Your Skincare Routine Order Explained:

How TF to Apply Your Products

Yup, this is about to revolutionize your freaking face.

by CHLOE METZGER
 SEP 14, 2020

According to a recent study I just made up, 100 percent of

you have no freaking idea what to do with the massive
number of skincare products sitting in your bathroom (hey,
the data. doesn't. lie.). At least once a week, I get a late-night
text from a friend frantically asking about the correct order
to apply skincare products. Like, what comes
first, serum or toner? Or, wait, face oil? Is that before or
after moisturizer? What about face masks? OH,
and RETINOL. WHAT ABOUT THE RETINOL.
Listen, I get it. It’s not like we’re born with an innate
knowledge of what order to apply skincare products. And
though it may seem like a "whatever works! You do you,
boo!" situation, it's...not. At all. Because if you don’t layer
your products in the right way, or if you use the wrong
moisturizer with, say, the wrong toner, you could either
render them totally ineffective or, worse: hard-core
irritate your face.
This content is imported from {embed-name}. You may be
able to find the same content in another format, or you may
be able to find more information, at their web site.
But don’t freak—I spend my life reciting the skincare
product steps like the commandments, and now I shall
impart my ~holy~ wisdom onto you. Below, I broke down
the correct order to apply your skincare, the steps you can
definitely skip, and the best products for your exact skin
type. Wow, we better be best friends after all this.
Let’s begin.

Pin it, save it, screenshot it, memorize it, whatever. Just get
it into your brain, and then read our breakdown and product
recommendations, below.
JOHN FRANCIS
 ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

Step 1: Cleanser

.
Please, for the love of the beauty gods, remove your
makeup and wash your face before slathering on your
products. “For ingredients to properly absorb, you
need clean skin that’s totally free of oil and grime,”
says dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical
professor at Yale School of Medicine.
Which means if you want to do things right—and, like, why
you here if not tho?—skip the makeup wipes (they’re
irritating and leave behind a layer of gunky residue that can
break you out) and opt for a cleansing oil, which dissolves all
makeup without stripping your skin. Then follow up with a
gentle, creamy cleanser (especially if you have acne-prone
skin). And don’t complain about this being a two-step
process—it’s one of the only required steps in this
entire routine. Not even a little sorry.
↠ Not sure where sheet masks come in? Right here.

Use masks on clean skin, then pat on the excess serum

left behind, or lightly rinse your skin with water before

moving on to your toner, serum, or moisturizer.

Your Step 1 Cleansers:

CLEANSING OIL BALM

Nyakio Sweet Almond Cleansing Oil Balm
target.com
$25.49
SHOP NOW

CLEANSING OIL
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
amazon.com
$27.50
SHOP NOW
 FACE WASH
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
Sephora
$7.90
SHOP NOW
 FACE WASH
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
amazon.com
$8.22
SHOP NOW
Also Available At:
WALMART

Step 2: Toner
.
Back in the day, toners were these alcohol-based liquids that
irritated the hell out of your face and left you stinging.
But today’s toners are filled with either gentle,
hydrating ingredients to coddle dry skin or
chemical exfoliants to treat acne. “They’re not meant to
be something that sits around on your skin and feels heavy,”
says Dr. Gohara. “They’re essentially just priming your face
for ingredients to be better absorbed later on.”
↠ Not sure where essences come in? Toners and

essences are pretty interchangeable in their

consistencies, so if you're looking for where TF to use

your essence, use it here (instead of a toner).

Not sure which of the million toners to try? Welp:

 IF YOU’VE GOT ACNE…
Look for a toner filled with either BHA (beta hydroxy acid,
like salicylic acid) or AHA (alpha hydroxy acid, like glycolic
acid or lactic acid), which work to unclog pores,
prevent breakouts, and dissolve blackheads over time. If
you’ve got dry skin, try water-soluble AHAs, and if
you’ve got oily skin, stick with oil-soluble BHAs.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
After cleansing, tap them over clean, dry skin every other
night (or every other morning, if you plan to use a retinol at
night), then wait a full five minutes—or, at the very least,
until they dry—before applying anything else or you’ll
accidentally neutralize the acids before they work their
magic.
IF YOU’VE GOT ANY OTHER SKIN TYPE…
You can opt for a hydrating toner, which helps replenish any
water your skin barrier lost when you washed and dried
your face. After cleansing, tap one over your clean, dry skin
every morning or every night or both: “There’s no such
thing as too much moisture, regardless of your skin
type,” says Dr. Gohara. Basically, moisture makes your face
happy. Make your face happy, k?
Your Step 2 Toners:
 ACNE (OILY SKIN)
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid
amazon.com
$27.55
SHOP NOW
Also Available At:
NORDSTROMDERMSTORE
 ACNE (DRY SKIN)
Peach & Lily The Good Acids Pore Toner
Ulta Beauty
$39.00
SHOP NOW
 HYDRATING
Awakening Milk & Honey Toner
yelleskincare.com
$26.00
SHOP NOW
 HYDRATING
Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
amazon.com
$23.00
$16.72 (27% off)
SHOP NOW
Also Available At:
WALMART

