In What Order Should I Apply My Skin Care?

Remember when your skin care routine was three products, tops? For many of us, those days are long gone. Thanks to the Western fascination with Korean skin care rituals, over the past decade or so, our routines have expanded to include serums, essences, ampoules, oils, toners — and more. It’s a lot, and it can be confusing. How are you supposed to apply all those products anyway? Is that much even necessary? We asked two top facialists to break it all down for us.

As a rule of thumb, you should apply your skin care products from thinnest to thickest. This way, each product can properly penetrate through the layers of your skin as they need to. “Thinner products, like serums, are typically intended as the ‘treatment’ steps, and are thinner so that they are more easily absorbed into the layers of the skin,” says Varuni Palacios, a Los Angeles-based facialist and founder of Studio Varuni. “Thicker products, like moisturizers and balms, will ultimately occlude thinner products like serums, preventing them from being absorbed into your skin.”

There are exceptions, though. Certain treatments may have to be applied at different times, Los Angeles-based facialist Candace Marino explains, so check with an expert about any specialized products, such as for acne or eczema. “Work with a skin care professional who will curate a routine specific to your needs. That way you'll have guidance on when and how to use each product,” she says.

For example, you might start with cleanser, then apply your toner, followed by your serums. After that, it’s moisturizer, then oils at night or sunscreen during the day. If you’re using a retinol, be sure to apply it after your serums and before your moisturizer. Let the products absorb in between each step so you’re not overwhelming your skin.And if that’s too many steps for you, that’s OK, too. “Skin care is a lifestyle, and no one needs anything,” Marino says. “This comes down to personal choices, level of commitment to create change in your skin, and what your specific skin type and condition requires to achieve your individual goals.” The only real musts? Face wash, moisturizer, and a good sunscreen. And now you know the order in which to apply them.