Ever wondered what order to put your skincare products on your face? Below is our sample morning and evening skincare routine to show you how we layer everything, along with favorite products!
The golden rule of product layering is applying thinnest to thickest. Why? The more lightweight the product is, the faster it absorbs into the skin.
We personally believe less is more when it comes to skincare, so feel free to adapt this to your daily life. Also, applying your skincare products to damp skin will allow for much better absorption of your skincare products. The goal is to begin applying your skincare within 60 seconds of cleansing. You can also incorporate a hydrating facial mist to dampen the skin prior to application.
Sample Routines for Applying Skincare
Here is an example step-by-step daytime and nighttime skincare routine with products noted in order of how we would apply them! The products that are marked with an asterisk are the core products everyone should be using!
Morning Skincare Routine:
1) Cleanser*: Our favorite cleansers can be found here. If you are prone to dryness, don’t wash your face in the morning and just splash with water. If you are oily or prone to breakouts, we recommend washing your face in the morning.
2) Tone: Hellooo, Toning Pads + Toning Pads II! Toning Pads replace toner and are formulated with some of our favorite acids, antioxidants and soothing ingredients. Every swipe reveals clearer, brighter skin while tackling clogged pores and increasing penetration of your other skincare products, making them more effective.
3) Vitamin C Serum*:Liquid Gold is a multitasking antioxidant powerhouse micro-emulsion designed to penetrate deep into the skin, providing mega antioxidant protection from UV damage, defending against premature aging of skin, while encouraging collagen production and boosting effectiveness of SPF. You’re golden, baby!
4) Serums: Other serums like, Overachiever and Brightening Serum, will be applied after vitamin C serum. Order of application for these two is personal preference!
5) Eye Cream: Our favorite eye cream is DEJ Eye Cream. Read this for more tips on how to treat dark circles.
6) Moisturizer/SPF*: We use Tinted or Sheer Protection SPF as our moisturizer and SPF combo. 2-in-1! For many people, an additional moisturizer is unnecessary, however, if you need additional hydration, apply Hydrating Lotion before SPF, but always, ALWAYS wear SPF!
Evening Skincare Routine:
TIP: Double cleanse at night! Use your cleanser twice, micellar water or a cleansing oil (your preference).
1) Cleanser*: Our favorite cleansers can be found here.
2) Tone: Toning is great for balancing the pH of the skin, improves absorption of skincare products and preps the skin for the products to follow. Toning Pads (II) are formulated with some of our favorite acids, antioxidants and soothing ingredients. Every swipe reveals clearer, brighter skin while tackling clogged pores and increasing penetration of your other skincare products, making them more effective.
3) Vitamin C Serum*:Liquid Gold is a multitasking antioxidant powerhouse micro-emulsion designed to penetrate deep into the skin, providing mega antioxidant protection from UV damage, defending against premature aging of skin, while encouraging collagen production and boosting effectiveness of SPF. Read more about why we recommend using vitamin C twice daily here.
4) Serums: Other serums, like Overachiever and Brightening Serum, will be applied after vitamin C serum. Order of application for these two is personal preference!
5) Eye Cream: Like we mentioned before, our favorite eye cream is DEJ Eye Cream and we recommend applying both morning and night! We also love applying RetinAL Skin Therapy on top of our eye cream at night for added anti-aging benefits.
6) Retinoids: Don’t skip this one! We love RetinAL Skin Therapy. You can read more about what retinoids are and how to use them here.
7) Moisturizer/Facial Oils: We always use Hydrating Lotion to seal in our nighttime skincare routine.
Exceptions to how you layer products:
If you use Revox Line Relaxer, apply it after your skincare pads (toner) and before your vitamin C serum.
If you are experiencing sensitivity around your eyes, apply eye cream right after cleansing before applying any other products.
If you’re using a prescription topical, it generally is the first thing to apply after serums. We always recommend consulting with your prescribing physician.
If you use prescription strength hydroquinone, you would apply it after eye cream.
Using Glow Peel Pads? These will be used 1-3x/week in place of skincare pads/toner. Don’t use any other skincare pads/toner that day and avoid retinoid use that day.
Masks + At-Home Treatments:
If you incorporate masks or at-home treatments into your routine, just make sure you wash your face prior to the treatment. Follow up with the rest of your routine post-mask (but be sure to read usage tips for the specific product as some instructions vary).
That’s it! If it seems like a lot, don’t worry — each of these steps can take seconds to execute. Invest in your skin and years down the road, you’ll be so glad you did!
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Sources:
Indian Dermatology Online Journal, April-June 2013, pages 143-146
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, December 2016, 4(12 Suppl): e1152.
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