The Correct Way To Apply Your Skincare Products

Feeling like your skincare routine isn’t working the way it should? It may have less to do with the actual products you’re using and more with how you’re actually using them. When applied correctly, and in the right order, you’ll boost absorption, get better results, minimize irritation, and allow your products to work up to their full potential. When used incorrectly, they’ll be ineffective — or worse, can actually do damage to your skin.

So what’s the exact game plan for maximizing product performance? First, stick to the golden rule of skincare: Start with the lightest product, and work your way up to the heaviest. Then, follow our handy guide, below. You’ll never be left wondering where to start or how to layer again.

Step 1: Cleanser

Arguably the most crucial step of any skincare routine. Because there’s zero point in slathering on (and investing!) in smart products if you’re going to put them on a dirty face. Seriously — the more effective you are at removing every speck of makeup, dirt, sunscreen, and excess oil, the better everything you put on top will work. To do that, douse a few cotton pads in cleansing water like Blithe Anti-Polluaging Himalayan Pink Salt Cleansing Water ($36) and sweep them across your face until they come up clean. You can also try dissolving the first layer of gunk with an oil-based cleanser like Yuripibu’s Grante Cleansing Oil ($36). Regardless of which first formula you choose, follow it up with a second cleanse to get rid of any leftover residue and bacteria. For the best results, look for one that’s geared towards your specific skin type: Try a gentle, hydrating formula like Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser ($34) if you’re dry or sensitive, an antibacterial foam like Leegeehaam Tea Tree 30 Cleanser ($30) if you’re oily/acne-prone skin, and a mild, SLS-free one like Whamisa by Glow Recipe Green Tea Foaming Cleansing Gel ($20) if you have combination skin.

Step 2: Toner

Your first post-wash step is toner, because “its job is to prep skin for whatever products are to follow,” says Calabasas, California, dermatologist Debra Luftman, M.D. But instead of reaching for one of those stripping, alcohol-based formulas, try one that’s meant to infuse skin with lightweight hydration like Whamisa Organic Flowers Deep Rich Essence Toner ($40). For the best results, pat a few drops onto skin while it’s still damp — it’ll sink in better than if skin is totally dry. And feel free to adjust the amount depending on how much moisture you need; apply just one, a few layers, or up to seven (find out how to do the viral 7-skin method here) for major hydration.

Step 3: Eye Cream

While you’re waiting for your toner work its plumping magic, apply eye cream. Use your ring finger (it gives the least amount of pressure, says Luftman) to gently tap a pea-sized amount of product underneath and around your orbital bone. This will also help buffer the delicate under-eye area from any active ingredients found in your serum, which goes on afterwards. For the best results, choose an eye cream that works for your skin type. Try a lightweight gel like Whamisa Organic Flowers Eye Essence ($40) if you’re oily to combination or a thicker, creamier version like Whamisa by Glow Recipe Chai Tea Eye Cream ($26) if you’re on the drier side. Give each at least 30 seconds to soak in before moving on.

Step 4: Essence, Serum, or Ampoule

Next, you want to reach for your essence, serum, or ampoule. (Try the pH-balanced, nourishing Make P:rem Safe Relief Moisture Essence, $35.) Serums tend to have the most active ingredients, so they should hit the skin when there isn’t anything else blocking their ability to sink in and do their thing. “You should also consider the amount of actives in it,” Dr. Luftman says, especially if you’re using more than one. “The product with the most active ingredients should go first, so it can penetrate the skin.” And just like with toner, make sure to pat them in — don’t rub — which “helps release the active ingredients.”

Step 5: Face Oil and Moisturizer

When it comes to face oil (we love Blossom Jeju 100% Camellia Seed Dry Oil, $30) and moisturizer (try Polatam Deep Moist Cream, $34), there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for which to apply first, Dr. Luftman says. That’s because the order of application depends on the texture of your products: Swipe on lightweight, dry oils (think avocado and rosehip) before moisturizer so they can absorb fully and plump things up. If you’re using a heavy-duty oil like jojoba and coconut, pat it on after your face cream (moisturizer may not be able to penetrate a thicker, more emollient consistency) to help seal it in and prevent moisture loss throughout the day.

Step 6: SPF

The last part of any solid skincare routine is SPF like Make P:rem Blue Ray Sun Gel ($32). By applying SPF last, regardless of whether it’s a physical or chemical sunscreen, you’re ensuring that you’re sealing in the rest of your skincare, while making sure it’ll actually do its job — protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Give it a full minute to settle in before applying makeup and at least 30 minutes before you step outside for maximum protection. And if you’re sweating or swimming, make sure to reapply every two hours.

Have any additional skincare routine questions? Leave them in the comments below.