The Right Order to Apply Your Skincare Products

Building a skincare routine is exciting, but applying products in the wrong order means your skin absorbs less of what it actually needs.

Start with the lightest textures and work up to the heaviest.

Step 1 — Cleanser Always start with a gentle cleanser. It removes dirt, oil, and any leftover makeup so your skin is ready to absorb what comes next.

Step 2 — Toner A hydrating toner balances your skin’s pH and preps it to absorb serums more effectively.

Step 3 — Serum This is where active ingredients live — Vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid. Apply on damp skin for better penetration.

Step 4 — Moisturiser Locks everything in. Even oily skin needs a moisturiser — just choose a lighter gel formula.

Step 5 — SPF (Morning only) Non-negotiable. SPF is the single most effective anti-ageing step in any routine.

Consistency matters more than expensive products. Stick to your routine for at least 4 weeks before judging results.