How Long Should I Wait Between Skin Care Steps?

On busy mornings or late nights, it can be tempting to layer on your skin care products in quick succession to get out the door or get to bed. But that may not be the best approach — it’s often better to wait a bit between steps to give your products time to absorb and get to work. 

Typically, you should apply your products in order of consistency from thinnest to thickest. After cleansing — which should always be the first step in your routine — you can apply toner. It’s generally best to apply toner while your skin is still damp, particularly if the toner contains hyaluronic acid. In fact, according to @DermGuru on TikTok, using hyaluronic acid on dry skin can actually exacerbate dryness. 

When layering toners, essences, and serums, board-certified dermatologist Joyce Park (@teawithmd) recommends waiting about a minute between each step. This helps ensure the formula’s active ingredients can penetrate the skin effectively and work as intended. If you find it challenging to wait a full minute between steps, consider gently patting each product onto your skin or getting a little portable fan to help expedite the process. 

To keep your skin hydrated, you’ll always want to finish off your routine with moisturizer (and sunscreen, for daytime). After applying your moisturizer, wait at least two minutes before applying sunscreen. This ensures proper absorption and can help prevent your sunscreen from pilling. Finally, remember that when it comes to sunscreen, the USDA recommends applying at least 15 minutes before going outside to ensure adequate sun protection. (And don’t forget to reapply throughout the day!)