully protect you from the sun’s rays causing premature aging or putting you at risk of skin cancer. No thank you!

So the order you apply your skincare products really does matter. I hope you find this beauty product guide helpful so you can get the most out of your skincare routine and become a skincare pro.

WHAT ORDER TO APPLY YOUR SKINCARE PRODUCTS

MORNING SKINCARE ROUTINE

CLEANSER

Cleansing your skin should always be the first step in your skincare routine; morning or night. I am a lover of gentle cleansers as I think we can easily get caught up in products that have a “purpose” so starting with a neutral base is a great relief for our skin.

I am currently using the First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Cleanser, but any pH neutral cleanser in my preferred.

TONER

Toners can often scare people as they’ve gotten a bad reputation for being too harsh. But a lot has changed in the skincare world even in the last 20 years, and now many toners are alcohol-free.

What does a toner do? It helps return your skin to its normal pH after cleansing. In the morning I prefer to use a hydrating and calming toner like Revision Soothing Facial Rinse that is formulated with plant extracts, algae, grape seed, and vitamin K.

SERUM 

Serums are super concentrated and nutrient-rich so it’s best to get them as close to the skin as possible. In the morning use an anti-oxidant rich serum like Vitamin C to help protect you from free-radicals in the environment and UV rays.

My current favorite is Obaji Professional C Serum 20%. While this product is pricier, I believe you get what you pay for when it comes to skincare.

EYE CREAM

Using eye cream twice a day starting in your 20’s is vital to ensure you don’t lose your skin’s elasticity in this area as it’s very thin and delicate. If your under-eyes are moisturized it also helps when applying makeup so your concealer goes on smoothly.

Clinique All About Eyes is a great all-around eye cream and one I have been using for years.

MOISTURIZER 

Everyone needs a moisturizer – yes even those with oily skin. There are moisturizers for every skin type and every need so you can find something that works best for you.

My med-spa uses Elta MD and I have fallen in love with the brand. For medical-grade skincare, it’s surprisingly affordable. I’m currently using the Elta MD PM Therapy as I have fairly dry skin.

FACE OIL 

This is optional, but if you want to use a face oil, it should be your last moisturizing step.

Oils act as a barrier from the elements and lock in the goodness from the skincare products used before. Just make sure you choose a face oil with saturated or monounsaturated fatty acids.

Sunday Riley makes my favorite face oils, but for a really affordable option, I’ve heard rave reviews about The Ordinary.

SUNSCREEN

This should always be the last step in your skincare routine to properly block UVA and UVB rays. Facial sunscreens with zinc oxide are the best at protecting against these harmful rays and won’t clog your pores.

NIGHTTIME SKINCARE ROUTINE

CLEANSER 

Now is the time to double cleanse, but only if you were wearing makeup. Double cleansing ensures you aren’t just washing away makeup but also the day’s impurities. To do this use your makeup remover then your cleanser.

When wearing makeup I use my makeup eraser to get that top layer of makeup off, then go over my face with Garnier Micellar Water and finish with a gentle cleanser.

I don’t wear makeup on a daily basis so I normally only cleanse once.

TONER OR BOOSTER

At night I prefer to use a glycolic acid toner for gentle exfoliation.  The Pixi Glow Tonic is alcohol-free and affordable too!

If using a booster with your nighttime routine – these would be in the form of a mist, essence, beauty water, or hyaluronic serum – you can apply then right after your toner since these are usually water-based.

EYE CREAM

Aside from general moisturization and helping with dark circles or puffiness, eye cream can also protect your delicate eye area from your other skincare products. It’s best to apply your eye cream before any treatments so you can avoid any irritation.

TREATMENTS OR SERUMS

Typically, any harsher treatments, perceptions, or anti-aging serums with peptides are best used at night.

At night, I use my Peter Thomas Roth BHA/AHA acne clearing gel, but be careful when mixing harsher treatments at night to not cause irritation. Choose what your skin needs that night and not just what you have on hand.

As a rule: 

– Retinols are best used at night, and should not be used in conjunction with exfoliating treatments (like BHA or AHA). If you want to use BHA or AHA in your nighttime products alternate nights with your retinol.

– If using a hydrating serum use it last; just before your moisturizer.

MOISTURIZER

Some believe you need to use a richer or thicker cream for night, but if you have acne-prone skin be cautious with this. You can use the same daytime moisturizer for the evening, especially if it’s formulated with humectants and stable emollients like Elta MD creams are.

FACE OIL 

For those with dry skin, a final layer of face oil will help prevent overnight moisture loss and lock in all of that hydrating goodness from your products. No dry or tight skin when you wake up!

EXTRA TIP:

If you have several steps in your skincare routine, pause for a minute to allow each product time to react with the skin. You can brush your teeth after putting on your serum before adding your moisturizer.

Are you a skincare addict too? What does your skincare routine look like? I would love to know in the comment section below!