Ever feel like your skincare isn’t doing what it’s supposed to—like that serum you love just isn’t giving you the results it promises? The problem may not be the product… it might be the order you’re applying things.
At The Face Naturalist in Naples, FL, I get this question all the time: “Does it really matter what goes on first?” The answer is—absolutely. Your skincare routine is like building a house: you’ve got to lay the foundation before adding the extras. When applied in the correct order, your products can absorb properly, layer without interference, and actually do what they Ire designed to do.
Rule of Thumb: Thinnest to Thickest
Here’s a super simple way to remember it—apply your products from thinnest to thickest. This helps your skin absorb each layer in the right way and allows your active ingredients to penetrate efficiently. Here’s your step-by-step breakdown:
- Cleanser
Start with a fresh canvas. Cleansing removes makeup, sunscreen, oil, and debris so your skin is prepped and ready. Morning and night, don’t skip this step.
- Toner (if you use one)
Toners help rebalance the skin’s pH after cleansing and prep the skin to drink in whatever comes next. Choose a toner based on your skin’s needs—hydrating, clarifying, calming.
- Serum
This is your power player. Whether you’re targeting hydration, brightening, or aging concerns, this step delivers those concentrated ingredients where they’re needed most. Think hyaluronic acid for hydration, vitamin C for glow, or peptides for firming.
- Facial Oil (optional but powerful)
If you’re using facial oils, they typically come after serums but before moisturizer. Oils help nourish and soften the skin, sealing in all the goodness you just applied.
Pro Tip: If your moisturizer is heavy and contains occlusives (like shea butter or dimethicone), apply your oil before it. If your moisturizer is lightweight, oil can go after.
- Moisturizer
Your moisture barrier needs love. A good moisturizer seals in hydration and keeps the skin plump, soft, and protected. Choose a texture that suits your skin type—gel, lotion, cream, or balm.
- SPF (for daytime)
Living in Naples, FL means sun exposure is basically year-round. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every single morning—yes, even on cloudy days. SPF is your skin’s daily armor.
- Primer & Foundation (if wearing makeup)
Now that your skincare is set, you can move on to primer and foundation if you’re wearing makeup. The smooth, hydrated base you’ve built will help everything lay beautifully.
Why This Order Matters
When you apply products in the wrong order, the heavier ones (like oils or moisturizers) can block lighter, water-based formulas (like serums) from absorbing them. That means the actives you’re paying for might just sit on top of your skin—doing absolutely nothing.
Applying from thinnest to thickest ensures that each product penetrates properly and works with the others to give you real results.
Let’s Keep It Simple:
Correct skincare order = maximum absorption + better results.
Misplaced steps = wasted product and frustrated skin.
Want a Routine That’s Right for YOU?
At The Face Naturalist, I believe skincare should be both intuitive and effective. I’m here to help you get the most out of your routine with facials, guidance, and clean products that work with your skin—not against it.
Whether you’re new to skincare or a seasoned product junkie who’s just not seeing results, I’ll help you reset, reorder, and glow up your routine the right way.
