How to Layer Your Skincare Products
By Aristotle Cosmetics. . 4 min read.
The order in which you apply skincare is not just a matter of preference. Applying products in a sensible sequence helps each one do its job. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that the order you use your products affects how well they work. Here is a simple framework.
Step one: cleanse
Every routine begins with clean skin. Cleansing removes makeup, sunscreen, excess oil and the residue of the day so that what follows can sit directly on the skin. In the evening, a cleansing balm such as Glass Veil Cleansing Balm is designed to dissolve makeup and sunscreen. Massage a small amount onto dry skin, add a little water to emulsify, then rinse or remove with a soft, damp cloth. Read more in The Art of Cleansing.
Step two: treat with a serum
Serums are lightweight formulas designed to deliver concentrated ingredients, so they generally go on after cleansing and before heavier products. The AAD’s guidance places treatment products and serums before moisturizer and sunscreen.
Brightening Silk Glass Serum belongs at this step. Apply a few drops to clean, dry skin and gently press into the face and neck until absorbed.
Step three: moisturize
Moisturizer helps hold water in the skin and supports a comfortable, soft feel. It is applied after serums. Choose a moisturizer suited to your skin type: richer textures for drier skin and lighter textures for oilier skin.
Step four in the morning: sunscreen
Sunscreen is the final skincare step of the day, applied after moisturizer and before makeup. Dermatologists recommend a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, applied about 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied about every two hours when outside, or after swimming or sweating.
Why consistency matters
Most skincare benefits described in research appeared over weeks of regular use, not after a single application. A simple routine that you follow every day will usually serve you better than an elaborate one you use occasionally.
Routines can vary with your skin
This framework is a starting point, not a rule for everyone. Skin can be dry, oily, sensitive or somewhere in between, and needs can change with the seasons. If you use prescription products, follow the directions from your healthcare provider. When introducing anything new, add one product at a time and test it first. For a fuller guide, read How to Build a Simple, Intentional Skincare Routine.
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. If you have a skin condition, known allergies, or concerns about an ingredient, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology. Should I apply my skin care products in a certain order? https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/apply-skin-care-certain-order
- American Academy of Dermatology. How to apply sunscreen. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/how-to-apply-sunscreen
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Sunscreen: how to help protect your skin from the sun. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/sunscreen-how-help-protect-your-skin-sun
- American Academy of Dermatology. How to test skin care products. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/prevent-skin-problems/test-skin-care-products