When it comes to creating an efficient skin-care routine, the sequence in which you apply your products holds equal significance as the products themselves. Incorrect layering of skin-care products can hinder their penetration and deactivate their components—implying that the outcomes you anticipate from those products might not materialize as expected.
There are several overarching principles to bear in mind when formulating your skin-care routine steps. Firstly, always apply any form of topical medication initially, as it needs to be directly applied to clean skin. Additionally, you typically want to apply products from the lightest to the thickest, as stated by Dr. Robyn Gmyrek, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Imagine it in the same manner as layering clothes—you wouldn't put a tank top over a winter coat, would you?
It's also a favorable notion to wait a few minutes between each product during skin care layering. Ideally, allow each product a solid five minutes to absorb into your skin before applying the next one, according to Dr. Gmryek.
And ultimately, when establishing a favorable skin-care regime, simplicity is key. Instead of behaving like a cosmetic chemist and applying 10 distinct products, each with a separate active ingredient, utilize one or two potent ones that combine multiple ingredients, suggests Dr. Gmyrek. This is the most straightforward way to guarantee that you'll obtain the most desirable results (and avoid irritating your skin).
Keep in mind that regardless of the products you select, you must use them consistently for them to be effective, notes Dr. Janet Allenby, a board-certified dermatologist in Delray Beach, Florida. The more complex the skin-care steps you have to follow, the less inclined you'll be to adhere to them regularly. A straightforward routine, tailored to your skin type and concerns, can be highly effective.
To simplify matters, we've consulted these experts on how to layer skin care like a professional and compiled the ultimate morning and nighttime skin-care routine, along with product recommendations.
Your morning skin-care routine order
Step 1: Cleanser
There's no need to go overboard in search of a cleanser with numerous active ingredients. This step has a brief contact time, meaning that any active substances in the formula won't remain on your skin long enough to have an impact; simple, gentle cleansers are often the most suitable.
If your skin is oily, consider a foaming wash, such as Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel ($43).
For dry or sensitive skin? Dr. Allenby indicates that a creamy, soap-free cleanser, like the cult favorite Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser ($6), is an excellent option.
Step 2: Toner
Both dermatologists we conversed with concurred that this is an optional stage in any skin-care routine. That being said, "Those with oily skin might discover that using a toner after cleansing is an effective means to control excessive oil," remarks Dr. Gmyrek.
Moisten a cotton pad with ClarityRx Fix It 2% Pore Perfecting Solution ($54), which contains oil-reducing salicylic acid, or try the user-friendly HydroPeptide Clarifying Toner Balance and Control Pads ($48), which utilizes gentle, brightening exfoliants, such as azelaic and lactic acids, to eliminate dead skin cells.
Step 3: Medicated Products
This step pertains to both over-the-counter alternatives, such as spot treatments employing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, as well as prescription medications for conditions like acne or rosacea. As mentioned, they need to be applied to clean skin in order to function. Follow the package instructions: some of these products need to be used twice daily, while others should be applied just once.
The significant caution? If you're using prescription products and are under the care of a dermatologist, be certain to discuss your entire skin-care regimen with them, advises Dr. Gmyrek.
Step 4: Eye Cream
The skin in the eye area differs from that on the remainder of your face and has specific requirements, as stated by Dr. Gmyrek, so a dedicated eye cream is a worthy investment. Similarly, consider eye cream as having its own distinct role in your skin-care routine, especially since the other products you're using, generally, shouldn't be applied around your eyes.
To optimally benefit from any therapeutic formula (i.e., one intended to address issues such as fine lines, puffiness, dryness, and dark circles), Dr. Gmyrek suggests applying it directly onto clean skin for maximum penetration and effectiveness. Try the multi-functional ClarityRx Easy On The Eyes Smoothing Cream ($58) or Senté Illuminé Eye Cream ($99), both of which are formulated to address all those issues and more.
Step 5: Antioxidant Serum
Regarding the previous point about applying products from the lightest to the thickest, here's the answer to the common "serum or moisturizer first?" query.
Serums are considerably more lightweight than moisturizers and contain higher concentrations of active ingredients (hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are two of the most prevalent).
Both experts we spoke with agreed that an antioxidant serum is an excellent addition to your morning skin-care routine. These potent ingredients act as an additional layer of protection, safeguarding your skin from environmental stressors like the sun and pollution. Most antioxidants interact well together, so look for a serum that combines several, says Dr. Gmyrek. She recommends that vitamin C, one of her preferred ingredients, be among them. She's a fan of SkinBetter Alto Defense Serum ($155), which contains a considerable 19 antioxidants.
