An effective skincare routine doesn't have to be complicated. It simply needs to be consistent. Layering products in the proper order allows each formula the opportunity to absorb and perform as intended, helping you get the most from your skincare investment.
One of the most common questions in skincare is: What goes first: serum, moisturizer, or sunscreen? The answer depends partly on the products you're using, but there are several universal principles that make layering much easier.
No two skincare routines are exactly alike. Your ideal regimen should reflect your skin type, concerns, lifestyle, and the products you've chosen. While some treatments have unique application instructions, following a general layering order will help most products perform more effectively.
As a general rule, apply products from the thinnest, most lightweight textures to the richest and most occlusive. This allows lightweight, water-based formulas to absorb before richer creams and oils create a protective barrier on the skin.
During the day, always finish with sunscreen to help protect your skin from UV damage.
Your Morning Routine, Layer by Layer
Step 1: Cleanse
Start the day by washing away excess oil, perspiration, and impurities that accumulate overnight. Cleansing provides a fresh canvas, allowing the rest of your skincare products to absorb more evenly and perform as intended.
Looking for the right cleanser? Explore our professional facial cleansers designed for every skin type.
Step 2: Toner
If toner is part of your routine, apply it immediately after cleansing. Modern toners can replenish lightweight hydration, refresh the skin, and help prepare it for the products that follow. While this step isn't essential for everyone, it can be beneficial depending on your skin's needs.
Step 3: Serum
Serums contain concentrated active ingredients designed to target specific concerns such as dehydration, uneven skin tone, dullness, or the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Because they're lightweight and formulated for deeper penetration, they should generally be applied before heavier creams.
Find the serum that's right for your skin. Explore our professional facial serums for hydration, brightening, anti-aging, and blemish-prone skin.
Step 4: Eye Cream
The delicate skin around the eyes is naturally thinner than the rest of the face and often shows visible signs of aging first. Applying an eye cream before your moisturizer allows targeted ingredients to absorb into this sensitive area while delivering lasting hydration.
Step 5: Moisturizer
A moisturizer helps reinforce the skin's moisture barrier while locking in hydration from the previous steps. Even oily skin benefits from daily moisturizing, provided you choose a formula that's appropriate for your skin type.
Step 6: Sunscreen
Sunscreen should always be the final step in your morning skincare routine before applying makeup. Daily SPF helps protect against premature aging, discoloration, and UV-related skin damage. Whether it's sunny or overcast, sunscreen remains one of the most valuable investments you can make in your long-term skin health.
Protect your skin every day. Explore our professional broad-spectrum sunscreens.
Preparing Your Skin for Overnight Renewal
Your nighttime routine is focused on removing the day's buildup and supporting your skin's natural overnight renewal process. It's also the ideal time to incorporate treatment products that target specific skin concerns.
Step 1: Remove Makeup and Sunscreen
If you've worn makeup, water-resistant sunscreen, or long-wear cosmetics, begin by removing them before cleansing. This first step helps dissolve stubborn residue so your cleanser can thoroughly clean the skin.
Step 2: Cleanse
Follow with your facial cleanser to remove any remaining dirt, oil, and impurities. Starting with thoroughly cleansed skin allows treatment products to absorb more efficiently.
Step 3: Exfoliate (1–3 Times Per Week)
Chemical or leave-on exfoliants are typically best used in the evening. By removing the buildup of dead skin cells, exfoliation can improve skin texture, promote a brighter-looking complexion, and enhance the absorption of products applied afterward. Most skin types only require exfoliation one to three times each week, although it's important to follow the directions for your specific product.
Looking for the right exfoliant? Browse our professional exfoliation products.
Step 4: Toner
After cleansing, or exfoliating on treatment nights, apply toner if it's part of your regimen. This step can help rebalance the skin while preparing it for the next layers.
Step 5: Treatment Serum
Nighttime is an excellent opportunity to apply treatment-focused serums because the skin naturally undergoes many of its repair processes while you sleep. Whether your goal is to address visible signs of aging, uneven pigmentation, dehydration, or blemishes, applying your serum before moisturizer helps maximize absorption.
Step 6: Eye Cream
Apply your eye cream to provide overnight hydration and targeted care for the delicate eye area.
Support brighter, smoother-looking eyes. Discover our professional eye care products.
Step 7: Moisturizer or Night Cream
Finish your routine with a moisturizer or a nourishing night cream to help seal in hydration and support your skin's overnight recovery.
Why Skincare Layering Matters
Applying your skincare products in the correct order helps each formula absorb properly so it can deliver its intended benefits. When each product is applied in the right sequence, you're giving its active ingredients the best opportunity to perform as intended.
While the perfect routine will vary based on your skin's unique needs and the products you use, following a consistent layering order can help you get the most from every step.
The best skincare routine is one you can maintain every day. Choose products that support your skin goals, follow the directions provided with each formula, and give your routine time to work.
With consistency and the right approach, healthy-looking, balanced skin is built one day at a time.
