How to Layer Skincare – A Step-by-Step Guide

Ever wondered if you’re applying your skincare in the right order? You’re not alone. Applying products in the correct sequence ensures each step works effectively—no wasted serums, no pilling, no irritation.

In this step-by-step guide, I’ll break down the ideal skincare routine order, explain how to layer serums properly, and recommend a few of my favorite clean skincare picks along the way.

☀️ Morning Skincare Routine Order (Protect & Prep)

Your morning routine should focus on hydration and protection from UV rays and environmental stressors.

1. Cleanser

Start with a gentle cleanse to remove sweat, oil, and overnight products.
Try:

• The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser – hydrating and gentle

• Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser – great for sensitive skin

2. Hydrating Toner or Essence (Optional)

This step helps prep your skin to absorb serums more effectively.
Try:

• Biossance 2% BHA Pore Minimizing Toner

• La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution Acne Toner

3. Water-Based Serums

Apply serums from thinnest to thickest texture. If layering more than one, wait 30–60 seconds between.

Want to brighten? Use Vitamin C
Want to hydrate? Use Hyaluronic Acid

Try:

• Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum

• Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum

💡 If layering multiple serums: use no more than 2–3, and always start with water-based formulas before oils. Be sure to give each layer a minute or two to fully penetrate (a perfect opportunity to brush your teeth!).

4. Moisturizer

Seal everything in with a lightweight hydrator.

Try:

• Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer

• First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

5. Sunscreen

Your non-negotiable final step. Always SPF 30+ and broad spectrum.
Try:

• EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46

• Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen

🌙 Night Skincare Routine Order (Treat & Repair)

At night, your focus shifts to nourishing your skin, treating concerns, and supporting overnight repair.

1. Double Cleanse (if wearing makeup or SPF)

• Oil-based cleanser first

• Followed by your gentle foaming or cream cleanser

Try:

• Then I Met You Cleansing Balm

• Krave Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser

2. Hydrating Toner or Essence

Same as morning—but especially helpful before applying retinol or exfoliants to buffer potential irritation.

3. Treatment Serums (Targeted Actives)

Apply only one active at a time at night (like retinol, AHA, or niacinamide).

Try:

• The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

• Marie Veronique Gentle Retinol Night Serum

Want to layer multiple actives? Alternate nights instead.

4. Moisturizer

Use a richer formula to support your skin barrier overnight.

Try:

• Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream

• Weleda Skin Food Light

5. Optional: Face Oil or Sleeping Mask

Lock in all that goodness and wake up with a glow.

Try:

• Herbivore Lapis Face Oil

• Youth to the People Superberry Dream Mask

Final Tips for Layering Skincare:

• Always apply from thinnest to thickest

• Let serums absorb fully before adding the next step (30–60 sec)

• Don’t over-layer: more products ≠ better results

• Use actives like retinol and exfoliants on alternate nights

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