Skin care can never be skipped during my daily routine. Even if I leave the apartment without wearing makeup, I can't start my day without prepping and protecting my complexion. However, there is a right way to layer skin care to optimize your regimen. With so many different categories and products in the skin care market, the lines can get blurry about what goes on first, second, third and so forth.
"I believe in cleansing, protecting and treating. A lightweight sunscreen and cleanser that works for all skin types are necessary. Depending on your skin concern, the treatment I would recommend can vary," says clinical attending physician at Lenox Hill Hospital, Dr. Howard Sobel.
While stacking multiple formulas at once can work for some, experts agree there is a step-by-step rule for applying certain ingredients.
As mentioned by author Jude Chao in "Skincare for Your Soul," there is a hierarchy of skin care needs to know in order to maximize your routine. For example, she explains that every skin care routine should have sustenance (cleansing and moisturizing), protection (sunscreens), treatment (actives for specific skin concerns) and refinement (exfoliation, scrubs and masks).
Below, you'll find a simple guide that will help you layer your products correctly while learning some do's and don'ts to help you target your skin concerns.
How to layer skin care in the morning
"As a general rule of thumb, layer products from thinnest to thickest," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp.
"After cleansing, apply a toner (if one is in your routine), then an antioxidant serum like vitamin C, a moisturizer and a sunscreen," he continues."
Camp goes on, "Sunscreen is always the last product to apply in your morning skin care routine. Makeup can be applied afterwards if using it."
Below is a basic step-by-step guide to keep in mind when layering products and ingredients.
- Cleanser: This is the first step in your skin care routine to help avoid the risk of clogged pores. You can find cleansers in different forms such as cleansing oils, cleansing balms, foaming cleansers and gel cleansers.
- Serum: Choose treatment products that contain ascorbic acid (vitamin C), azelaic acid, hyaluronic acid, beta hydroxy acids (BHA), vitamin A, ceramides, peptides, niacinamide (vitamin B3), etc. Camp says, “Apply serums after washing your face and before a moisturizer. Serums are thin, lightweight products intended to deliver a high concentration of an active ingredient."
- Moisturizers: There are many types of moisturizers including gel creams, day creams, tinted sunscreens, water-based creams, face oils, balms, etc. "If your skin is dry, you need a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid to hold water in the skin and help it plump for a more youthful appearance," says Sobel. Also, experts recommend eye creams as additional sustenance. If you have very dry eyelids, consider products with a higher concentration of water and humectant.
- Sunscreen: The last step is all about protecting the skin barrier. However, "if you use makeup with sunscreen, I recommend using a serum with vitamin C first and then makeup," says Sobel.
Products for your morning skin care routine
Cleansers
Award-winning cleanser: La Roche-Posay Toleraine Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
- Good for sensitive skin
- Hydrating
- May not remove all makeup
Size: 13.52 oz. | Key ingredients: Kale, spinach and green tea
This creamy cleanser was a Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winner and is recommended by 90,000 dermatologists worldwide. Writer Katie Jackson tested this product and said, “So far, this one hasn’t failed me yet."
She continued, "The bottle says this formula provides up to 48 hours of hydration, and it lives up to the claim! It even held up on a recent 41-hour trip (including four planes and a helicopter) to the Kalahari Desert," said Jackson.
Vegan choice: Youth to the People Superfood Facial Cleanser
- Lasts a long time
- Veery gentle on skin
- Feels hydrating
- Glass bottle is delicate
Size: 8.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Kale, spinach and green tea
I [Espinal] use this cleanser every day and my skin feels smoother and clearer. The gel consistency is smooth and lathers well. One thing I love is how the product comes in a glass bottle which helps store the formula better. The pump is easy to install and I haven't had issues with it. While it has a higher price point than other cleansing gels, this one lasts a long time. It's formulated with natural ingredients and you can really tell the difference after a week of using it.
Serums
"Glowing" results: Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster
- Very gentle
- No irritation
- Smooth consistency
- Mixed reviews on smell
Size: 0.67 oz. | Key ingredients: Vitamin C and ferulic acid
Kamari Stewart uses this vitamin C gentle formula in the morning and at night.
She says that "vitamin C was something I’ve avoided using for the past few years after a bad experience," however, "according to a clinical study conducted by the brand, 100% of participants experienced zero irritation, which is impressive and ultimately, the stat that convinced me to try it,” says Stewart.
