What Order Should I Follow for My Skin Care Routine?

Crafting an effective skincare routine is all about knowing the order in which to use products. The correct sequence ensures that each product penetrates properly and works as intended. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, understanding the "why" behind each step will help you achieve the glowing, healthy skin you desire.

 

Why Does the Order of Your Skincare Routine Matter?

Your skin is a highly complex organ with layers that absorb products differently. Lightweight products like serums and toners absorb best when applied first, while heavier products like moisturizers and oils should come later to lock in hydration. Incorrect layering can block absorption, reduce efficacy, and sometimes cause irritation.

 

For example:

• Applying an oil before a water-based serum can create a barrier, preventing the serum from penetrating.
• Using sunscreen before a moisturizer could dilute your sunscreen’s protective layer.

 

Think of your routine as building a house: a strong foundation supports everything above it. In this case, cleansing and prepping your skin is the base, followed by targeted treatments and protection.

 

Morning Skincare Routine: Prepping for the Day

Mornings are about protecting your skin from environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution. Following this skincare routine order, to use products ensures your skin stays hydrated and protected throughout the day.

Here are product types and how to use each:

 

Oil-Based Cleanser

Even if you didn’t wear makeup overnight, your skin still produces oils and accumulates impurities. Oil-based cleansers gently dissolve sebum and residue without stripping your skin. Look for cleansers with nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil or grapeseed oil.

One example we recommend is Dr Botanicals face oil

 

Dr. Botanicals Moroccan Rose Facial Oil 

 

 

The Moroccan Rose Facial Serum is a potent anti-aging elixir enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Argan Oil, and Rose Oil. This formula helps improve skin suppleness, brighten complexion, soften the appearance of wrinkles, deeply hydrate the skin, and provide intense moisturization. Experience comprehensive anti-aging benefits for a more youthful and vibrant look.

 

 

 

Water-Based Cleanser

Double cleansing is a staple in many skincare routines because it ensures your skin is completely clean. A gentle, water-based cleanser removes water-soluble debris and prepares your skin for treatments. Tip: Choose a cleanser suited to your skin type—for instance, gel cleansers for oily skin or creamy cleansers for dry skin.

Happy Paul is a great example and top brand in the U.K. available in the U.S. through our website.

 

 Happy Paul Face Cleanser

 

Start each day bright to focus on what lies ahead. A light, gentle cleanser containing plant-derived actives to help skin feel softer, fresher and calmer. Result - a more radiant you.

 

 

 

 

 

Toner or Astringent

Toners restore your skin’s pH balance, which may be disrupted by cleansing. Hydrating toners are ideal for dry or sensitive skin, while astringents (with ingredients like witch hazel) can help oily or acne-prone skin. Did you know? Toners can also enhance the absorption of serums and moisturizers that follow.

Here is a perfect option from Belé Cosmetics based in Italy and available through our store.

 

Belé Wow Moisturizing Face Toner 

 

This facial toner delivers intense hydration and revitalizing effects. Enriched with apricot extracts, it provides the skin with a refreshing sensation, leaving it instantly more hydrated and smooth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Antioxidant Serum

Antioxidants like vitamin C and E combat free radicals caused by pollution and sunlight. They brighten your skin tone and strengthen your skin barrier. Apply a few drops and gently pat them into your skin.

 

Notorious07 Advanced+ Eye Serum 30 ml

 

 

The eyes are the window to the soul. And perpetually-tired eyes send the wrong message! Give your appearance a powerful boost with a formulation that takes years off your face by brightening and tightening the skin around the eyes.

We created our Advanced Eye Serum to target the undereye area–the place most of us start to show our age first. But we aren’t stuck with bags, dark circles, and fine lines.

 

 

 

Spot Treatment

If you struggle with acne or hyperpigmentation, now is the time to apply targeted treatments. Use a product with salicylic acid for acne or hydroquinone for dark spots. Remember to apply it sparingly, only on affected areas.

 

 

 

Eyetitude Clear Skin On-The-Go Zit Zapper

Clear Skin On-The-Go Zit Zapper will be your favorite travel item!

Heal your blemishes and pimples quickly with this anti-bacterial/anti-inflammatory stick.

This powerful stick will surely zap your pimples and blemishes quickly ensuring your skin is healed before leaving any scars.

 

 

 

Eye Cream

The skin around your eyes is thinner and more prone to showing signs of aging, such as fine lines and puffiness. An eye cream with peptides, caffeine, or hyaluronic acid can hydrate and reduce under-eye darkness.

  

 

Eyetitude NoCrowZ Retinol Eye Cream

Your Solution For: Youthful Looking Eye Area + Visible Reduction in Lines and Wrinkles & Repair of Sun Damage

 

 

 

 

Lightweight Face Oil

This step is optional for morning routines but can provide extra hydration, especially for dry skin types. Choose a non-greasy oil like squalane that won’t interfere with your sunscreen.

 

Moisturizer

A good moisturizer locks in hydration and provides a smooth base for makeup. For oily skin, opt for gel-based formulas, while dry skin thrives with rich, creamy moisturizers.

 

 Sunscreen

This is arguably the most critical step in your morning routine. Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, preventing premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer.

Pro Tip: Use at least a nickel-sized amount and reapply every two hours if you’re exposed to the sun.

