Achieving healthy and glowing skin is about more than just picking the right skincare products, but also about using them in the right order. Properly layering your skincare ensures each product works as it should and penetrates the skin effectively. Whether you're dealing with dryness, acne, or just want to maintain a radiant complexion, knowing how to layer your skincare products makes all the difference.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to mastering the art of layering skincare and how long you should wait in between skincare steps.
What Is The Correct Order For Skincare Products?
Applying skincare in the wrong order can cause products to pile up, reduce absorption, or even irritate your skin. First, start with the lightest textures such as serums, and end with heavier products like moisturizers. Think of it as dressing your skin⎯adding the lightest layers first before heavier layers seal everything in.
Step-by-Step Guide to Layering Skincare Products
Step 1: Cleanse Your Skin
Before applying any products, you want a clean face. Use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, makeup, and debris from your skin. A clean surface helps the products you apply fully absorb.
Cleanser By Skin Type
- Oily skin⎯Opt for gel-based cleansers or ones with salicylic acid to combat excess oil and clear out pores. We recommend Environ’s Botanical Infused Sebu-Wash Gel Cleanser and Augustinus Bader's Cleansing Gel.
- Dry skin⎯Choose a hydrating cream or oil-based cleanser to prevent stripping your skin of moisture. We recommend the Vintner’s Daughter Active Renewal Cleanser and Environ’s Pre-Cleansing Oil.
- Combination skin⎯Use a balanced cleanser that gently removes excess oil from the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) without drying out areas that are drier like the cheeks. We recommend using Biologique Recherche’s Lait E.V.
- Sensitive skin⎯Use a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free cleanser to avoid irritation. We recommend Environ’s Mild Cleansing Lotion.
Shop our recommended cleansers.
Step 2: Toner
Toners help prep your skin by balancing its pH and delivering an initial layer of hydration. If you’re using an exfoliating toner with AHAs or BHAs, limit it to nighttime use to avoid over-exfoliation.
Toner By Skin Type
- Oily skin⎯Control excess oil, unclog pores, prevent breakouts with toners that have salicylic acid or niacinamide in them. We recommend Environ’s Botanical Infused Sebu-Tone Clarifier.
- Dry skin⎯Choose a toner with hyaluronic acid or glycerin to hydrate your skin. We recommend Environ’s CQuence Vita-Peptide Toner.
- Combination skin⎯Look for alcohol-free formulas that contain a mix of oil-controlling and hydrating ingredients.
- Sensitive skin⎯Use gentle, non-irritating, alcohol-free toners that help soothe, hydrate, and strengthen the skin's barrier. Look for toners with calming ingredients and minimal additives.
Step 3: Serums
Serums are the powerhouse of any skincare routine. They’re packed with active ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid aimed at tackling specific skin concerns.
Serum By Skin Type
- Oily skin⎯If you have oily skin, the best serums are lightweight, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores), and formulated to control excess oil, prevent breakouts, and balance sebum production without stripping your skin.
- Dry skin⎯For dry skin, use serums with hyaluronic acid or peptides for hydration.
- Combination skin⎯The best serums are those that balance oil, hydrate dry areas, and soothe sensitivity without being too heavy or too drying.
- Sensitive skin⎯Use serums with a calming effect, like centella asiatica or chamomile extract.
Step 4: Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is thin and delicate, making it prone to signs of aging. Gently pat an eye cream to hydrate and protect this area. It’s best to use your ring finger to apply eye cream, as it applies the least pressure on this delicate skin.
Shop our recommended eye creams.
Step 5: Moisturizer
Seal in all these products with a moisturizer. It locks active ingredients in place and prevents water loss from your skin.
Moisturizer By Skin Type
- Oily skin⎯Use lightweight, gel-based moisturizers.
- Dry skin⎯Opt for richer, cream-based formulas to combat flakiness.
- Combination skin⎯Apply a lightweight moisturizer across your T-zone and a thicker one on drier areas.
- Sensitive skin⎯For sensitive skin, a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer that soothes, hydrates, and strengthens your skin barrier without irritating ingredients is best for this skin type.
Shop our recommended moisturizers.
Step 6: Sunscreen
Never skip this step, even if it’s cloudy outside! Sunscreen acts as your skin’s armor, protecting it from harmful UV rays. It’s important to apply sunscreen throughout the day, especially if you’re outside. Shop our recommended sunscreens.
Why You Need A Personalized Skincare Routine
A personalized skincare routine is important because everyone’s skin is unique and what works for one person may not work for another. Factors like skin type, age, environment, lifestyle, and specific concerns such as acne, dryness, sensitivity, or pigmentation all play a role in determining what your skin needs. A skincare routine tailored to your skin type helps target those specific concerns more effectively, to ensure that you’re the right ingredients and products in the right order.
Reserve an appointment so we can build your personalized skincare routine today!
