What order should I apply skincare products?

Morning: cleanse, treat, moisturize, sunscreen

1. 1Wash with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water, then pat your face dry without rubbing.
2. 2If you use a serum, apply it after cleansing and before moisturizer. A serum is an optional morning step.
3. 3Apply moisturizer next, choosing one that suits your skin type.
4. 4Finish with broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day.
5. 5Apply makeup afterward if you wear it.

Evening: remove, cleanse, treat, moisturize

1. 1If you are wearing makeup, remove it before cleansing. Wipes, micellar water and cleansing balms are options; fragrance free wipes can help avoid irritation.
2. 2Wash with a gentle cleanser after removing makeup.
3. 3Apply any skin medication or targeted treatment right after cleansing.
4. 4If you use a retinoid, keep it to nighttime. Retinoids can irritate skin and make it sensitive to light, so start every three days and increase use as your skin builds tolerance.
5. 5Finish with moisturizer.

How often should I use each step?

Cleanse in the morning and evening; if your skin tends to be dry, one wash a day, preferably in the evening, can be enough. Use moisturizer in both routines and sunscreen every morning. If you will be outside for an extended period, reapply sunscreen every two hours.23

Where do exfoliants and other optional products go?

Use a cleanser or an exfoliant as the first step, not both; skincare does not award bonus points for duplicate opening acts. If you exfoliate, a chemical exfoliant with glycolic acid a couple of times a week is an option. Avoid scrubs, salt or sugar scrubs, charcoal products and specialized brushes, which can irritate skin.2

Use one serum at a time. Vitamin C is an optional morning choice that supports sunscreen but does not replace it. Mixing vitamin C with alpha hydroxy acids can throw off skin pH, so avoid layering them together.2

If you use eye cream, put it after serum and before moisturizer. Face oil goes just before moisturizer; it can be too occlusive and lead to more acne, so reserve it for dry skin.2

How should I introduce products if my skin is sensitive?

Add new products one at a time. If your skin is sensitive, test a small amount behind your ear or along your jawline, then wait a day or two before using it over your whole face.4

Contact dermatitis means skin inflammation after contact with an irritant or allergen. It can cause redness, swelling or intense itching. Strong irritants can trigger a reaction within minutes or hours; an allergic reaction often starts more than 12 hours after contact and peaks around 48 hours. Stop using a product if you develop irritation or a rash, and arrange an appointment with a dermatologist. A product you have used for years can still cause a new reaction.26

Should I apply moisturizer before or after serum?

Apply serum first and moisturizer afterward. Serum follows cleansing; moisturizer comes after it, so a cream does not go underneath the thinner serum layer.2

Does sunscreen go before or after moisturizer?

After moisturizer, as the final skincare step in the morning. Put makeup on afterward. SPF in makeup or moisturizer is not a replacement for a separate facial sunscreen.134

Where does toner go in a skincare routine?

After cleansing and before serum or moisturizer, if you use one. Toner is optional, and some toners can cause dryness or irritation, especially for sensitive skin.24

Should skincare go from thinnest to thickest?

Generally, yes: apply lighter products before heavier ones so a thick cream does not block a thinner serum. The main exception is medication or treatment, which goes right after cleansing. Sunscreen still finishes the morning skincare routine.123