In what order should you apply skincare products?
Serum, toner, day cream, SPF... and there are many more 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, you apply products from thin to thick. For convenience, we've created a step-by-step guide with the ideal order for applying skincare products. Would you like to read along?
Step 1: Remove makeup
You should always start by removing your makeup. Do this with a product specifically designed for this purpose, preferably a mild and alcohol-free oil or cream.
Step 2: Cleansing
After removing makeup, you can use a facial cleanser that suits your skin type. This will free your skin from 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 last step in preparing your skin for care. After cleansing your skin with a cleanser, use a toner to remove the last traces of your cleanser and to soothe your skin. A toner also ensures that your skin better absorbs the ingredients of the skincare products that follow in the next steps.
Step 4: Exfoliant
You should 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 helps prevent clogged pores and pimples, and your skin will look instantly fresher.
Step 5: Booster
You know the feeling: some days your 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, due to its extra high concentration of active ingredients, provides just the boost you need on an off day. With a booster, you give your skin a lift for one or several weeks.
Step 6: Serum
A serum is an excellent addition to your day or night cream and gives your skin that little bit extra nourishment. A serum is an 'activator' with concentrated active ingredients and is applied before other skincare products. Thanks to its light and quickly absorbing texture, the active ingredients are absorbed faster and deeper into the skin.
Step 7: Eye cream
The skin around the eyes is more sensitive, fragile, 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 bed, apply a day or night cream as the (second to) last step. For instance, use our Vitamin C Day and Night Cream. The Vitamin C Day Cream hydrates, protects against daily external influences, and reduces delayed skin damage from sun exposure. The nourishing Vitamin C Night Cream helps the skin recover overnight and stimulates collagen production for firm skin.
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 prevents premature skin ageing and skin damage from sun exposure.
Author: Nicole Langedijk
