In what order should you apply skincare products?
Serum, toner, day cream, SPF… there are so many products and steps you can incorporate into your beauty routine. But what is the correct order? Do you apply the serum first or start with your day cream? Generally, products are applied from thin to thick. For your convenience, we've created a step-by-step guide to the ideal order of applying skincare products. Are you ready to follow along?
Step 1: Remove makeup
Always start by removing your makeup. Use a product specifically designed for this purpose, preferably a mild and alcohol-free oil, gel, or cream.
Step 2: Cleansing
After removing makeup, you can use a facial cleanser that suits your skin type. This will clear your skin of external impurities and allow it to breathe again. Do this before going to bed, but don't forget to repeat it in the morning! This helps prevent clogged pores.
Step 3: Toner
A toner is the final step in preparing your skin for care. After cleansing your skin with a cleanser, use a toner to remove any remaining traces of your cleanser and to calm your skin. Additionally, a toner ensures that your skin better absorbs the ingredients of the skincare products that follow in the next steps.
Step 4: Exfoliant
Use an exfoliant only in the evening or at night, after you have cleaned your skin. An exfoliant contains acids that gently remove dead skin cells from within. This prevents clogged pores and pimples, leaving your skin looking instantly fresher.
Step 5: Booster
We all have those days when our skin seems to need a little extra. In such cases, you can opt to use a booster for a short period. Apply this before your day or night cream and before any serum. A booster is similar to ampoules and, with its extra high concentration of active ingredients, provides the boost you need on an off day. A booster gives your skin a pick-me-up for one or several weeks.
Step 6: Serum
A serum is a great addition to your day or night cream, offering your skin that extra bit of nourishment. A serum acts as an ‘activator’ with concentrated active ingredients and is applied before other skincare products. Thanks to its light and fast-absorbing texture, the active ingredients are absorbed more quickly and deeply into the skin.
Step 7: Eye cream
The skin around the eyes is more sensitive, delicate, and susceptible to external influences. Therefore, the eye contours can benefit from some extra care. Apply your eye cream after your serum but before your day or night cream.
Step 8: Day or night cream
Depending on whether you have just woken up or are about to go to sleep, apply a day or night cream as the (second to) last step.
Step 9: Product with SPF
Last but not least, always use a product that protects your skin from the sun during the day. Do this even in winter! This helps prevent premature skin ageing and skin damage from sun exposure.
Author: Nicole Langedijk
