As multi-step skincare routines have gained popularity, it’s important to know what order to put on your skincare products and how to avoid damaging your skin barrier with too many active ingredients. Read on for tips and tricks for skincare stacking.
Back to the Basics
Healthy skin doesn’t have to be complicated. Most dermatologists recommend starting with a simple, three-step skincare routine to support and protect facial skin and its barrier. First, start with a gentle cleanser meant for your skin type. After cleansing, apply a moisturizer or serum, followed by sunscreen in the morning. When possible, allow sunscreen to dry and absorb for several minutes before putting makeup on top.
Order of Importance
If you have the basics down and are looking to add additional products into your routine, such as a retinoid to fight signs of aging, an eye cream to reduce puffiness, or a toner to control breakouts, it’s important to stack skincare in the right order to maximize its effectiveness.
If you’re unsure about your current skincare routine, overwhelmed by options, or just looking for additional advice, a licensed aesthetician can help you reach your skincare goals and a dermatologist can address any major skin concerns.
A general rule of thumb is to apply products thinnest to thickest. Skincare experts generally recommend this order:
Morning Routine
- Cleanser
- Toner
- Serum
- Eye cream
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher
Nighttime Routine
- Cleanser
- Retinoid
- Eye cream
- Moisturizer or night cream
Pro Tip: When trying new products, incorporate one at a time. Many skincare experts recommend doing a skin test first, where you put a small amount of product on one area to see how your skin reacts before applying it elsewhere. If your skin is irritated from a product, stop using it and stick to a simple routine until your skin recovers.
Meet the Author
Kristen Dee, BS, MA, Summa Cum Laude
Kristen Dee is a graduate of Winthrop University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications. Following Winthrop, she earned a Master of Arts in Communication from Wake Forest University. Prior to joining CMC Media & Marketing Group, Kristen successfully fulfilled roles involving internal corporate communications. Today, she supports ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health & wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope® and CityScope® magazines as well as Choose Chattanooga® and Choose Huntsville® – premier publications serving Southeast Tennessee, North Georgia, and North Alabama. She also contributes to the development of blogs and other content shared on the publications’ digital platforms. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking, reading, and spending time with her husband and two dogs, Cooper and Rocky.
