The Optimal Order for Applying Skincare Products for Healthy Skin

When it comes to achieving glowing, healthy skin, the order in which you apply your products really does matter. Still, a lot of people aren’t sure exactly what that order should be. Moisturizer then serum? Serum then moisturizer? What happens if you apply them “out of order”? We’ll get into the optimal order of application, the reasons it’s best to apply serum before moisturizer, and tips on how to combine these products for the best results.

Order Of Application For Skin Care Products

Dermatologists recommend applying products in the order of lightest to heaviest. This means you should start with your skin product with the thinnest consistency, wait for it to absorb fully into the skin, and then apply your products with thicker consistency.1 Depending on how many “steps” your skincare routine involves, this will look a little different for everyone. But if you use a cleanser, toner, and Foundation Skincare products, your routine should look like this:

Cleanser – Wash your face to remove dirt, oil, and impurities.

Toner – To balance the skin’s pH and prepare it for better absorption of subsequent products. (Some people find toner to be harsh on sensitive skin. If so, you can skip this step!)

Serum – Serums deliver concentrated active ingredients deeper into the skin.2 If you’re using FS products, this is the step you’d use the Vitamin C Lotion 20 %. It has the highest available concentration of vitamin C to help brighten skin, but it is thinner than a moisturizer so it should go on first.

Moisturizer – Moisturizers are thicker and hydrate and lock in moisture. If you’re using Foundation Skincare products, this is when you would apply your Hyaluronic Acid Lotion. This product is generally well-tolerated even for sensitive skin and should lock in the benefits of the Vitamin C serum when applied afterward. Be sure you’re giving your serum at least a couple of minutes to absorb into the skin before applying your moisturizer!

Sunscreen – We recommend a sunscreen with no less than SPF 30 (or 50 for the face). You should apply sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage, in the morning.

Why Apply Serum Before Moisturizer?

Serums typically have a lightweight, fast-absorbing texture and are packed with potent active ingredients like vitamins, peptides, and antioxidants. Their primary function is to penetrate deeply into the skin to target specific concerns, such as fine lines, hyperpigmentation, or dehydration.2

Moisturizers, on the other hand, are designed to create a barrier on the skin’s surface to lock in hydration and prevent moisture loss.3 If you

apply serum after moisturizer, the moisturizer’s thicker texture might create a barrier that prevents the serum from penetrating the skin effectively.

What Happens If You Put Moisturizer Before Serum?

If you apply your moisturizer before serum, you might notice that your serum doesn’t absorb into your skin as well. The thicker moisturizer can create a sort of barrier on the skin’s surface, which won’t allow the serum to absorb. As a result, the serum’s active ingredients may not be as effective as you’d like.

Aside from impacting your serum’s absorption, applying these two products in the “wrong order,” might just not look as good. This is especially important to think about if you’re applying these products in the morning, perhaps beneath makeup. You’ll want to create a smooth skin surface to work from, but applying moisturizer and then serum may lead to an odd texture.

Serum And Moisturizer Ingredients Not To Mix

Usually using a serum and then a moisturizer is beneficial– however, there are some ingredients that you should avoid mixing to avoid any potential adverse effects. For example:

Retinoids and AHA/BHA: Combining retinoids with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) can increase the risk for irritation and sensitivity, because both products exfoliate the outer layer of skin. If you use Foundation Skincare’s Nightly Renewal Cream, which contains granactive retinoid, and you also want to use products with AHA or BHA , consider applying them on alternate nights or using one in the morning and the other at night.4

Retinoids and Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide may make retinoids like the FS Nightly Renewal Cream less effective when used at the same time. There are some exceptions on the market that intentionally combine these ingredients in a stable formula.4

Retinoids and Vitamin C: Vitamin C may make your retinoid product less effective if layered together. Instead, we’d recommend using the FS Nightly Renewal Cream before bed, then in the morning you can use the FS Vitamin C Lotion after washing your face. This should help prevent skin irritation or sun sensitivity.4

Retinoids and Salicylic Acid: Used together, these ingredients may dry out the skin and cause irritation. Instead, we’d recommend alternating the use of these products. For example, one night you may use the FS Nightly Renewal Cream, and then the next, use your Salicylic Acid product. That said, you may not need to use both products, as retinoids can help treat acne as well as salicylic acid.4

Best Serum And Moisturizer Product Combinations

We’ve already briefly discussed how to use Foundation Skincare’s products together and in which order, but let’s go over this in more detail. Using the products in this order can help give your skin a boost– while minimizing the risk for irritation.

Cleanser: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends washing your face morning and night with a gentle, non-irritating face wash.5

Niacinamide Lotion (optional): Niacinamide is a B vitamin with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. When applied to the skin, it increases the production of ceramides and supports the creation of keratin and other essential proteins.6,7 Foundation Skincare’s Niacinamide Lotion is a relatively thin product, so if you use this product, it should go on straight after cleansing, like a serum.

Vitamin C Lotion 20%: People used to think that you shouldn’t combine Niacinamide and Vitamin C, however, when done correctly, this can be an excellent combo for the skin. Once your Niacinamide Lotion has absorbed, you can layer in Foundation Skincare’s Vitamin C Lotion. This lotion has the highest available concentration of Vitamin C to help brighten the skin and minimize signs of aging. *At night: Instead of using Vitamin C Lotion at night, you can use the FS Night Renewal Cream at this step. This product contains 2 percent Granactive Retinoid and essential peptide-growth factors. These ingredients can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, acne, and aging. You can either layer this product under or over your moisturizer, depending on how sensitive your skin is. We recommend using retinoids like this at night, since they can make your skin sun sensitive, and Vitamin C products in the morning, since they can help brighten the skin and protect it from environmental toxins.

Hyaluronic Acid Lotion: If you noticed, hyaluronic acid was not mentioned as an ingredient to be wary of combining with any other ingredients. In fact, HA is considered by most to be safe and well-tolerated. Foundation Skincare’s Hyaluronic Acid Lotion is especially gentle, and expertly crafted to douse the skin with moisture–without any “fad” ingredients. This is Foundation Skicnare’s thickest product, and so should be applied second to last in your skincare routine. It can be safely used with any other Foundation Skincare products.

Azelaic Acid Cream (optional): Azelaic acid is used for skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation. If you choose to include Foundation Skincare’s Azelaic Acid Cream as a step in your skincare routine, you can safely add it in as your final layer in the morning or evening, just after your moisturizer. This product includes 14 percent azelaic acid, which is the highest non-prescription concentration you can get.

Sunscreen: Don’t forget this vital step in your skincare routine before walking out the door. *At night: At night, obviously don’t worry about applying sunscreen!

If this is too many steps for you, we recommend at least doing the Vitamin C serum, then moisturizer, and sunscreen each morning; and at night, applying the Night Renewal Cream and then Hyaluronic Acid Lotion.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

Related Articles

Ad Blocker Detected