This Common Skincare Mistake Could Be Sabotaging Your Routine

Ever felt like your skincare products aren’t giving you the results you expected? Turns out, many people are using products in the wrong order, which can make ingredients counteract each other and prevent them from working effectively. Given the investment we put into skincare, it’s essential to maximize every drop. To help us all avoid this common pitfall, skin experts Mina Sheikhha and Rachel Lozina have shared the optimal order for applying skincare products, as well as their favorite tips.

The Correct Order for Your Skincare Routine

"Apply products from thin to thick," says celebrity esthetician Dionne Phillips. Start with the lightest textures, like serums or toners, and work your way to thicker creams and oils. This layering method helps each product penetrate fully without blocking others. Remember, while the order stays the same, you’ll want to pick specific products that suit your skin type and current needs.

Let’s break down the steps:

Step 1: Cleanser + Toner

CleanseStart by thoroughly cleansing your skin to remove dirt, makeup, and oil. Double cleansing (first with an oil-based cleanser, then with a water-based one) is highly effective. An oil cleanser, like Palmer's Oil Cleanser, breaks down makeup and sunscreen, while a water-based cleanser removes remaining impurities. A double cleanse gives you a clean, fresh base so your skin can fully absorb the benefits of the next products.

TonerFollow with a toner to balance your skin’s pH and prep it for the rest of your routine. "Toners can help remove residual impurities and prepare the skin for active ingredients," says Sheikhha. Try using a gentle toner like Cerave’s Hydrating Toner to ensure your skin is perfectly balanced.

Step 2: Serums – Target Specific Skin Concerns

Serums are where you get to personalize your routine based on your skin's current needs. Some days you may want extra hydration, other days you might focus on brightening or calming inflammation. A versatile, hydrating option is Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum—lightweight, affordable, and perfect for daily use.

Step 3: Moisturizer – Lock in Hydration

A good moisturizer is essential to keep your skin hydrated and seal in the benefits of previous products. Moisturizers also create a protective barrier that keeps skin smooth and hydrated. Sheikhha recommends going for a cream that suits your skin type—Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream is a great option for dry skin types, delivering a radiant "glass skin" finish.

Step 4: Oils – Seal and Nourish

While many believe oils should go on first, they’re actually one of the final steps. Oils not only add extra nourishment but also help to lock in the products applied before them, creating a hydration seal. A favorite is Summer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen Oil, packed with fatty acids and non-comedogenic oils to enhance skin’s texture overnight.

Step 5: SPF – Essential for Daytime

The final, non-negotiable step in your morning routine is sunscreen. SPF protects your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause aging, dark spots, and even skin cancer. Try Summer Fridays SPF, which layers well under makeup and leaves no white cast. With its creamy texture, it’s easy to reapply throughout the day.

Why This Routine Matters

By layering products from lightest to heaviest, you give each one the chance to absorb fully and do its job. Make adjustments based on your skin’s unique needs and stick to this order for a more effective, efficient routine.