You do not need two elaborate routines or an expensive collection of products. Choose products for your skin's needs, then add a treatment only for something you want to address, such as dryness, acne or fine lines.3

What should I do in the morning?

  1. 1Cleanse gently. Use lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser, massage with your fingertips, rinse, and pat dry rather than rubbing. Avoid scrubbing your face clean.
  2. 2Apply an optional treatment. A vitamin C serum can help protect against environmental damage and improve collagen production. Apply a thin serum after cleansing and before a thicker moisturizer. Vitamin C supports sun protection; it does not replace sunscreen.
  3. 3Moisturize. A moisturizer helps keep water from escaping your skin. This step is useful alongside products that cause dryness, including retinol.
  4. 4Finish skincare with sunscreen. Choose broad spectrum protection, SPF 30 or higher, and water resistance. Apply it before going outdoors, covering your face, neck and ears. Apply makeup afterward, if you wear it.
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A separate facial sunscreen is a straightforward choice rather than relying on SPF in foundation or concealer. A moisturizer with sunscreen can also work as a combined step. When you are outside for an extended period, reapply sunscreen every two hours. Sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer, sun related aging and worsening brown spots.25

What should I do at night?

  1. 1Remove makeup if needed. Most cleansers do not remove all makeup, so use a makeup remover first when necessary. If you use makeup wipes, choose fragrance free ones.
  2. 2Wash gently. Evening cleansing removes makeup and grime that have settled on your skin during the day. Use a cleanser suited to your skin type, without abrasive scrubbing.
  3. 3Apply your treatment. The general order is medication or treatment after cleansing, followed by moisturizer. Retinol and other retinoids, which are vitamin A derivatives, belong in the nighttime routine.
  4. 4Finish with moisturizer. If treatment leaves your skin dry, a moisturizer containing ceramides or hyaluronic acid can help. Leave sunscreen out of your bedtime routine.
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Retinoids can improve wrinkles, sun spots and skin texture with regular use. If you are starting retinol, begin every third night with a pea sized amount over your face. Increase toward nightly use as your skin tolerates it, watching for redness, significant peeling or irritation. Prescription retinoids are stronger options to discuss with your doctor.5

What if my skin is dry or sensitive?

If your skin tends to be dry, cleansing once daily, preferably in the evening, can be enough. Warm water alone can work if your skin is not oily. Choose a mild cleanser and avoid alcohol containing toners.235

Introduce new products one at a time. For sensitive skin, test a pea sized dot behind your ear along the jawline and wait a day or two before applying it across your face. Choose gentle products and avoid heavy fragrance. If a product causes skin irritation, stop using it and make an appointment with a dermatologist.12

Using several products, especially multiple products targeting signs of aging, can irritate skin and make those signs more noticeable. More bottles do not automatically make a better routine, even if the shelf looks impressively employed.6

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1The Correct Order for Skin Care Productshealth.clevelandclinic.org
  2. 2Facebookhealth.clevelandclinic.org
  3. 3Daily skin care in 3 simple stepshealth.harvard.edu
  4. 410 skin care secrets for healthier-looking skinaad.org
  5. 5Winning the skin gamehealth.harvard.edu
  6. 6Should I apply my skin care products in a certain order?aad.org