She uses this product in conjunction with the brand’s BHA. “I’ve been using it for two weeks about twice a week and I have experienced zero irritation but absolutely glowing skin!”
Editor favorite: YSE Vitamin C Serum Morning Cocktail
- Gentle, yet effective
- Brightens skin quickly
- Feels soft and hydrating
- Takes a few moments to absorb
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Vitamin C, azelaic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, squalene
Shop TODAY editor Amanda Fama highly recommends this vitamin C serum from YSE. She says, "It seems like this serum has a perfectly balanced list of ingredients that hydrate and brighten the skin; I saw results almost immediately after using it for the first time."
Fama continues, "I've been applying this to my skin in the morning for a few weeks now, and my complexion is noticeably glowing and softer than it was before."
Firmness, upgraded: Dr. Brandt C Scription
- Glowing skin after use
- Very hydrating
- High price point
Size: 1.01 oz. | Key ingredients: Vitamin C dual formula and Oxiblock-SF
Just like Stewart, I’ve always had problems finding the right vitamin C formula. My skin looks brighter since using Dr. Brandt’s C Scription. The bottle can last a while (even if you use three fingers of formula). I use about four fingers and blend around my face, and then I let it dry for a few minutes before proceeding with the moisturizer and sunscreen. My skin feels more firm since using this for the last five months, and I haven’t noticed any irritation.
Moisturizers
Award-winning moisturizer: The INKEY List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturizer
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Bioactive ceramides, gransil blur, shea butter
This moisturizer (which won "Overall best face moisturizer" in Shop TODAY's 2024 Beauty Awards), is an ideal option for anyone looking for a hydrating product with anti-aging benefits (thanks to its rejuvenating ingredients that help reduce fine lines within the skin).
Sunscreens
Hydrating and protective: Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50
- Lightweight
- Hydrating
- Smells good
- Small bottle
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Fama also recommends this moisturizing sunscreen. She says, "The formula is so lightweight and hydrating that it feels like high-quality moisturizer, but the added SPF 50 sets it apart. It smells amazing, too. Highly recommend!" Bonus? This sunscreen won "Best viral find" in the 2024 Shop TODAY Beauty Awards.
Color-correcting SPF: EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color-Correcting Broad Spectrum SPF 50
- Glowy finish
- Great protection
- Takes time to absorb
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: 2% AA complex, ceramide blend and centella asiatica
This sunscreen has been my favorite since the brand released a red color-correcting iteration. While the consistency looks green, it blends well into the skin and provides an extra glow. I have very sensitive skin and I've found this formula works better for me. I've noticed a decrease in my dark spots and I always try to re-apply every two hours. It's very smooth, creamy and ultra-hydrating.
EltaMD also offers this sunscreen in a non-tinted version containing the same SPF protection. It won a Shop TODAY Beauty Award for "Best face sunscreen" in 2024.
How to layer skin care at night
"In the evening after cleaning, use a toner if one is part of your routine, then apply a hydrating serum like hyaluronic acid, then any type of treatment product like retinol or alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), and a moisturizer to trap in moisture and offset any irritation associated with the use of retinols and AHAs," says Camp.
Below is a basic step-by-step for nighttime skin care layering.
- Cleanser: According to Dr. Alexes Hazen, a board-certified plastic surgeon, this is the most important step at night.
- Scrub or exfoliator: Hazen suggests doing this one to two times per week to avoid stripping the skin from its natural oils.
- Retinol: Dr. Ranella Hirsch, a board-certified dermatologist, previously told Shop TODAY that retinol should be applied to "clean, dry skin only" at night, and she advises to "and only use a pea-sized drop."
- Serum: "I always emphasize that retinol does its job best when it is closest to the skin. Therefore when layering retinol with other products, it’s crucial to apply it first before other serums like hyaluronic acid," shares Hazen.
- Moisturizers: They can be in the form of facial oils, balms, lotions and emulsions. Sobel recommends “applying any lotions or creams with retinol” for that extra boost. Camp also says, “Applying a moisturizer after a retinol may improve tolerability by limiting side effects like dryness and scaling."