 

 

Explore a fresh approach to sun care with Sun Drops SPF 30+ Sunscreen Oil. This innovative formula, boasting a silky serum texture, provides advanced SPF 50+ shielding.  Embrace a lightweight finish that amplifies your skin's natural radiance, leaving behind the white cast.

 

 

 

 

 

 Foundation or Makeup

If you wear makeup, ensure your skin is fully prepped. A well-moisturized face and properly applied sunscreen will make your foundation glide on smoothly.

 

 

This ultra-pigmented, creamy foundation is ideal for keeping skin matte throughout the day. It evens out the complexion and effectively hides imperfections.

 

 

 

 

 

Evening Skincare Routine: Repair and Rejuvenate

Your nighttime routine is all about giving your skin the tools to repair itself while you sleep. Following this skincare routine order to use products ensures your skin gets the most out of each product.

 

Oil-Based Makeup Remover 

Start with an oil cleanser and sunscreen to break down stubborn makeup. Look for emulsifying formulas that rinse clean without leaving residue.

 

Water-Based Cleanser

A second cleanse ensures every trace of dirt and makeup is removed. This step prevents clogged pores and prepares your skin for deeper treatment.

 

Exfoliator or Clay Mask

Exfoliating 2–3 times a week with a gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant (like glycolic acid) removes dead skin cells and brightens your complexion. Clay masks can draw out impurities and tighten pores.

 

 

When Creamy Mud Pore Clarifying & Minimizing Mask

Made with Pure Amazonian Clay and a gentle creamy texture to deeply cleanse and clarify pores & whiteheads without drying or cracking on the skin. Natural Peppermint Essential Oil and Tannin Pore Complex will also help to cool and tighten pores, leaving skin feeling refreshed.

 

 

 

Toner or Hydrating Mist

A toner or mist replenishes moisture and soothes the skin after cleansing. Look for calming ingredients like aloe vera or rose water.

 

 

Acid Treatment

Acid treatments like lactic acid or retinol work to improve texture, minimize fine lines, and treat discoloration. Use them sparingly, as overuse can irritate the skin.

 

 

Serums and Essences

These concentrated treatments target specific concerns. Apply serums containing active ingredients like niacinamide for redness, hyaluronic acid for hydration, or peptides for firmness.

 

 

 

Dr. Botanicals Hyaluronic Acid 5% & Niacinamide 5% Eye Serum 

Our Hyaluronic Acid & Niacinamide Eye Serum is a powerful anti-aging formula that revitalizes your skin for a more youthful and radiant appearance. With 5% Hyaluronic Acid, it helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, while 5% Niacinamide targets enlarged pores. The addition of Lactic Acid exfoliates the skin, improving texture for a smoother and healthier complexion.

 

 

Spot Treatment

If needed, reapply spot treatments to acne or dark spots. These should always be applied before heavier creams or oils.

 

 Hydrating Serum or Mask

A hydrating serum or overnight mask gives your skin an extra moisture boost while you sleep. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are great for locking in hydration.

 

 

Evenswiss Rich Regenerating Cream

RICH REGENERATING CREAM supports hydration of the skin and thanks to the combination of natural ingredients and DERMATOPOIETIN®-PLUS it helps to increase skin thickness and smoothness.

 

 

 

 Eye Cream

Nighttime is ideal for using richer eye creams that deeply hydrate and repair the delicate skin around your eyes.

 

 

Evenswiss Rejuvenating Eye Complex

REJUVENATING EYE COMPLEX fights eye contour concerns such as dark-circles, puffiness and fine lines. Reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles, helps to prevent dark-circles and puffiness and delivers a visible lift.

Increases the quantity of collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin by 90% in a few days. Acts through a patented signal effect without skin penetration.

Face Oil

A heavier face oil at night helps seal in hydration and nourishes your skin barrier. Oils like rosehip or argan are ideal for dry or aging skin.

 

 

 Night Cream or Sleep Mask

Finish your routine with a nourishing night cream or an overnight sleep mask. These products support skin regeneration and ensure you wake up with a fresh, glowing complexion.

 

De Soap Boutique Intensive Night Cream

At night, the skin heals and replenishes itself. The necessary vitamins and all-natural elements in our Intensive Night Cream are deposited overnight, allowing them to be absorbed and used. Retinol is an important component of every adult skincare regimen. It inhibits the natural aging process of the skin since it is a pure form of Vitamin A. Moisture-binding Hyaluronic Acid, youth-boosting Resveratrol, and smoothing Vitamin E are among the other essential components.

 

 

Skincare FAQs

What Routine Should I Follow for Dry Skin?

For dry skin, focus on layering hydrating products and sealing in moisture. Avoid harsh cleansers and exfoliants, and look for rich moisturizers and oils with ingredients like ceramides or shea butter.

 

At What Age Should You Start a Skincare Routine?

It’s never too early to start caring for your skin. Teenagers should begin with cleansing and sunscreen, while more targeted treatments can be introduced in your 20s as needed.

 

What Is the Best Basic Skincare Routine?

A simple routine includes:

1. Cleanser: To remove dirt and impurities.
2. Moisturizer: To hydrate and protect the skin barrier.
3. Sunscreen: To prevent UV damage.

This streamlined routine works for beginners or anyone short on time.

 

Knowing the correct skincare routine order to use products is vital for achieving your best skin. By layering your products thoughtfully and adapting your routine to your skin type, you’ll maximize the benefits of your efforts. Whether you’re building a minimal routine or indulging in a multi-step regimen, consistency and care will lead to healthy, glowing skin.