As the weather changes and skin becomes more prone to dehydration, some tips for taking care of your face are in order. This article will help you learn steps for healthy skin that can also keep your beauty on-point through the seasons.
The “skin care routine order morning and night” is a topic that has been discussed in many different forums. This article will discuss the 11 steps for a skin care routine, as well as layering tips.
We feature goods that we believe will be beneficial to our readers. We may get a small compensation if you purchase anything using the links on this page. Here’s how we went about it.
The sequence in which you apply your products important, whether you desire a quick three-step routine in the morning or have time for a comprehensive 10-step procedure at night.

Why? If your products don’t have a chance to permeate your skin, it’s pointless to have a skin care program.
Learn how to layer for best effect, which stages you may skip, which products to try, and more by reading on.
Skin Care in Order: Steps for Healthy Skin
Skin care regimens in the morning are all about prevention and protection. Because your face will be exposed to the elements, you’ll want to use a moisturizer and sunscreen.
Day-time steps-
Step 1: Cleanse with an oil-based cleanser.
- What exactly is it? There are two types of cleansers: water-based and oil-based. The latter is designed to breakdown the oils that your skin produces.
- How to use it: Some oil-based cleansers are designed to perform well on damp skin. Others are more suitable for dry skin. Before applying a little quantity to your skin, read the directions. After massaging it in, rinse it off completely with water and pat dry with a clean towel.
- If you have combination or oily skin and your cleanser just includes oil (rather than a mix of oil, surfactants, and emulsifiers), skip this step to prevent an increase in oiliness.
- Burt’s Bees Cleansing Oil with Coconut & Argan Oils is moisturizing and soothing at the same time. DHC’s Deep Cleansing Oil is an olive oil solution that is good for all skin types.
Step 2: Use a cleaner that is based on water.
- What exactly is it? Surfactants, which are substances that enable water to rinse away grime and perspiration, are the main constituents in these cleansers. They may also get rid of the oils that an oil-based cleaner collects.
- Use it by massaging it into damp skin and then rinsing it out before drying.
- If you don’t want to twice cleanse or if your oil-based cleanser has enough surfactants to remove dirt and debris, skip this step.
- Try La Roche-Micellar Posay’s Cleansing Water for Sensitive Skin for a relaxing, oil-free experience. The Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser from COSRX is meant for use in the morning, although it’s best used after a thorough cleansing.
Step 3: Astringent or toner
- What exactly is it? Toners are used to hydrate the skin and eliminate dead cells and debris that are left behind after cleaning. Astringents are alcohol-based products that are used to reduce excess oil.
- After cleaning, tap straight into the skin or onto a cotton pad and swipe over the face in an outward motion.
- If you have dry skin, skip the astringent.
- Try Thayers’ Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner, which is alcohol-free, and Neutrogena’s Clear Pore Oil-Eliminating Astringent, which is meant to battle breakouts.
Step 4: Antioxidant serum
- What exactly is it? Certain chemicals are concentrated in high concentrations in serums. Skin will be protected from harm produced by unstable molecules known as free radicals if you use one that is antioxidant-based. Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E are often used to enhance texture and firmness. Green tea, resveratrol, and caffeine are all things to keep an eye out for.
- What to do with it: Apply a few of drops to your face and neck.
- Products to try: Skinceuticals’ C E Ferulic isn’t inexpensive, but it claims to defend against UVA/UVB rays and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Try Avene’s A-Oxitive Antioxidant Defense Serum for a more economical option.
Step 5: Apply a spot treatment to a specific area.
- What exactly is it? If you have a blemish with a head, seek for an anti-inflammatory solution to get rid of it, then use a spot-drying treatment to get the remainder of it cleared up. A cyst is something that develops under the skin and necessitates the use of a treatment that targets the illness on the inside.
- Remove any skin care products from the affected area using a moist cotton swab. Apply a tiny quantity of the therapy to the affected area and let it dry.
- If you don’t have any spots or prefer to let nature take its course, skip this step.
