How do I layer skincare products?

A simple order for morning and night

1. 1Cleanse with a gentle cleanser and pat your skin dry. At night, remove makeup first if you wear any.
2. 2Apply skin medicine or another treatment right after cleansing. If you use a serum too, apply it after cleansing and before moisturizer.
3. 3Apply moisturizer after your treatment or serum. Use it in the morning and evening if it is part of your routine.
4. 4In the morning, apply sunscreen after your other skin care products, then makeup if you wear it.
5. 5In the evening, use a retinoid, a vitamin A based skin treatment, instead of a serum, then apply moisturizer.

If you use an exfoliant, treat it as the first cleansing step: use it instead of a cleanser, not in addition to one. A glycolic acid chemical exfoliant is one option; a dermatologist suggests using one a couple of times a week rather than harsh scrubs or tools.2

Should I apply skincare from thinnest to thickest?

Usually, yes: put thinner leave on products, such as a serum, before a thicker cream so the serum can penetrate better, which leaves bottle design with no say in the running order. Texture does not change the treatment order, though: skin medicine still goes right after cleansing, before moisturizer.12

Can I layer two serums?

Use one serum at a time as the simple default, which keeps the serum shelf from turning into a committee. Serums are optional, and a second bottle is not automatically a useful extra; using too many products can irritate skin. If you want to try another serum, introduce it separately so you can tell how your skin responds.12

What products should not be layered together?

Keep a vitamin C serum separate from an alpha hydroxy acid exfoliant, such as glycolic acid: together they can throw off skin pH. Alpha hydroxy acid products can be alternated with retinoid creams and vitamin C, so use them on separate occasions rather than in the same routine. Retinoids belong at night because sunlight can deactivate them and cause irritation.25

Where do optional products go?

• Toner is optional. If you use one, put it after cleansing; it can dry or irritate sensitive skin.
• A spot treatment containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide goes after cleansing. Wear sunscreen, since these treatments can sometimes increase sensitivity to sunlight.
• Eye cream goes after serum and before moisturizer. The skin around the eyes can be sensitive, so moisturizer may be a simpler choice.
• Face oil goes just before moisturizer. It can be too occlusive and contribute to acne, so it is mainly an option for dry skin.

How long should I wait between skincare layers?

For a retinoid, wait 20 to 30 minutes after washing your face before applying it. If it is too drying, apply moisturizer right after washing, then wait 20 to 30 minutes before the retinoid. If you use an emollient, a moisturizing treatment, with a steroid cream or another treatment for a skin condition, leave 20 to 30 minutes between them and ask a doctor which one goes first.46

How should I introduce a new product?

Introduce one new product at a time. If your skin is sensitive, test a pea sized amount behind your ear or along your jawline and wait a day or two before using it across your face. Stop using a product if it irritates your skin. Make an appointment with a dermatologist if you develop skin irritation; people with a skin condition affecting their quality of life, such as eczema or rosacea, should also see a dermatologist.34

How long before I can tell whether a product is working?

Use a new product consistently for at least 30 days before judging whether it is working, unless irritation means you should stop sooner. Acne treatments can take at least 4 to 6 weeks to start making a noticeable difference.47

What if I am pregnant or use prescription treatment?

Alpha hydroxy acid preparations are safe to use in pregnancy. Some acne treatments require a doctor's prescription and discussion to check they are safe to use, so check with the clinician managing a prescription rather than changing its order yourself.57