Walking order: the correct order for applying skin care products

Do you put serum, moisturizer and cleanser on your skin for no reason? It's time to give up bad habits. It turns out that there is a proper order to follow when applying your skin care products to maximize the effectiveness of your routine. Here, Dr. Dandy Engelman, board certified dermatologist and Skincare.com expert, guides us through the recommended course of action. Improve your beauty purchases - and your skin! — and layer like a pro.  

Step 1: CLEANER

“When it comes to applying skin care products, always start with the lightest products,” says Engelman. Cleanse the surface of your skin of dirt, makeup, sebum and impurities with a gentle micellar water detergent. We love how hydrated, soft and refreshed our skin looks after a quick application. Vichy Purete Thermale 3-in-1 One Step Solution. 

Step 2: TONER

You have cleansed your face of dirt, but residues of dirt may remain. That's where toner comes in, and according to Engelman, it's time to use it. Spray SkinCeuticals Smoothing Toner onto a cotton pad and swipe over face, neck and chest to soothe, tone and soften skin while removing excess residue. It perfectly prepares the skin for the next layer... guess what it is?

Step 3: SERUM

Ding-ding-ding! Serum it is. Engelman—and many beauty editors- likes to turn on SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic in her routine. This vitamin C daily serum provides enhanced environmental protection and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness and brightens the overall look of your skin. In fact, it is an antioxidant-rich product that is essential for your skin. 

Step 4: MOISTURIZER 

Engelman says if you have prescription topical treatments for any skin problems, get them now. If not, use your favorite moisturizer formulated for your skin type to keep skin hydrated, soft and smooth all day and night. This is a step not to be missed! 

Step 5: SUN CREAM

Another non-negotiable step in AM? Sunscreen! Don't take our word for it - even the dermis agrees. “No matter what city you live in and whether the sun shines every day, you are exposed to UV-A/UV-B, pollution and smoke,” says Engelman. “Eighty percent of all signs of skin aging are related to the environment. Daily skin protection with SPF and antioxidants is critical to maintaining healthy looking skin.” Engelman says a layered approach should also be taken when applying SPF to maximize the benefits. “The best protection is layering products — antioxidants first, then your SPF. This combination is the most effective and great for the skin.” She prefers products with SPF based on titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. “This is the gold standard for sunscreen ingredients in my opinion,” she says. "By neutralizing the effects of environmental and oxidative stress on the skin, sunscreens and antioxidants are effective in keeping skin young, smooth, bright and protected."

Remember: there is no one-size-fits-all skin care product. Some can benefit from a solid multi-step regimen, while others may only find value in a few products. When in doubt, Engelman suggests starting with the daily basics—cleansing, moisturizing, and applying SPF—and gradually add other products as needed/tolerance.