What Order Should I Follow for My Skin Care Routine?

What should I use at night?

Focus on repairing the damage done during the day with thicker products at night. This is also the time to use anything that makes skin sensitive to sunlight, including physical exfoliants and chemical peels.

Basic evening routine

Makeup remover: It does what it says on the tin, even removing the makeup residue you can’t see.
Cleanser: This will get rid of any lingering dirt.
Spot treatment: You can effectively treat breakouts at night with anti-inflammatory and drying products.
Night cream or sleep mask: A richer moisturizer assists with skin repair.

Step 1: Oil-based makeup remover

What is it? An oil-based cleanser can dissolve natural skin oils and break down oily makeup ingredients.
How to use it: Follow the specific product instructions. They may advise you to apply the makeup remover on wet or dry skin. Once applied, massage in until the skin is clean, then rinse with water.
Skip this step if: You don’t wear makeup, have oily skin, or would prefer to use a water-based product.
Be sure to: Read the instructions on your oil-based makeup remover, as some may direct you to follow this step with another type of cleanser or micellar water to remove residue.
Pros: Using a makeup remover helps remove makeup residue and impurities from your skin.
Cons: Not fully removing excess oil from your skin may clog pores.

Learn how to make your own DIY makeup remover.

Step 2: Water-based cleanser

What is it? Water-based cleansers react with makeup and dirt on the skin, allowing everything to be rinsed away with water.
How to use it: Follow the instructions. Usually, you’ll apply it to wet skin, massage, and rinse off.
Skip this step if: Double cleansing isn’t for you.
Be sure to: Choose a gentle formula with a neutral pH. These help maintain the health of your skin’s natural barrier. Avoid scrubbing your face too hard when cleansing. Using too much force can irritate your skin.
Pros: Double cleansing can help remove any residue left behind by your makeup remover or oil cleanser.
Cons: Some formulas may have ingredients that can dry out your skin. If you experience dryness or irritation, switch to another product.

Step 3: Exfoliator or clay mask

What is it? Exfoliation removes dead skin cells while clearing pores. Clay masks work to unclog pores, but can also absorb excess oil. These masks are best applied at night to remove leftover dirt and help the skin soak up other products.
How to use it: Exfoliators have different application methods, so follow product instructions. Use clay masks once or twice per week, whether all over your face or on specific problem areas. Leave it on for the recommended time, then rinse it with warm water and pat dry.
Skip exfoliating if: Your skin is already irritated.
Be sure to: Avoid overuse of physical and chemical exfoliators, especially if you have sensitive skin. Stop use if any irritation occurs. Exfoliators may affect your sun sensitivity, so be sure to wear sunblock during the day after exfoliating.
Pros: Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Some chemical exfoliators can also remove impurities from deeper within your skin and prevent breakouts.
Cons: Some physical exfoliators, such as those containing coarse sugar or salt, may be abrasive on sensitive skin and cause irritation. If a product leaves your skin irritated, stop use and swap it out for another option once your skin has healed.

Step 4: Hydrating mist or toner

What is it? A hydrating mist or toner marks the end of your nighttime cleansing routine. Look for humectant ingredients, such as lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, and glycerine, to give skin a moisture boost.
How to use it: Spritz mists over your face. For toners, apply the product to a cotton pad and swipe over the skin.
Be sure to: Avoid overusing toners with high levels of alcohol, as they may cause irritation or damage to your skin’s barrier.
Pros: Toners can help remove leftover residue from other steps in your routine and balance your skin’s pH.
Cons: Alcohol-based products may cause irritation in individuals with sensitive skin.

Find the best toners for oily skin.

Step 5: Acid treatment

What is it? Facial acid treatments can encourage cell turnover. Beginners may want to try glycolic acid. Other options include acne-busting salicylic acid and moisturizing hyaluronic acid. Over time, you should notice a brighter and more even complexion.
How to use it: Start once per week, with the goal of using it every night. Do a patch test at least 24 hours before first use. Add a few drops of the solution to a cotton pad and sweep across the face, avoiding the eye area.
Skip this step if: You have particularly sensitive skin or have a reaction to a particular acid.
Be sure to: Choose an acid treatment that fits your skin’s needs.
Pros: According to 2021 research, acids can help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, and acne and help even your skin tone.
Cons: Acids may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Be sure to use sunblock during the day following application of an acid treatment.