Step 3: Serum
.
Ah, serums—you’ve seen them, you’ve probably got some
sitting in your cabinet, and you’re not totally sure what to do
with them. You’re not alone. “Serums are essentially
just shots of extremely concentrated nutrients,
hydrators, and antioxidants that really amp up your
skin health as soon as you apply them,” says Dr. Gohara.
“People often skip out on using them, but they’re honestly
the heavy lifters of your skincare routine.” Basically, think of
toners like a sip of beer, and serums like a straight shot of
tequila.
IN THE MORNING…
Dr. Gohara (and every other derm in existence) swears
by vitamin C serum, which protects your skin from the
inflammation and damage caused by free radicals during the
day while also brightening skin and lightening dark spots
over time. It’s really the MVP of skincare ingredients, buuut
it’s also a little strong. So if your skin is sensitive, use it
every other morning instead of daily.
AT NIGHT…
Opt for a serum filled with hyaluronic acid, which pulls
water from the air into your skin to plump it up and keep it
hydrated while you sleep. “If you’re using acne treatments or
anti-aging products, which can be drying and irritating, you
want to prep your skin with as much moisture as possible
first,” says Shereene Idriss, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist in
NYC.
Your Step 3 Serums:
 A.M.
Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
amazon.com
$27.19
SHOP NOW

A.M.
Epi Logic Daily Dose Vitamin C Serum
epilogicskincare.com
$110.00
SHOP NOW
 P.M.
The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Sephora
$7.99
SHOP NOW
 P.M.
Cosmedica Hyaluronic Acid Serum
amazon.com
$14.99
SHOP NOW
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

Step 4: Eye creams

.
Eye creams tend to be lighter and thinner than face
moisturizers, so make sure to apply them before you slather
on your creams and oils. “The rule of thumb when
applying skincare is to apply the lightest first and
the heaviest last, since thinner products can’t penetrate
thicker products,” says Dr. Idriss. Yeah, it’s annoying how
much this all makes sense now, isn’t it?
IN THE MORNING…
Look for an eye cream that has a rollerball applicator (“the
cold steel ball helps a bit with fluid retention—aka under-eye
bags—especially if you keep the cream in the fridge between
uses,” says Dr. Gohara) and a formula filled with caffeine,
which helps temporarily constrict and tighten puffy under-
eyes within 20 minutes.
AT NIGHT…
“Most people think their night eye cream has to contain
some sort of retinol to help with fine lines, but in
reality, your eye area is delicate and at risk for
rashes and irritation, so you want to be gentle,” says
Dr. Gohara. “Instead, tap on a simple, hydrating eye cream
that’ll protect your under-eyes and repair your skin barrier
overnight.”
Yes, you can—and should!—use a retinol around your eyes,
but “it’s better to apply retinoids to your whole face rather
than to just spot-treat parts of it,” she says. (Don’t worry,
retinol options will come later on.)
Your Step 4 Eye Creams:
 A.M.
Clinique All About Eyes Serum
Sephora
$34.00
SHOP NOW
Also Available At:
WALMARTNORDSTROM

A.M.
BeautyStat Universal C Eye Perfector
skinstore.com
$48.75
SHOP NOW
Also Available At:
NORDSTROMLOOKFANTASTIC
 P.M.
Youth to the People Dream Eye Cream
Sephora
$48.00
SHOP NOW
 P.M.
Olay Brightening Eye Cream
amazon.com
$24.99
$18.99 (24% off)
SHOP NOW
Also Available At:
WALMARTBED BATH & BEYOND

