wikiHow Forums Health

How do you layer skincare correctly?

11/04/25 6:53pm
Upvote
3
Share
View hidden comment
This post was sourced from submitted reader questions and posted by wikiHow Editorial Staff.
wikiHow forums are moderated for quality. Learn more about our moderation policy here.
Submit Answer
wikiHow Expert
Lisset Tresvant
Lisset Tresvant
Esthetician
11/04/25 6:55pm
Here's the correct order for layering in a skincare routine:
  • Cleanse your face for 60 seconds.
  • Use toner to rebalance your skin’s pH.
  • Apply moisturizer to lock in hydration.
  • Use sunscreen as the last step in your morning routine.
In the evening, exfoliate 2-3 times a week after cleansing to remove dead skin cells, and apply a serum after toning to treat specific skin concerns, such as acne or hyperpigmentation. You can also use an eye cream after applying a serum and before applying moisturizer if you like.
Upvote
Reply
Share
View hidden comment
wikiHow Expert
Melissa Jannes
Melissa Jannes
Licensed Esthetician & Brazilian Wax Educator
12/09/25 5:44pm
Typically, skincare products are layered: serum/treatment, then moisturizer, then SPF. Serums are designed with actives that we want to be tucked into the skin, so putting them under the moisturizer ensures the occlusives (moisturizing properties) of the hydrators both keep the active ingredients below the moisturizing layer and don’t hinder their performance.
Upvote
Reply
Share
View hidden comment
Thomasanderson33
Thomasanderson33
12/12/25 3:36am
A simple rule makes skincare layering easy: go from thinnest to thickest.

Cleanser

Toner or essence (optional)

Serums (like vitamin C or hyaluronic acid)

Moisturizer

Sunscreen in the morning

Oils or treatments last, if you use them

This order helps each product absorb properly and gives you the best results without piling or irritation.
Upvote · 1
Reply
Share
View hidden comment
Submit Answer

What’s on your mind? Ask anything.

Get advice and feedback from experts and wikiHow readers just like you.

Ask a Question

More Forum Discussions

What are your best Korean skincare routine tips?
Upvote
5
How do you have a summer glow up?
Upvote · 1
5
How can I get glass skin?
As a teen who is acne prone, how can i get glass skin and have a glow up? My mom wedding its in 2 weeks
Upvote
3
How can I get rid of my forehead wrinkles?
40F, I've had faint forehead lines for decades but they've really deepened into full-on wrinkles the last few years and I don't love it. Maybe this is a silly question, but is there any way to reverse the wrinkles? Or at least keep them from getting deeper? Thank you!
Upvote · 26
9
How do I give myself a luxurious makeover at home?
When I look in the mirror, I just feel kinda blah about how I look recently. For the past few years, I've dressed the same, done my makeup the same, everything the same. I feel stuck in a rut and just want a totally different style that makes me look my best. I've never really done a makeover before, so what are the basic steps I should follow? FYI I don't really have a lot of extra money to buy new makeup or supplies, so any budget-friendly options are a huge plus.
Upvote · 56
19
How to get the clean girl aesthetic as a lazy girl
So I'm super low-maintenance normally and don't really spend a ton of time putting together looks, but I really want to try this "clean girl" aesthetic that I've seen around. I like, barely have a morning routine for getting ready and taking care of myself, so what are some easy tips that I could try to have the aesthetic? Are their certain makeup trends or products that I need to use to be a "clean girl?" Tysm ahead of time!
Upvote · 32
6
Explore All Forum Posts