.jpg)
2 hours ago
1
Courtesy of Shutterstock
The products featured in this article are from brands available in NBCUniversal Checkout. E! makes a commission on purchases.
If you're reading this, you likely apply a skincare routine to your face in the morning and at night.
You probably know face wash comes first and that retinol is for your nighttime routine, but figuring out the right order for the rest of your skincare can get a little confusing, especially when people debate the order all over social media.
We asked a board-certified dermatologist their expert opinion, so we can finally put this topic to rest and focus on our skincare!
What is the best way to layer skincare products?
According to Dr. Heidi B. Prather, the way in which you apply your skincare can influence the efficacy of your products.
Not only will the proper skincare order ensure your products are as effective as possible, but Dr. Prather says it's the key to healthy skin.
So, what is the right way to layer skincare, according to an expert?
“Products should be applied from lightest to heaviest," says Dr. Prather, who explains this logic applies to both your nighttime and morning routine.
1. Cleanser
First up is cleansing.
"Removing the majority of oils and debris [helps] improve product absorption without over stripping the skin. When the skin is clean, towel dry, and warm, our pores are more open and readily available to absorb the products that we apply to our skin more effectively," our expert says.
YSE Beauty Take It Off Gel-Oil Cleanser
This gel cleanser is designed to removes dirt and other impurities without stripping your skin.
This cleanser is tough on dirt but gentle on your skin. It's infused with hydrating almond seed extract, balancing meadowfoam seed oil, and soothing rice bran extract.
KORA Organics Milky Mushroom Gentle Cleansing Oil
This oil cleanser transforms into a creamy milk that effortlessly melts away dirt, oil, and makeup.
It's made with fatty acids and antioxidants, leaving skin feeling soft and hydrated.
2. Exfoliator
“Using topical chemical exfoliators, like glycolic acid, can easily inactive delicate treatment serums," says Dr. Prather.
They advise allowing your chosen exfoliant up to 10 minutes to fully penetrate the skin before applying your next product. Shop our favorites below.
Moira Cosmetics 5.7% AHA Gentle Exfoliant
This chemical exfoliant uses a unique blend of AHAs and BHAs, such as glycolic salicylic acid, to remove dead skin cells.
The result is brighter skin, improved skin texture, and a reduced appearance in fine lines.
3. Treatment Serum
Next, apply your treatment-based serums, think hyaluronic acid or niacinamide.
Dr. Prather says, “these products tend to be more expensive, have a thinner consistency, and are packed with nutrition and active ingredients to enhance your skin quality and treat targeted concerns, like aging.”
Allow these products to fully sink into the skin before applying your next layer, approximately five minutes.
SolaWave Solabiome Plumping Peptide Serum
This lightweight serum is loved by E! readers, and it's easy to see why.
It's formulated with hydrating hyaluronic acid and plumping avocado peptides, which are designed to soothe skin and leave it feeling rejuvenated.
Dr. Botanicals Dr H Hyaluronic Acid Facial Oil 30ml
This skin-plumping oil contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to help slow signs of aging.
It not only hydrates skin but helps it to retain moisture, too.
4. More Serum & Facial Oil
Follow treatment serums with other serums, such as those with antioxidants or those designed for brightening.
This includes skincare like vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night. These should also be applied based on consistency, from thinnest to thickest.
Buttah Skin Vitamin C Serum
Apply this vitamin C serum every morning to help brighten skin and fade stubborn dark spots.
It also contains nourishing grapeseed extract and ferulic acid to help stimulate cell turnover.
Buttah Skin Sterling Silver Everlasting Retinol Oil
If you're looking to smooth fine lines and fight signs of aging, look no further than this staff-loved retinol oil.
The formula includes pumpkin seed oil, which helps prevent irritation by keeping skin hydrated.
KORA Organics Noni Glow Face Oil
Thanks to its unique blend of noni extract, rosehip oil, and jojoba oil, this fast-absorbing facial oil delivers crucial nutrients to help brigthen dull skin and improve texture.
With its luxurious feel, this oil feels like a treat every time you apply it.
5. Moisturizer
“Next, hydrate your skin with a barrier cream. This locks in your moisture and keeps your skin from drying out," Dr. Prather explains.
Moira Cosmetics Peptide Enzyme Energy Moisturizer
Restore your skins barrier with this peptide-rich moisturizer.
It not only hydates, but helps to repair damage and plump your skin.
6. Sunscreen
“Lastly, protect your skin and apply sunscreen!” our expert says.
This is especially important if you're incorporating regular use of active ingredients, such as retinol, into your skincare routine.
Freaks of Nature Daily Defender SPF30
No skincare routine is complete without a solid sunscreen like this one.
Featuring SPF 30, this everyday sunscreen is lightweight and contains squalane to help lock in moisture.
English (US)