Wondering what order to apply your morning and night skincare in? You're not alone. Even the most seasoned skincare experts eventually ask themselves: do you really need to follow a specific "skincare order," or is it just an Instagram myth? Spoiler alert: yes, order matters. And not just a little.
But don't panic, we'll explain everything clearly, step by step . Whether you're a fan of 10-step Korean layering or the express cleanser + cream combo, this guide is here to help you optimize your routine – without spending hours on it.
Why skincare order has a real impact on your skin 🔍
The order of application of skincare products is like a recipe : you're not going to sprinkle the sugar before putting the dough in the mold, right? For your skincare, it's the same.
In K-beauty, we layer textures from the smoothest to the richest . Applying your products in the right order is key to making them work—without blocking the ones that follow. For example:
- Applying an oil before a water-based serum? Bad idea: the oil will act as a barrier.
- Applying your sunscreen before your serum risks reducing the protection and absorption of the treatment.
👉 The skincare order allows your skin to benefit from the right active ingredients, at the right time. You don't have to do everything every day. What matters is understanding the logic and adapting to your skin and the time you have available.
The morning skincare routine: freshness and protection ☀️
Morning rhymes with protection (and coffee). Your routine should wake up your skin, hydrate it, and above all... protect it from external aggressions (pollution, UV rays, etc.). Here's the correct order:
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Gentle cleanser : to remove impurities accumulated during the night.
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Tonic or essence : to balance pH and prepare the skin.
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Serum : according to your needs (radiance, hydration, anti-blemish, etc.).
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Moisturizer : To seal in moisture.
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SPF50+ sunscreen : the essential step, even in winter.
💡 Holy Skin Tip : If you're unsure which products to choose, our free skin diagnosis will help you find the right routine in just 1 minute.
The evening skincare routine: cleansing and regeneration 🌙
In the evening, it's detox + repair. Your skin needs to breathe and recover.
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Cleansing/makeup removing oil : to dissolve makeup, oils and sunscreen (oil = 1st cleansing).
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Foaming cleanser : for deep cleansing (2nd step of double cleansing).
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Tonic : to rebalance and hydrate
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Serum : we target specific needs (acne, spots, wrinkles, etc.).
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Cream or sleeping pack : to nourish and soothe the skin during the night.
🥰 You can add : a mask 2x/week after the tonic.
And according to my skin type? 🎯
Because there's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all routine. Here are some adjustments based on your skin type:
Oily skin:
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Favor light textures, mattifying serums and hydrating gels.
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Don't forget SPF (non-comedogenic) even if your skin is shiny.
Dry skin:
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Add a moisturizing essence or lotion before the serum.
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Rich cream or sleeping mask in the evening = your best ally.
Sensitive skin:
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Less is more. Get to the point.
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Opt for soothing products (e.g. Centella Asiatica ).
👉 On Holy Skin , you'll find ready-made routines tailored to your skin type . Guaranteed to save time.
Common mistakes in skincare order ❌
Even with the best intentions, you can make a few mistakes... Here are the classics:
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Too many layers at once : give your skin time to absorb.
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Skipping evening cleansing : a big mistake if you want to avoid spots and a dull complexion.
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Forget sunscreen : helps prevent the appearance of spots and signs of aging!
FAQ: The best skincare order 💬
Serum before or after cream?
You guessed it: serum before cream , without hesitation! The serum, being more fluid, must penetrate the skin first, before the cream — thicker — creates a barrier.
This little gesture is super important: applying a cream before a serum risks blocking the absorption of the active ingredients, whereas doing the opposite boosts their effectiveness.
How long to wait between serum and cream?
No need to spend all day counting the seconds: simply give the serum time to absorb into the skin.
Dermatologists recommend about 1 minute , or until the skin feels dry to the touch . The key? Wait until it's no longer sticky or fluffy, to prevent the diapers from clumping.
Exfoliation: before or after the mask?
Exfoliating before the mask is key! ✨
Exfoliation removes dead cells and allows the mask, whether hydrating or purifying, to penetrate deeply.
In what order should I apply my skincare if I have a mask?
The mask is generally applied after exfoliation and toning.
Should we change the order between morning and evening?
Yes! In the morning, focus on protection. In the evening, focus on deep cleansing and regeneration.
In what order should I apply my serums if I use several?
Apply the serums from the most fluid/watery to the richest/oiliest , so that each active ingredient penetrates the skin properly.
So… in what order should you do your skincare? 📌
💡 Remember this simple rule: cleanse ➝ treat ➝ moisturize ➝ protect (in the morning) .
And above all, trust your skin. It will tell you very quickly if your routine is right for it. A routine that's too complex can tire it out. A routine that's too light can leave its needs unmet.
Need help getting started? We've prepared ready-to-use, customized Holy Skin routines for you (acne, dry skin, oily skin, etc.). And you can even do a quick diagnostic to find out exactly what you need!