- Try Kate Somerville’s EradiKate Blemish Treatment, which has a high amount of sulfur to decrease spots and prevent new pimples. The Super Spot Remover from Origins is also great for the day. It may help with remaining discolouration and speed up the healing process since it dries clean.

Step 6: Apply an eye cream.
- What exactly is it? The skin surrounding your eyes is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of your body. It’s also prone to fine lines, puffiness, and blackness, which are all indicators of age. A decent eye cream may help to brighten, smooth, and tighten up the region, but it won’t solve all of the problems.
- How to use it: Using your ring finger, dab a tiny quantity onto the eye region.
- If your moisturizer and serum are suited for the eye region, have an effective formula, and are fragrance-free, you may skip this step.
- Products: Physical Eye UV Defense from SkinCeuticals is a nonirritating SPF 50 solution. Clinique’s Pep-Start Eye Cream attempts to brighten and depuff the eyes.
Step 7: Use a lighter facial oil.
- What exactly is it? The sooner you apply a lighter product, the better. Because easily absorbable oils are light, they should be used before moisturizer. They’re particularly beneficial if your skin is dry, flaky, or dehydrated.
- Squeeze a few drops onto your fingers to use. Gently rub them together to warm the oil before dabbing it onto your face.
- If you prefer a maintenance schedule, skip this step. Most of the time, you’ll have to experiment with various oils to determine which one works best for you.
- Try these products: Cliganic’s Jojoba Oil may help with dry skin, and The Ordinary’s Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil can help with photoaging.
Step 8: Moisturizer
- What exactly is it? Skin will be soothed and softened by using a moisturizer. If you have dry skin, you should use a cream or balm. Normal or combination skin benefits from thicker creams, whereas oilier skin benefits from fluids and gels. Glycerine, ceramides, antioxidants, and peptides are all effective components.
- Warm a bit larger than pea-sized quantity in your palms before using. Apply upward strokes to the cheeks first, then the rest of the face.
- If your toner or serum provides adequate moisture, you may skip this step. This is particularly true for oily-skinned people.
- Products to try: CeraVe’s Ultra-Light Moisturizing Face Lotion is a lightweight SPF 30 product that should be suitable for oily skin. Look for Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Gel Cream if you have dry skin.
Step 9: Apply a thicker facial oil
- What exactly is it? Heavy oils are those that take a long time to absorb or just feel thick. These are best for dry skin types and should be used after a moisturizer to lock in all of the benefits.
- How to use it: Use it in the same way as you would the lighter oil.
- If you don’t want your pores to get clogged, skip this step. Again, trial and error are essential.
- Products to try: Sweet almond oil is thicker than others, but Weleda’s Sensitive Care Calming Almond Oil promises to hydrate and soothe skin. In its anti-aging Divine Rosehip & Avocado Face Oil, Antipodes mixes a light and heavier oil.
Step 10: Apply sunscreen
- What exactly is it? The last step in your morning skin care regimen is to apply sunscreen. It may not only lower your chance of skin cancer, but it can also help you battle the symptoms of aging. Choose one with an SPF of 30 or greater, according to the American Cancer Society.
- Spread it freely over your face and rub it in. Apply it at least 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. Applying skin care items on top of sunscreen might dilute it.
- If you don’t like the standard feel of sunscreen, Glossier’s Invisible Shield could be the one for you. For darker skin tones, the product is also advised. Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 by La Roche-Posay absorbs quickly and has a matte texture.
Step 11: Apply foundation or other foundation-like makeup.
- What exactly is it? A foundation layer will offer you a smooth, even complexion if you wish to apply makeup. Choose a lightweight tinted moisturizer or BB cream instead of foundation, which comes in cream, liquid, or powder form.
- Makeup should be applied using a brush or a sponge. Begin at the middle of the face and work your way outward. Use a moist sponge to merge the edges perfectly.
- If you want to go natural, skip this step.
