Does the Order of Your Skincare Products Really Matter?
In short, yes. Applying your skincare products in the proper order is crucial for getting the results you want. If you don’t layer your products correctly, you could be preventing them from being fully absorbed, or even rendering them ineffective.
At skinometri, our mission is to make effective skincare accessible and easy to understand. This guide will break down the simple, science-backed rules for layering your products to ensure you get the maximum benefit from every step in your routine.
The Golden Rule of Layering: Thinnest to Thickest
The most important rule to remember is to apply your products from the thinnest consistency to the thickest. Think of it this way: thinner, water-based products absorb quickly into the skin, while thicker, oil-based products create a barrier on top.
If you apply a thick cream first, it will block the thinner serums from penetrating your skin, making them far less effective. By following the “thinnest to thickest” rule, you ensure that each product can be properly absorbed.
A Simple 4-Step Skincare Routine Order
Here is a basic, effective framework for your daily routine, recommended by dermatologists [1].
Step 1: Cleanse
Always start with a clean canvas. Cleansing removes dirt, oil, and impurities, allowing the products you apply afterward to work more effectively.
- AM & PM: Use a gentle cleanser to wash your face. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, our Salicylic Acid 2% Clarifying Cleanser can help keep pores clear. For normal to dry skin, our Gentle Hydrating Cleanser is a great choice.
Step 2: Treat (Serums & Toners)
This is the step where you apply your targeted treatments—products with high concentrations of active ingredients that address specific concerns like brightening, hydration, or exfoliation.
- Toner (Optional): If you use an exfoliating toner, apply it after cleansing. Our Fruit AHA 5% Exfoliating Toner helps to remove dead skin cells and prep the skin for your serums.
- Serums: Apply your serums from the thinnest to the thickest. For example, a watery serum like our Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum would go on before a slightly thicker one like our Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum.
Step 3: Moisturize
Moisturizer is essential for every skin type. It hydrates the skin, locks in the benefits of your serums, and helps to maintain a healthy skin barrier.
- AM & PM: Apply a layer of moisturizer over your face and neck. Our Ceramide Barrier Moisturiser is formulated to hydrate, plump, and support your skin’s natural barrier.
Step 4: Protect (Sunscreen in the AM)
This is the most critical step in your morning routine. Sunscreen protects your skin from UV damage, which is the number one cause of premature aging.
- AM Only: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 as the very last step in your skincare routine, before makeup.
Sample AM vs. PM Routines
Here’s how you can put it all together with skinometri products:
Morning Routine (Focus on Protection)
1. Cleanse: Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
2. Treat: Vitamin C 15% Brightening Serum
3. Moisturize: Ceramide Barrier Moisturiser
4. Protect: Your favorite broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen
Evening Routine (Focus on Repair)
1. Cleanse: Salicylic Acid 2% Clarifying Cleanser
2. Treat: Alternate between:
- Night 1 (Exfoliate): Fruit AHA 5% Exfoliating Toner
- Night 2 (Hydrate/Treat): Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum followed by Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum
3. Moisturize: Ceramide Barrier Moisturiser
The Takeaway
Layering your skincare correctly doesn’t have to be complicated. By following the “thinnest to thickest” rule and sticking to a consistent routine, you can ensure that your products are working as effectively as possible to give you the healthy, glowing skin you deserve.
Ready to build your perfect routine? Shop our collection of science-backed essentials now.
References
[1] American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). *Should I apply my skin care products in a certain order?* Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/apply-skin-care-certain-order