ClarityRx Take Care Daily Antioxidant Serum ($72) is another favorable choice, also boasting a variety of different antioxidants.
Steps 6 & 7: Moisturizer and Sunscreen
Here's where it becomes slightly more complex: whether you apply sunscreen or moisturizer first depends on the type of sunscreen you're using. Physical sunscreens contain minerals that function by resting on the surface of the skin and deflecting UVA and UVB rays, so these need to be the very last products you apply. The minerals need to be directly on top of your skin and not covered by other products in order to provide sun protection, explains Dr. Gmyrek. If you prefer mineral formulas, apply your moisturizer first, then add sunscreen last. Try Senté Invisible Shield Full Physical Broad Spectrum SPF 49 Sunscreen ($38).
If you favor chemical sunscreens, which operate by penetrating into the skin and absorbing UV rays, you should layer them on before the moisturizer. Try Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ ($34).
Wish to simplify things? Dr. Gmyrek states that the best option is to find a dual-purpose, moisturizing sunscreen and combine the two steps. We recommend HydroPeptide Solar Defense Tinted Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($48) for its smooth, hydrating formula and subtle tint.
Your nighttime skin-care routine order
Step 1: Cleanser
It's not a catastrophe if you neglect to wash your face in the morning, but cleansing at night is absolutely essential. Not only do you want to thoroughly remove the makeup, dirt, and oil that have accumulated throughout the day to prevent clogged pores, but you also want to give your skin a fresh start and prepare it for the upcoming products.
Dr. Allenby says that a double cleanse can be useful at night, particularly if you wear a significant amount of makeup. Follow these cleansing steps: Begin with a cleansing oil or balm, such as the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm ($64), to assist in breaking down makeup and larger particles on the skin's surface. Then follow with your regular face wash to actually clean the skin and remove any residue.
Step 2: Toner (and/or Essences or Boosters)
Just as in the morning, toning is an optional step in your nighttime skin-care routine, although it can be an effective way to ensure the skin is thoroughly clean.
This is also the stage where you can utilize boosters and essences, most of which are formulated to add a touch of lightweight hydration (though they should be applied after toner if you are, in fact, using one). Try Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence ($39).
Step 3: Medicated Products
Follow the same guidelines as in the morning, with one notable exception. Benzoyl peroxide, a common acne-fighting ingredient found in both over-the-counter and prescription-strength products, can stain fabric. If you don't want to end up with stained pillowcases and pajamas, reserve it for treating breakouts in the morning.
Step 4: Eye Cream
According to Dr. Gmyrek, it's ideal to apply eye cream both in the morning and at night.
However, if you're attempting to streamline your routine and/or find that eye cream interferes with your makeup, you can use it only in the evening. This is when your skin is in a naturally regenerative state and can best utilize any active ingredients, as stated by Dr. Gmyrek. Once again, ensure it's being applied to freshly cleaned skin.
Step 5: Retinoid or Anti-Aging Treatments
Now is the time to bring in the heavyweights. Your skin defends itself throughout the day as it's bombarded by the sun, pollutants, and more. The evening hours are when it finally gets a break and can shift into an offensive mode to actively reverse any damage; the right topical ingredients can assist it in precisely doing that.
Retinoids are the unrivaled champions of the skin-care world and are always best reserved for nighttime use. Some forms can be deactivated by light, and they also make your skin more vulnerable to the sun. Just ensure your skin is completely dry before applying your retinoid, as applying it to damp skin can increase irritation, advises Dr. Allenby. Try Obagi360 Retinol 1.0 ($74).
If your skin can't tolerate retinoids or you're not using one because you're pregnant or breastfeeding, reach for anti-aging or treatment products that contain other proven ingredients such as peptides, niacinamide, or alpha hydroxy acids. Try Kate Somerville Kx Actives Concentrate Bio-Mimicking Peptide Serum ($98).
Step 6: Moisturizer
This should be the final step in your evening skin-care routine—to seal in all the other products you've just applied and prevent moisture from escaping your skin overnight. Dr. Allenby recommends using a formula that contains occlusive ingredients—petrolatum, dimethicone—which create a barrier on the skin's surface. Try Obagi Hydrate Facial Moisturizer ($51.50). Extra points if your night cream contains ceramides, skin-barrier-strengthening ingredients that will further assist in locking in moisture, says Dr. Gmyrek. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 ($128) contains both.
