“A common mistake people make with their skincare products is applying them in the wrong order,” says Heather Wish, skincare expert and education specialist for Paula’s Choice. “Applying your products in the wrong order can impact the way your product absorbs and ultimately the performance of the product,” she adds. “For example, if you ever apply a skincare product over your SPF, or worse mix another product in with your SPF before application, you are diluting your SPF, and your skin will not be fully protected.”
Likewise, if you were to apply a serum on top of your moisturiser, the thicker and creamier texture of the moisturiser would buffer the serum, preventing it from properly absorbing. “I see clients making this mistake frequently,” says skin expert and director at The Well Clinic Katie Parobek. “You should always layer products from lightest to heaviest texture; otherwise, you’re preventing them from working effectively,” she adds. “For example, toners should always be applied before serums since they work to prepare the skin for the rest of your skincare products.”
So (after cleansing), start with toners and essences, then serums, followed by creams, and finally balms or oils.