- Try these products: Giorgio Armani’s Maestro Fusion Foundation is one of the finest in the business if you have oily skin. Do you like a more sheer look? Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer by Nars is a good option.

At night, concentrate on healing the damage done throughout the day using heavier products. Physical exfoliants and chemical peels, as well as anything else that renders skin sensitive to sunlight, should be avoided during this time.
Night-time steps-
Step 1: Cleanse with an oil-based makeup remover.
- What exactly is it? An oil-based cleanser may dissolve natural oils generated by your skin as well as greasy chemicals present in makeup.
- Follow the product’s particular directions for usage. It’s possible that the makeup remover should be used on damp or dry skin. Massage the product into the skin until it is clean, then rinse with water.
- If you don’t use makeup, have oily skin, or prefer to use a water-based product, skip this step.
- Boscia’s MakeUp-BreakUp is a product to test. The goal of Cool Cleansing Oil is to eliminate makeup softly without leaving an oily behind. Tatcha’s One-Step Camellia Cleansing Oil should remove even waterproof makeup.
Step 2: Use a cleaner that is based on water.
- What exactly is it? Water-based cleansers react with makeup and debris on the skin in such a manner that it can all be washed away.
- Follow the instructions to use it. It’s usually applied to damp skin, massaged in, and then rinsed off.
- If: Double cleaning isn’t for you, skip this step.
- Try Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Cleanser, which develops into a lather and leaves skin feeling fresh. Shiseido’s Refreshing Cleansing Water might make your skin seem less greasy.
Step 3: Use an exfoliator or a clay mask to remove dead skin cells.
- What exactly is it? Exfoliation helps to exfoliate dead skin cells while also clearing clogged pores. Clay masks unclog pores while also absorbing excess oil. These masks are best used at night to eliminate dirt and aid in the absorption of other treatments.
- How to use it: Apply the clay mask all over or to particular problem areas once or twice a week. Leave on for the suggested amount of time, then rinse and pat dry with warm water. Exfoliants are applied in a variety of ways, so read the directions carefully.
- If your skin is already inflamed, don’t exfoliate.
- Aztec Secret’s Indian Healing Clay is one of the most highly rated clay masks on the market. Physical or chemical exfoliators are available. An exfoliating brush is included in ProX by Olay’s Advanced Facial Cleansing System, while Paula’s Choice’s Skin Perfecting Liquid Exfoliant includes 2% beta hydroxy acid to balance out texture and tone.
Step 4: Toner or hydrating spray – Step 5: Treatment with acid
- What exactly is it? Although slathering your face with acid may seem frightening, this skin care technique helps promote cell turnover. Glycolic acid is a good option for beginners. Salicylic acid, which fights acne, and hyaluronic acid, which moisturizes, are two more alternatives. You should see a brighter, more even complexion over time.
- Start with once a week and work your way up to every night. Before using it for the first time, do a patch test for at least 24 hours. Swipe a cotton pad over the face with a few drops of the solution. Make careful to stay away from the eyes.
- If you have especially sensitive skin or a response to a certain acid, skip this step.
- Try these products: Alpha-Liquid H’s Gold contains glycolic acid. Choose Peter Thomas Roth’s Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum for hydration. Acids may be safely applied to oily skin. First, use thinner products with a lower pH.
Step 6: Serums and essences
- What exactly is it? Serums offer potent chemicals to the skin directly. A watered-down form is what an essence is. Vitamin E is beneficial for dry skin, while antioxidants such as green tea extract may help with dull skin. Try retinol or vitamin C if you’re prone to breakouts.
- Before applying a new serum or essence, do a patch test 24 hours ahead of time. If your skin seems to be in decent condition, distribute the cream into your palm and gently press it into your skin. Multiple items may be layered. Simply apply the water-based ones first, then the oil-based ones, and wait about 30 seconds between each.