Products for your nighttime skin care routine
Cleansers
Ideal for mature skin: EltaMD Skin Recover Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser
- Lightweight
- Good for sensitive skin
- Hydrating
- Scent may be strong
Size: 5.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin, bisabolol and ginger root extract, amino acids
In recent Shop TODAY coverage, celebrity esthetician Kristin Gunn recommended this facial cleanser for mature skin. “It has been shown to support the skin barrier, making it a great option for those with aging skin,” she said.
“It’s great for removing makeup, sunscreen, etc., but also gentle enough to calm even the most sensitive skin,” added Gunn.
Scrubs or exfoliators
"Instant" results: Trinny London Find Your Balance BHA Exfoliant
- Helps to clear skin
- Texture is smooth
- It can be irritating at first
Size: 2.53 oz. | Key ingredients: Salicylic acid and mandelic acid
While I [Espinal] only use this once or twice a week, I can notice instant results in the morning. I only use this BHA exfoliant along with a moisturizer, as it can slightly irritate your skin if you have high sensitivity. However, I notice a clear complexion every time I use it. The formula feels smooth, gentle (after several uses) and hydrating.
Retinol
Affordable and effective: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
- Feels gentle
- Moisturizing
- Low retinol percentage
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, licorice root extract
This is a budget-friendly option from CeraVe that’s ideal if you’re new to retinol. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman recommends this one and says, “It contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides, which hydrate the skin, and niacinamide and licorice root extract, which help with uneven dark discoloration.”
Natural glow: Dr. Brandt Glow Overnight Retinol Oil
- Skin feels glowy
- A bit goes a long way
- Can get messy
Size: 1.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Squalane and ceramides
When my skin feels parched, I [Espinal] always reach for this retinol oil. The texture feels oily yet smooth, which is ideal if you have dry skin. I’ve been using this for the past four months and my skin always wakes up with a glow in the morning. This one is meant to brighten the skin while sealing moisture during sleep.
Serums
Dermatologist approved: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% Exfoliating Serum
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Lactic acid, Tasmanian pepperberry
Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist, recently spoke with Shop TODAY about the best night serums — and she recommended this lactic acid serum from The Ordinary.
Garshick said, "It’s best used at night and contains lactic acid, a gentle but effective alpha hydroxy acid that works to eliminate dead skin cells to improve the overall texture and tone of the skin."
Moisturizers
Editor approved: CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
- Lightweight
- Absorbs quickly
- Small bottle
Size: 3.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
Shop TODAY deputy editorial director Alexandra Deabler trusts this moisturizer for its fragrance-free and lightweight formula. "I love how much it actually moisturizes since it feels pretty light. And I like the pump, it’s easy to get out with one hand, rather than other most expensive moisturizers that you have to scoop," she says.
Cooling effect: Dr. Brandt Fatigue Fighting Eye Gel
- Has reduced my fine lines
- Very hydrating
- Takes time to dry
Size: 0.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Phenoxy and GMO
I [Espinal] use this eye gel in the morning and at night, but sometimes I alternate with another formula. I enjoy this one for its cooling effect on the applicator and simplicity. I don’t use to use my fingers to blend which is great for avoiding cross-contamination. I have noticed less puffiness and more firmness around the eye contour since using this one.
Frequently asked questions
"Pads and toners are generally used to balance the skin’s pH and are best applied after cleansing," says Hazen.
Camp says these products "are often intended to remove excess oil, dirt and product residue that were not removed by a cleanser and to prepare skin for the application of other products."
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team spoke with dermatologists and asked for advice on how to properly layer skin care products. Additionally, the writer selected products she currently has in her beauty repertoire that have been tested for over three months, along with some award-winners and editors' favorites.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Howard Sobel is a clinical attending physician in dermatology and dermatologic cosmetic surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital.
- Dr. Brendan Camp is a board-certified dermatologist and sees patients at MDCS Dermatology.
- Dr. Alexes Hazen is a board-certified plastic surgeon and owner of Zen Essentials.
- Dr. Ranella Hirsch is a board-certified dermatologist based in Boston, Massachusetts.
- Kristin Gunn is an Austin-based celebrity esthetician who owns Halcyon Skincare and Beaux Medspa.
- Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
The Flat Lay Co. Flat Lay Makeup Bag
The Flat Lay Co. Flat Lay Makeup Bag