Step 5: Spot treatments

.
Ideally, you’d apply your spot treatments (whether they’re
for zits, scars, or dark spots) at night because that’s when
your body’s working hardest to repair itself. But if
you’ve already used an acne-fighting toner and/or you’re
planning to layer on a retinol, try spot-treating in the
morning instead so you don’t irritate your skin. Regardless
of when you apply them, make sure to tap them
on before your moisturizer so they can really penetrate your
skin and do their thang without having another barrier to
penetrate.
FOR DARK SPOTS AND ACNE SCARS…
Dr. Idriss recommends using a spot treatment with either
hydroquinone (a skin-bleaching ingredient that works fast
but can be irritating on anyone with
even slightly sensitive skin) or niacinamide (aka
vitamin B3), which gently brightens marks and scars over
time. Niacinamide can be used daily—most formulas won’t
cause irritation—but hydroquinone should be used every
other day (or every three days) until you know how your
skin responds to it.
FOR PIMPLES…
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
Dr. Gohara stands by tried-and-true benzoyl
peroxide and salicylic acid (but not together, unless you
want to irritate your skin). Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-
causing bacteria—use it for classic whiteheads—and salicylic
acid dissolves oil and skin cells (use it for little clogged pores
and inflamed bumps).
Regardless of which you choose, the application is the same:
Dab a thin layer (seriously—more isn’t merrier here) over
your spot or zit, then wait at least a full minute for it to dry.
Then, to prevent the treatment from getting wiped
around your face, apply your
moisturizer around the spots first. When your face is
covered, tap a layer of moisturizer directly over the spot
treatment to seal it in without sliding it around.
Your Step 5 Spot Treatments:
 DARK SPOTS (NIACINAMIDE)
Peter Thomas Roth Niacinamide Treatment
Sephora
$88.00
SHOP NOW
 DARK SPOTS (HYDROQUINONE)
Urban Rx Even Tone Night Treatment
dermstore.com
$68.00
SHOP NOW
 PIMPLES (BENZOYL PEROXIDE)
Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Spot Gel
amazon.com
SHOP NOW
 PIMPLES (SALICYLIC ACID)
Peace Out Salicylic Acid Acne Serum
Peace Out
$34.00
SHOP NOW

Step 6: Moisturizer
.
You need to be using a moisturizer. Always. No matter what.
I don’t care if your skin is hella oily or easily broken out or
sad or scared (there’s a formula for you! Promise!) because
it’s the only thing that’ll keep your skin barrier—aka the very
temperamental thing responsible for making your face look
good—healthy. Plus, “a moisturizer not only infuses your
skin with hydration but also helps trap in all the
products underneath it to make the ingredients
even more effective,” says Dr. Idriss.
IN THE MORNING…
Look for a light, gentle, hyaluronic-based moisturizer, which
will keep skin hydrated without feeling heavy or greasy. And
ideally, get a formula with a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 in
it, especially if you’re not planning to slather on a separate
sunscreen later. Whichever you choose, let it sink in for at
least a full five minutes before applying makeup (if,
you know, this is the end of your skincare routine, and
makeup is your next step).
AT NIGHT…
“Your skin goes into repair mode at night, working extra
hard to fix damage and boost regeneration,” says Dr.
Gohara. “So your night moisturizer should be filled
with all of the things your body naturally produces
and can use more of, like hyaluronic acid, lipids, and
proteins.” You can also tiptoe into the retinol game by using
an anti-aging night cream, which has a “watered-down” dose
of retinoids that tend to be gentler, especially on sensitive
skin.
Your Step 6 Moisturizers:
 A.M. (DRY TO "NORMAL" SKIN)
No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Day Cream SPF 30
amazon.com
$22.20
SHOP NOW
Also Available At:
ULTA BEAUTY
 A.M. ("NORMAL" TO OILY SKIN)
Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Facial Moisturizer
amazon.com
$13.97
SHOP NOW
Also Available At:
WALMARTBED BATH & BEYOND
 P.M. (DRY TO "NORMAL" SKIN)
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
skinceuticals.com
$128.00
SHOP NOW
 P.M. ("NORMAL" TO OILY SKIN)
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream
amazon.com
$22.10
$13.98 (37% off)
SHOP NOW
Also Available At:
OVERSTOCK
 
