How To Apply Skin Care In The Correct Order

The order in which you apply your skin care products can make all the difference in achieving that radiant, glowing complexion you’ve been dreaming of and is essential to an effective skin care routine.

In this article, I share both a simple and more comprehensive skin care routine, explain how to know when to apply which product based on texture or formulation and skin care conflicts to be aware of.

So, grab your favorite potions and let’s dive into the magical realm of proper skincare application for the ultimate facial routine!

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What Is A Typical Skin Care Routine?

While everyone’s skin care routine will include different products and steps based on your skin type, skin concerns and the time you want to spend on skin care, the most basic skin care routine consists of:

cleansing the face a neck
moisturizing
sunscreen application (daytime)

If you’re looking for a super simple, quick skin care routine, the above would be it for you! However, if you’re looking to incorporate exfoliating, hydrating and treatment products in your routine, a more comprehensive skin care routine would look like the following (it’s also my skin care routine):

oil-based cleanse (only when removing SPF/makeup or for very dry skin, otherwise skip)
water-based cleanse
rinse-off mask (optional)
exfoliate (peel, scrub, chemical exfoliant, recommended for nighttime routine)
hydrating toner
hydrating essence or sheet mask/under-eye patches (optional)
treatments & serums (if more than one, apply from thinnest to thickest)
eye cream (optional)
moisturizer
sunscreen (daytime routine)
facial oil or sleep mask (optional for final step in the night time)

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What Factors Cause A Skin Care Routine To Change?

Based on the treatment being applied, the above facial routine could change in order or have steps removed or added, which I’ll explain a bit later in the post. Skin care routines should also be changed when the weather significantly changes, as your skin’s needs will differ in very hot, humid vs. very cold, dry seasons. Hormonal changes can also cause your skin’s needs to change.

Exfoliating products can also be irritating for some skin types and are not recommended to be applied daily. Using an exfoliant no more than two to three times per week in your nighttime routine should be sufficient to exfoliate your skin without causing irritation (sensitive skin types may need to exfoliate only once or twice per week).

Retinols are also considered a stronger treatment that can cause irritation for some. Use a retinol product once or twice per week and increase usage only if your skin can tolerate it.

Tip: Most retinol serums are recommended to be applied to the skin right after cleansing, which would be an example of when the treatment step would need to be adjusted in the above skin care routine.

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General Rule Of Applying Skin Care

A general rule of skin care product application is to apply products in the order of lightest/thinnest water-based formulas to heaviest/thickest oil-based formulas; this order ensures the lighter products can absorb into the skin easily without being blocked by the thicker, oil-based products that can prevent products from absorbing and working their best.

If you have more than one serum in your routine, I suggest applying the thinnest formula first.

Skin Care Conflicts That Can Cause Irritation

There are a few things to remember when combining exfoliants and treatments or certain skin care ingredients together in your facial routine. Some ingredient combinations can cause irritation when applied in the same application. For example:

don’t apply an exfoliant in the same application that you apply a retinol;
don’t apply benzoyl peroxide in the same application that you apply a retinol or use a peel;
don’t use retinol or vitamin C after using an exfoliating peel (most peels are stronger than a regular exfoliant);
don’t use vitamin C and retinol in the same application.

The above ingredients when used in the same application can irritate skin and damage the skin barrier, leading to redness, tightness and flaky skin.

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Want to try a retinol but don't know where to start? Find out all you need to know as a retinol beginner in this article.

Skin Care Patch Testing

When trying new skin care products for your facial routine, it’s always important to perform a patch test to ensure that you’re not allergic or irritated by any of the product’s ingredients. Performing a skin care patch test is like conducting a mini experiment on your skin to ensure that a new product won’t cause any adverse reactions or sensitivities before incorporating it into your regular routine.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform a skin care patch test:

Choose a Test Area: Select a small, discreet area of skin to perform the patch test. The inside of your wrist or forearm is a common choice, as the skin is relatively sensitive and similar to facial skin.
Cleanse the Area: Wash the chosen area with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry with a clean towel. Ensure that there are no other products or residues on the skin that could interfere with the patch test.
Apply a Small Amount of Product: Dispense a small amount of the skincare product you want to test onto your fingertip or a cotton swab. It’s crucial to use only a tiny amount to minimize any potential reaction.
Patch Test Application: Gently apply the product to the test area in a thin, even layer. Avoid rubbing it in vigorously, as this could irritate the skin and potentially cause a false positive reaction.
Wait and Observe: Allow the product to remain on the test area for the recommended time specified on the product packaging or for at least 24 hours. During this time, avoid washing the test area or applying any other products to it.
Check for Reactions: After the designated time has passed, carefully examine the test area for any signs of redness, irritation, itching, swelling, or other abnormal reactions. If you experience any discomfort or notice any adverse reactions, immediately rinse the area with lukewarm water and discontinue use of the product.
Repeat if Necessary: If the initial patch test yields no adverse reactions, you can perform a secondary patch test on another small area of skin to further confirm compatibility. This step is especially important if you have sensitive or reactive skin.
Monitor for Delayed Reactions: Sometimes, skin reactions may not appear immediately but could manifest several hours or even days later. Keep an eye on the test area for any delayed reactions over the next 48 to 72 hours.

Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to caring for your skin! Never skip patch testing.

Do What Works For You

At the end of the day, you need to apply your skin care in the order that you feel works best. Everyone has slight variances in their skin care routine order and as mentioned above, the order can easily change based on your skin’s needs, a product’s texture or to reduce the potential for irritation.

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I hope this article helped you understand how to apply skin care in the correct order and gave you some insights into a facial routine that could work for you.