Skincare Correct Order: The Correct Way of Applying Skincare Products

Conscious facial care is based not only on selecting the right active ingredients but also on applying skincare products properly and in the correct order. The order in which skincare products are applied determines their effectiveness and can significantly impact various skin types and conditions, including delicate skin and oily skin. Incorrect layering may weaken the effects of the products or lead to skin concerns such as irritation and dryness, or exacerbation of existing skin conditions. Since the epidermis has a limited ability to absorb ingredients, following the correct order to apply skincare products is essential. Lightweight, water-based, and moisturizing products should be applied first, while richer, oil-based products such as facial oils, and emollients should be used last. Does this sound complicated? In this article, we will explain step by step the skincare routine steps for applying products in the correct order.

Understanding Your Skin Type

An important point at the beginning of your skincare routine is to understand your skin type, whether it’s oily skin, dry skin, or sensitive skin. To discover this process step by step, check our Complete Guide: How To Recognize Your Skin Type.

Cleansing – The First Step to Healthy Skin

Proper cleansing is the absolute foundation of effective skincare routine. Without it, even the most expensive cosmetics will not be able to work, and it can compromise the skin barrier. Every day, the skin is exposed to air pollution, bacteria, dust, and sebum, which can clog pores, lead to excess oil, and cause imperfections.

Cleansing should be gentle yet thorough to avoid disrupting the skin’s hydrolipid barrier and causing skin concerns, especially for those with sensitive skin. The correct cleansing sequence includes:

Makeup Removal

In the evening, removing makeup and sunscreen is essential, as they can be difficult to wash off with just water or water-based cleansers. Most SPF filters and makeup products, especially waterproof ones, contain hydrophobic substances that resist water and sweat, necessitating the use of an oil-based cleanser. If not properly removed, they can remain on the skin for hours, weakening the skin’s barrier function and leading to skin concerns. Accumulated impurities and sebum provide a breeding ground for bacteria, increasing the risk of inflammation and breakouts. A micellar water or an oil-based cleanser is recommended for makeup removal to effectively dissolve makeup and excess oil. Additionally, proper removal of sunscreen is crucial to prevent skin damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer, and maintain a healthy skin barrier.

Deep Cleansing Routine

After makeup removal, a gentle cleansing product should be used to thoroughly clean the skin and prepare it for the next skincare routine steps. When choosing a cleanser, focus on key ingredients rather than marketing claims targeting specific skin types. For example, many “gels for oily and combination skin” contain strong detergents that aggressively remove sebum, disrupting the hydrolipid barrier. In response, the skin produces even more oil, leading to excess oil and shine. To prevent this, opt for mild cleansing products with gentle surfactants and emollients that effectively remove impurities without stripping the skin’s natural protective layer, maintaining the skin’s pH balance.

Smoothing Cleanser by Alexandra Kubas is a great example of an oil-based cleanser that combines cleansing and care, suitable for various skin types. Its rich, creamy texture with polishing particles gently exfoliates dead skin cells, while the formula, based on coconut oil and other emollients, effectively dissolves sebum, makeup, and SPF residues, following the principle of “oil dissolves oil”. This ensures thorough cleansing without excessive dryness or tightness, helping to maintain the skin’s balance and healthy skin appearance.

How long should you cleanse your face?

This cleansing routine step should last at least 60 seconds to effectively remove impurities and allow cleansing agents to work properly.

Restoring Skin Balance – The Role of Toning for Sensitive Skin

When searching for information on the correct skincare order, most sources recommend using toners. This is a somewhat controversial topic since good, gentle cleansers are formulated not to disrupt the skin’s natural pH, making toning unnecessary. However, the market promotes products labeled as “balancing toner” or “acne-fighting toner,” suggesting that skincare is incomplete without them. In reality, this is similar to the issue with facial cleansers – if you don’t analyze the ingredients, you may end up using a product with strong acids or fragrances that can cause irritation and dryness. If you enjoy this step, opt for thermal water instead of a traditional toner, as it provides minerals, soothes the skin, and does not disrupt the skin’s protective barrier.

Serum – Concentrated Active Ingredients

Many people wonder what comes first – cream or serum? The answer depends on whether the serum has a water or oil base, and whether the cream is oil-based or an emulsion. A universal rule applies: skincare products should be applied from the lightest (water-based) to the heaviest (oil-based). This way, occlusion is created, trapping moisture within the skin.

For evening skincare, should you apply a night cream after serum? If the serum is oil-based, it alone protects against moisture loss. If it is water-based, a cream should always be applied afterward to seal in hydration. Another common question is: how long should you wait before applying cream after serum? It is best to apply the cream immediately, before the water-based serum evaporates. If the serum is anhydrous and oil-based, the same rule applies – apply the cream right after or mix both products in your hand before application.

Choose products that stimulate the skin’s natural processes. While the skin has the ability to regenerate, factors such as aging, UV radiation, and oxidative stress slow these processes down. A good serum should boost collagen synthesis, support epidermal repair mechanisms, and protect skin cells from damage. Serum + Q10 by Alexandra Kubas contains coenzyme Q10, a powerful antioxidant that combats free radicals and reduces signs of aging.

Cream – Effective Skin Protection

Now that you know what to apply first – cream or serum – let’s move on to the next skincare step. A cream acts as a protective layer, helping to maintain the skin’s hydrolipid balance. After applying a serum, the skin receives a concentrated dose of active ingredients, but the cream prevents them from evaporating quickly and strengthens the natural barrier of the epidermis. Additionally, it provides emollients and lipids that seal the stratum corneum and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Facial oils are also essential treatment products that should be prioritized in terms of expense and applied last in the regimen to maximize their effectiveness.

A common mistake is choosing a “light” cream, especially for oily or combination skin. This often leads to unsatisfactory results – excess oiliness remains, and hydration is short-lived. This happens because many lightweight formulas contain mostly water and only a small amount of emollients and emulsifiers. After application, the water evaporates quickly, leaving the skin almost unprotected. The thin oil layer left behind is too weak to effectively lock in moisture and shield against external factors. A better solution is water-free creams, butters, or oils that provide essential lipids and strengthen the skin’s barrier. Omega-6 fatty acids help regulate sebum production. Regular use of lipid-rich products dilutes sebum, reduces oiliness, and minimizes blackheads. An ideal product for this stage is Cream by Alexandra Kubas. It contains shea butter, cocoa butter, and baobab seed oil, which regenerate the skin and protect it from external aggressors. Thanks to its rich yet well-absorbed formula, it does not leave a greasy residue but provides a satin finish and long-lasting comfort.

Additional Skincare Steps

Besides daily skincare rituals, incorporating additional treatments can enhance skin regeneration and overall condition. Peelings help remove dead skin cells, improving the absorption of active ingredients and smoothing skin texture. Choose gentle enzyme or fine-grain exfoliants to avoid damaging the protective barrier. Face masks deliver concentrated nutrients – depending on the type, they can hydrate, soothe, or purify. Smoothing Cleanser by Alexandra Kubas can be used as a gentle exfoliant and mask, helping to smooth the skin and unclog pores. Facial massage stimulates microcirculation, supports collagen production, and relieves muscle tension, promoting a healthier complexion. You can use Cream: Woody, a pleasantly scented version of the classic Cream, for this purpose. Lastly, remember to apply a high-SPF sunscreen daily, regardless of the season.

We hope this guide to the correct skincare order helps you put our tips into practice!