- Try The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Overnight Serum-in-Oil to revitalize the appearance and feel of your skin. If you’re looking for a brightening effect, Sunday Riley’s C.E.O. Brightening Serum includes 15% vitamin C. Some specialists feel that mixing vitamin C or retinol with acids or each other, or vitamin C with niacinamide, is not a good idea. However, there isn’t much data to back up these claims. In fact, current study has shown that retinol and acids in combination are quite beneficial.

Step 7: Apply a spot treatment to a specific area
- What exactly is it? Anti-inflammatory medications are used to treat head blemishes. After that, use a spot-drying treatment. For midnight usage, ones that dry clearly are ideal.
- Make sure your skin is clean before applying it. Apply a tiny quantity of the product to your skin and let it dry.
- If you’re spotless, you may skip this step.
- Try Mario Badescu’s Drying Lotion, which contains salicylic acid to help dry out spots overnight. Before going to bed, use a pus-absorbing COSRX AC Collection Acne Patch.
Step 8: Apply a hydrating serum or mask to your face
- What exactly is it? Hydrating masks aren’t one of those things that may block pores. They’re great for dry skin since they can provide a lot of hydration.
- How to use it: These masks come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some of them are serums. Sheet masks in the Korean style are another option. Some of them are even meant to be kept on all night. Apply it at the conclusion of your regimen if this is the case. Simply follow the directions on the package and you’ll be fine.
- Try these products: Vichy’s Mineral 89 Serum contains hyaluronic acid, 15 vital minerals, and thermal water, and is designed to provide long-lasting hydration. Garnier’s SkinActive Moisture Bomb Sheet Mask also includes hyaluronic acid and goji berry to help hydrate the skin.
Step 9: Apply an eye cream

The Silk Peony Melting Eye Cream by Tatcha

Confidence In An Eye Cream by IT Cosmetics
Step 10: Apply face oil
Step 11: Apply a night cream or a sleep mask to your face.
- What exactly is it? Even though night creams are an optional final step, they may be beneficial. While day creams are meant to preserve the skin, these nourishing moisturizers aid in cell regeneration. Sleep masks, on the other hand, keep all of your other treatments in place and include moisturizing components that are gentle enough to be worn overnight.
- Warm a tiny bit of the lotion in your palms before applying it evenly around your face.
- If your skin already looks and feels great, you may skip this step.
- Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask is a good choice for light exfoliation. Clarins’ Multi-Active Night Cream might be appealing to dry skin in need of hydration.
11-step regimens aren’t for everyone, so don’t feel obligated to perform everything on the lists above.
For many individuals, an useful rule of thumb is to apply products from thinnest to thickest as they go through their skin care procedures, regardless of how many products there are.
Finding a skin care program that works for you and that you’ll stick to is the most crucial thing. Have fun experimenting, whether it’s with the entire shebang or a reduced process.
The most recent medical evaluation was on April 19, 2019.
From 2005 through 2021 Red Ventures owns Healthline Media. All intellectual property rights are retained. Our website’s content, services, and products are only for educational reasons. Medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment are not provided by Healthline Media. More information may be found here.
Watch This Video-
The “daily skin care routine at home” is a step-by-step guide that provides 11 steps for morning, night, layering tips, and more. It is a great resource to follow when you are looking to take better care of your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct order of steps in the skin?
A: The correct order of steps in the skin is as followed.
1 – Peeling off layer 2 – Washing 3 – Moisturizing 4- Applying a mask 5- Reapply if needed 6- Serum 7 – Eye cream 8 – Face moisturizer 9– Lip balm 10 – Sunscreen 11- Cleanser 12- Masks
How do you make a morning and night skin care routine?
A: Use a gentle cleanser, exfoliate with an abrasive face scrub, use your favorite moisturizer that contains SPF, and finish off with a light primer.
What are the 4 steps to a recommended skin care regimen?
A: A recommended skin care regimen consists of cleansing, toning, moisturizing and exfoliating the face.
Related Tags
- night skin care routine steps
- best skin care routine for 30s
- skincare routine steps
- night skin care routine home remedies
- skincare steps