In What Order Should I Apply My Skincare Products?

In What Order Should I Apply My Skincare Products?

🧴 The Correct Order to Apply Skincare Products (According to Skin Science)

Ask any dermatologist the secret to seeing real results, and they’ll tell you:
It’s not just what you use — it’s how and when you use it.

Layering skincare properly ensures that each active ingredient penetrates effectively, supports the skin barrier, and avoids unnecessary irritation.

At Dr. Dermaluci Lab, our scientific approach follows one principle:

Start with the thinnest textures and finish with the thickest.

Let’s break it down step by step.

 

✨ Step-by-Step: The Correct Skincare Order

1. Cleanser (AM & PM)

Removes impurities, SPF, pollution, makeup and prepares the skin for actives.

Textures: gel, cream, or foam (gentle formulas preferred).
Why first? Because nothing else works if the skin isn’t clean.

 2. Toner or Mist (Optional)

Not essential for everyone. A hydrating mist or toner can help balance pH, but it is not required if the cleanser is gentle.

 3. Serums (The “active” step)

This is the heart of your routine.

Apply your lightest, water-based serums first, and heavier serums second.

Ejemplos de Dermalucilab:

✔ Vitamin C + Collagen Serum

Perfect for glow, firmness, and antioxidant protection.

✔ 5x Hyaluronic Acids + Vitamin C Advanced Hydration Serum

Ideal for deep hydration thanks to its multi-molecular HA complex.

✔ Niacinamide + Zinc PCA Serum

Reduces excess sebum, calms redness, improves texture.

👉 When a single serum contains multi-functional ingredients (like peptides + moisturizers), you reduce the number of steps. The blog explains it very well at:

Peptides Unveiled: The Building Blocks of Youthful Skin

 4. Eye Cream (Optional)

Use only if you need additional support (puffiness, dehydration, fine lines).

5. Moisturiser

Locks everything in.
Creates a protective barrier and improves elasticity.

Apply after serums so the occlusive/emollient ingredients do not block absorption.

6. SPF (AM Only)

Always as the last step of the morning.

The reason is clearly explained in:

Beyond Summer: The Critical Need for Year-Round Sun Protection
→ SPF should be the “final layer” because it protects against UV rays, pollution, and photoaging.

7. Retinol o Ácidos Exfoliantes (PM Only, and NOT together)

Retinol → every other night; always after hydrating serum and before moisturizer.

AHA/BHA → 1–3 nights/week depending on tolerance.

Never mix retinol and exfoliants on the same night.

🎯 Summary: Correct Order (AM & PM)

Morning Routine

  1. Cleanser
  2. Serum (Vit C, Niacinamide, HA)
  3. Moisturiser
  4. SPF

Night Routine

  1. Cleanser
  2. Serums (Niacinamide / HA/treatment)
  3. Retinol (nights alternas)
  4. Moisturiser

 

🌿 Ingredient Spotlight: How Adaptogens Help Layering

If you notice your skin becomes easily irritated when applying multiple steps, adaptogens can help modulate the skin's stress response.

Dermalucilab explains it here:

Embracing Nature’s Resilience: Adaptogenic Ingredients in Skincare

📝 Layering Checklist

  • I apply products from lightest to thickest
  • I never mix retinol and exfoliating acids
  • I wait 30–60 seconds between layers
  • I use SPF as the last step every morning
  • I keep serums simple and targeted

 

❓ FAQs

1. Do I need to wait between steps?
Yes — 30–60 seconds helps absorption.

2. Should retinol go before or after moisturiser?
Apply retinol after a hydrating serum and before moisturiser — or “sandwich” it between two layers of moisturiser if your skin is sensitive.

3. What if I have two serums?
Apply the more watery one first (e.g., hyaluronic acid) and the thicker one second (e.g., niacinamide).

4. Why is SPF last?
Because it must sit on top of every other product to create a protective film.

5. Can I use face oil?
Yes — but only at the end of the night routine, after moisturiser

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