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

Step 7: Retinol
.
“Retinoids—the general term for vitamin A derivatives, like
retinol and adapalene—sink into your skin to speed up cell
turnover, causing your body to churn out fresher,
smoother, less wrinkled skin over time,” says Dr.
Gohara, noting that you’ll see results within four to six
months of consistent use (sorry, but good things take time).
But just because it might take half a year to see your
wrinkles smooth out doesn’t mean you won’t see more
immediate results in other ways. “Retinoids trigger collagen
production and cellular exfoliation, which means they’ll also
fade dark spots, smooth scars, clear pores, prevent
breakouts, and brighten skin,” she says. Basically, retinoids
are the closest thing to magic that dermatologists have.
HOW TO USE THEM…
If you’re new to retinoids, make sure to start slow to
mitigate the initial adjustment period of flakes and
sensitivity. “Apply a pea-size drop to your entire face one
night a week for one week, then two nights a week for two
weeks, then three nights a week for three weeks, and then
every other night indefinitely,” says Dr. Gohara.
SKIP THIS STEP IF…
You’re already using (or planning to use) a night cream with
retinoids, since doubling up won’t make the anti-aging
results more effective—it’ll just cause inflammation. And if
you do have extra-sensitive skin, apply a layer of
moisturizer both 10 minutes before and after
applying your retinol to reduce irritation without totally
diluting the treatment. Basically, sandwiching your face in
moisture.
Your Step 7 Retinoids:
 FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Ole Henriksen Goodnight Glow Retin-ALT Sleeping
Crème
Sephora
$55.00
SHOP NOW
 FOR DRY SKIN
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Ulta Beauty
$19.99
SHOP NOW
 FOR "NORMAL" SKIN
Shani Darden Retinol Reform
$88.00
SHOP NOW
 FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN
Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%
amazon.com
$27.20
SHOP NOW
Also Available At:
WALMARTBED BATH & BEYOND

Step 8: Oils
.
“Face oils are occlusive, meaning they seal in all the
ingredients and moisture you just applied to your face to
keep them from evaporating as quickly,” says Dr. Idriss. On
their own, oils aren’t actually that moisturizing, but
when you layer them over products, they help increase your
routine’s efficacy while also leaving skin soft and smooth.
Just make sure to always, always, apply them last.
“Oils can easily penetrate moisturizers, serums, and
treatments, but no products can penetrate an
oil, which means they need to be applied last,” says
Dr. Gohara. And don’t think that oils are just for dry skin—
certain oils, like rose-hip and jojoba, can decrease excess oil
in acne-prone skin, while marula and aloe oils can soothe
sensitive, easily irritated skin.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW
Your Step 8 Face Oils:
 FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN
The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil
Ulta Beauty
$9.80
SHOP NOW
FOR OILY SKIN
Ulta Jojoba Oil
Ulta Beauty
$12.00
SHOP NOW
 FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Dr. Adorable Aloe Vera Oil
amazon.com
$12.49
SHOP NOW
Also Available At:
WALMART
 FOR DRY SKIN
African Botanics Pure Marula Oil
Revolve
$100.00
SHOP NOW

Step 9: Sunscreen
.
Okay, yes—I know I said oils go last, but
technically, sunscreen is the absolute last step. Why? “Oils
are still working to penetrate and treat your skin, which is
why they would go last in your skincare routine, but
sunscreen isn’t trying to penetrate anything—it’s there to
protect your face and act as armor against the outside
world,” says Dr. Gohara. “Basically, it’s not additive like oils
are. It’s protective.”
But before you tell yourself that the SPF 15 in your
foundation or moisturizer is good enough, know this: “The
absolute bare minimum SPF you need on your face
is SPF 30,” says Dr. Gohara. Unless, you know, you’re cool
with premature aging, worsened acne scars, and an
increased cancer risk.
Your Step 9 Sunscreens:
 THIS TOTALLY CLEAR FORMULA
EleVen Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35
Credo Beauty
$50.00
SHOP NOW
THIS GENTLE, NON-IRRITATING FORMULA
Vanicream Sunscreen Sport SPF 35
amazon.com
$14.70
SHOP NOW
 THIS ACNE-FRIENDLY FORMULA
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Dermstore
$36.00
SHOP NOW
Also Available At:
WALMARTLOOKFANTASTIC
 THIS MATTE, SHINE-FREE FORMULA
Olay Facial Sunscreen + Antioxidants SPF 35
amazon.com
SHOP NOW

Step 10: Celebrate

.
Because you finally learned virtually everything (ish) in the
world about skincare. You may now refer to yourself as a
mini dermatologist (but, like, maybe not in front of any
actual doctors, k?). Now, please, go deck out your face and
bask in the glory of knowledge.