Using skincare products is important but putting them on your face in the right order is what makes them work well. A lot of people buy cleansers, serums, moisturizers and sunscreens. They are not sure how to put them on their face.
One easy thing to remember is to put products on your face from the thinnest to the thickest. This helps the lighter products get into your skin before the heavier products make a layer.
Why Putting Skincare Products on Your Face in the Right Order Matters
Each skincare product does something. When you put them on your face in the order they can get into your skin better and do what they are supposed to do.
Putting products on your face in the order helps:
- Get products into your skin better
- Keep your skin hydrated
- Help your skin stay healthy
- Not waste products
- Make your skincare routine easier
If you do not put products on your face in the right order they might not work as well as they should.
Step 1: Clean Your Face
You should always start by cleaning your face.
A cleanser gets rid of:
- Dirt
- Oil
- Sweat
- Makeup
- Bad things in the air
Starting with skin is the best way to get your products to work well. Use a cleanser that is right for your skin and rinse with warm water.
Step 2: Use a Toner
If you use a toner put it on your face right after you clean it.
New toners are often made to:
- Add moisture to your skin
- Make your skin feel fresh
- Get your skin ready for other products
Toners with ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can help your skin stay hydrated.
Step 3: Use an Essence (If You Need To)
If you use an essence put it on your face after the toner.
Essences are products that help add moisture to your skin and get it ready for serums.
You do not have to use an essence. It can be helpful if your skin is dry.
Step 4: Use a Serum
Serums have ingredients that help with specific skincare problems.
There are serums for:
- Hydration
- Making your skin look brighter
- Improving your skin texture
- Anti-aging
Serums are light so you should put them on your face before products.
Let the serum get into your skin for a bit before you move on.
Step 5: Use an Eye Cream (If You Need To)
Eye cream goes on after serum and before moisturizer.
The skin around your eyes is thin and sensitive.
Use a bit and gently tap it around your eyes without pulling your skin.
Step 6: Use a Moisturizer
Moisturizer is one of the important parts of your skincare routine.
It helps:
- Keep your skin hydrated
- Make your skin feel comfortable
- Help your skin stay healthy
- Not lose moisture
Put moisturizer over your face and neck.
Step 7: Use a Facial Oil (If You Need To)
If you use oils they usually go on after moisturizer.
Oils help:
- Keep moisture in your skin
- Add nourishment to your skin
- Make your skin feel soft
Oils are usually heavier than moisturizers so you should put them on your face near the end of your routine.
Step 8: Use Sunscreen (In the Morning)
Sunscreen is always the step in your morning skincare routine.
It helps protect your skin from:
- UV damage
- Getting older fast
- Uneven skin tone
- Bad things in the air
Put sunscreen on your face every day even if it is cloudy.
What Order Should You Put Skincare Products on Your Face In?
A typical morning routine looks like this:
Morning
- Clean your face
- Use a toner
- Use an essence (if you need to)
- Use a serum
- Use an eye cream (if you need to)
- Use a moisturizer
- Use sunscreen
Your nighttime routine is similar but you do not use sunscreen.
Night
- Clean your face
- Use a toner
- Use an essence (if you need to)
- Use a serum
- Use an eye cream (if you need to)
- Use a moisturizer
- Use an oil (if you need to)
At night you can focus on hydrating your skin and helping it recover.
How Long Should You Wait Between Products?
You do not need to wait a time, between each step.
Just:
- Put the product on your face when the last one feels like it has gotten into your skin
- Wait about 30 to 60 seconds
You do not want to put products on your face when it’s too wet unless the product says to.
Common Mistakes When Putting Skincare Products on Your Face
A lot of skincare problems happen because products are not put on the face in the order.
Do not:
- Put moisturizer on your face before serum
- Use sunscreen before moisturizer
- Put oils on your face before products
- Use many active ingredients at once
- Rub products into your skin too hard
Simple routines often work the best.
Do You Need Every Product?
No you do not need to use every skincare product.
For a lot of people a basic routine includes:
- Cleanser
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
You should only add products if they help with a specific skincare problem.
Final Thoughts
Putting skincare products on your face in the order helps each product work well and makes your routine more effective. The general rule is simple: put products on your face first and heavy products last.
If you do the routine every day and put products on your face in the right order you can help your skin stay hydrated, healthy and look its best without making it too complicated.
Disclaimer:
Everyones skin is different so you should always follow the instructions that come with your skincare products.