Step 6: Serums and essences

What is it? Serums deliver powerful ingredients directly to the skin. An essence is simply a watered-down version. Vitamin E is great for dry skin, while antioxidants like green tea extract can help dull complexions. If you’re prone to breakouts, try retinol or vitamin C.
How to use it: Carry out a patch test 24 hours before using a new serum or essence. If the skin looks good, dispense the product into your hand and press it into your skin. You can layer multiple products. Just apply water-based ones before oil-based ones and wait around 30 seconds between each.
Be sure to: Choose a serum that delivers the benefits your skin needs, such as pro-aging support, moisturizing, brightening, or spot reduction.
Pros: Serums deliver highly concentrated skin benefits. Because of their formula type, more of the product penetrates your skin’s surface.
Cons: Some serums can be pricey, but you can usually find more cost-effective alternatives. And remember, compared to moisturizer, you only use a small amount of serum, so a little goes a long way.

Step 7: Spot treatment

What is it? Anti-inflammatory products are for blemishes with heads. Follow with a spot-drying treatment. Ones that dry visibly are great for nighttime use.
How to use it: Make sure your skin is clean. Apply a small amount of product and leave to dry.
Skip this step if: You’re spot-free.
Be sure to: Avoid popping pimples, blemishes, and whiteheads yourself. The AAD says this can cause scarring, introduce bacteria, and push pus further under the skin. If you don’t see improvement in 4 to 6 weeks, consider talking with a dermatologist.
Pros: Healing products can make a noticeable difference, sometimes even overnight.
Cons: Peeling, redness, or irritation can occur, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Step 8: Hydrating serum or mask

What is it? Hydrating serums add moisture without clogging pores.
How to use it: These powerful hydrators can come in various forms. Some are serums, others are thicker masks, and some can be left on overnight. If this is the case, apply it at the end of your routine. Just follow the instructions on the pack.
Be sure to: Try refrigerating a sheet mask before using it and enjoy some additional anti-inflammatory benefits.
Pros: A mask keeps beneficial and hydrating ingredients in close contact with your skin and can remove excess sebum.
Cons: As with all new skin care products, test masks on a small area of skin before applying, as they may contain ingredients that irritate your skin.

Learn the best masks for your skin type.

Step 9: Eye cream

What is it? A richer nighttime eye cream can help improve appearance-related issues like tiredness and fine lines. Look for a high concentration of peptides and antioxidants.
How to use it: Apply a small amount of cream to the eye area and dab in.
Skip this step if: Your moisturizer or serum can be safely and effectively used under your eyes.
Be sure to: Apply eye cream with clean hands or a clean applicator and gently pat it on the skin rather than rubbing it, which can contribute to skin aging and damage.
Pros: Applying overnight gives the product a chance to penetrate your skin. Plus, certain formulas can help boost collagen production and delay the signs of aging.
Cons: Dedicated eye creams can be expensive. However, affordable options are available that can also benefit your skin.

Find which eye creams are best for undereye circles.

Step 10: Face oil

What is it? A nighttime oil is great for dry or dehydrated skin. The evening is the best time to apply thicker oils that may result in an unwanted shiny complexion.
How to use it: Pat a few drops into the skin. For the best results, avoid applying other products on top.
Be sure to: Cleanse thoroughly the following morning to remove residue from heavier products.
Pros: Oils may change the effectiveness of your sunscreen during the day, so nighttime application may be best for certain products.
Cons: A heavier oil may not be the best fit for those with oily skin or acne. Everyone’s skin is different, so find a product that works for you.

Step 11: Night cream or sleep mask

What is it? Night creams are an optional last step, but they can be worthwhile. While day creams protect the skin, these rich moisturizers help cell repair. Sleep masks, however, seal in all your other products and contain hydrating ingredients mild enough to be kept on overnight.
How to use it: Warm a small amount of product in your hands before distributing it evenly across your face.
Skip this step if: Your skin already looks and feels its best.
Be sure to: Test a small amount before an overnight application to see how your skin reacts.
Pros: Applying a night cream or sleep mask allows the product time to penetrate the skin barrier.
Cons: Some people may not like the feel of sleeping with heavier products on. If that’s the case, you can try a more lightweight formula.

Frequently asked questions

What routine should I follow for dry skin?

If your skin is dry, focus your routine on hydration and building a healthy skin barrier. Follow the steps above, but swap out products that may be too harsh or acidic for those that add moisture to your skin and help it retain that moisture.

What is a basic skin care routine?

A basic skin care routine has fewer steps than an expanded one but keeps your skin clean and healthy. The steps can depend on your needs and the amount of time you have. Usually, a basic routine includes removing makeup, cleansing your face, applying a spot treatment for any blemishes, using sunblock during the day, and putting on moisturizer at night.

At what age should you start a skin care routine?

It’s never too early or late to start a skin care routine. Even kids can practice caring for their skin by washing their faces when they wake up and before bed and applying sunscreen during the day.

However, choose the steps and specific products in your routine appropriate for your skin concerns and age. Adolescents, for example, may need a routine built on products to help manage blemishes and oily skin. Adults may focus more on products that support their skin as it ages. Build a routine that’s right for you.