The Correct Order to Apply Skincare Products: A Simple AM & PM Routine

Have you ever wondered whether serum goes before moisturiser, or whether sunscreen should be applied before or after your other skincare products?

The order in which you apply skincare products can make your routine easier to follow and help you use each product correctly. The good news is that you do not need a complicated 10-step routine to care for your skin.

Whether your SkinState includes dullness, acne marks, excess oil, or uneven-looking skin tone, the key is to follow a simple routine that suits your needs.

In this guide, we’ll explain the correct order for morning and nighttime skincare, common layering mistakes, and how to build a routine with Leteint Beauty.

Why Does Skincare Order Matter?

Skincare products serve different purposes. Cleansers remove dirt, oil, and impurities, while serums target specific skin concerns. Moisturisers help maintain hydration, and sunscreen protects your skin from UV exposure.

Applying products in a consistent order helps you avoid unnecessary confusion and makes your routine easier to maintain.

A useful general rule is to apply products from lighter textures to heavier ones, with sunscreen as the final step of your morning skincare routine.

However, always follow the instructions provided with individual products.

The Correct Morning Skincare Routine

Your morning routine should focus on cleansing, treating your main skin concern, moisturising when needed, and protecting your skin from the sun.

Step 1: Cleanser

Start by washing your face with a cleanser suited to your skin's current needs.

• Acne Cure Anti-Acne Facewash: For those focusing on oily, acne-prone skin.
• Glow Riche Brightening Facewash: Formulated with Vitamin C, Alpha Arbutin, and Liquorice Extract.
• Age Less Anti-Aging Facewash: Formulated with Collagen Peptide and Sodium Hyaluronate.

Choose one suitable cleanser rather than using several face washes in the same routine.

Step 2: Serum

After cleansing, apply your chosen serum according to its instructions.

For example, Leteint Beauty Glow Riche Vitamin C Skin Serum contains Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Alpha Arbutin, and Ascorbyl Glucoside. It is designed for a routine focused on brighter-looking skin and uneven tone.

If acne and excess oil are your main concerns, consider a serum formulated for that SkinState instead.

Start with one treatment serum at a time if you are new to active ingredients or have sensitive skin.

Step 3: Moisturiser

Apply a moisturiser that suits your skin. This step helps maintain hydration and can reduce moisture loss.

Oily skin may prefer a lightweight texture, while dry skin may feel more comfortable with a richer formula.

If your serum and moisturiser instructions specify a particular order, follow those directions.

Step 4: Sunscreen

Finish your morning routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.

Apply it generously to exposed skin and reapply according to the product instructions, particularly when spending time outdoors.

Leteint Beauty Dayscreen Sunblock SPF 60 can be considered as part of your daily sun-protection routine.

Remember: Sunscreen comes after your skincare products and before makeup.

The Correct Nighttime Skincare Routine

Your evening routine focuses on removing the day's buildup and caring for your skin without overloading it with unnecessary products.

Step 1: Cleanse Your Skin

Wash away sunscreen, makeup, dirt, and excess oil. If you wear heavy or water-resistant makeup or sunscreen, you may need a suitable first cleansing step before your regular face wash.

Avoid scrubbing aggressively or washing with very hot water.

Step 2: Apply Your Treatment Serum

Once your skin is clean, apply your chosen serum according to its directions.

You may select a product based on your current SkinState, such as acne-prone skin, dullness, uneven-looking tone, or visible signs of ageing.

Do not automatically layer multiple active serums together. Some combinations may irritate your skin, especially if you are new to them.

Step 3: Moisturise

Finish with a suitable moisturiser to help keep your skin comfortable and hydrated overnight.

If your skin feels dry, tight, or sensitive, simplify your routine and avoid unnecessary exfoliating products until it feels comfortable again.

Can You Use Vitamin C Serum Every Day?

Many people can use a suitable Vitamin C serum regularly, but the ideal frequency depends on the formula and how your skin tolerates it.

If you are starting a new serum, introduce it gradually and follow its product instructions. Stop using it if you develop persistent irritation.

Daily sunscreen remains important when your goal is to maintain a brighter-looking, more even skin tone.

Common Skincare Layering Mistakes

Applying Too Many Products

More products do not necessarily mean better results. Too many active ingredients can make a routine difficult to manage and increase the chance of irritation.

Skipping Sunscreen

A morning routine focused on brightening or improving uneven-looking skin tone should still include daily sun protection.

Using Products That Do Not Suit Your Skin

A product that works well for someone else may not suit your skin. Consider your current concerns, sensitivities, and how your skin responds.

Changing Your Routine Too Frequently

Introducing several new products at once makes it harder to identify what is helping or causing irritation.

Ignoring Product Instructions

Some products have specific application requirements. Follow the directions on the label rather than relying on a universal layering rule.

Build a Simple Routine for Your SkinState

You can start with a few essentials and adjust them according to your skin's needs.

For acne-prone or oily skin: Use a suitable cleanser, a targeted treatment if needed, moisturiser, and morning sunscreen.

For dullness and uneven-looking tone: Use a suitable cleanser, consider a brightening serum, moisturise as needed, and apply sunscreen every morning.

For mature-looking skin: Prioritise gentle cleansing, hydration, suitable treatment products, and daily sun protection.

Your skin can experience more than one concern at a time. For example, oily skin can also look dull or feel dehydrated. Choose products based on what your skin needs rather than following every trend.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the correct order for skincare products?

A typical morning order is cleanser, serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen. At night, use cleanser, treatment serum if appropriate, and moisturiser.

2. Should I apply serum before or after moisturiser?

Most lightweight serums are applied before moisturiser. However, follow the instructions for your specific products.

3. Can I use two serums in one routine?

Sometimes, but it depends on their ingredients and your skin's tolerance. If you are a beginner or have sensitive skin, start with one treatment serum.

4. Should I use sunscreen at night?

Sunscreen is generally intended for daytime UV protection and is not usually needed as a separate nighttime skincare step.

5. Can oily skin skip moisturiser?

Not necessarily. Oily skin can still experience dehydration. Choose a moisturiser that feels comfortable and suits your skin.

6. How long should I wait between skincare steps?

Allow each product to settle before applying the next, particularly if the product instructions recommend a waiting period. There is no universal waiting time for every skincare product.

Final Thoughts

A good skincare routine does not have to be complicated. Start with cleansing, choose treatments according to your SkinState, moisturise when needed, and finish your morning routine with sunscreen.

At Leteint Beauty, the goal is to help you understand what your skin needs and make skincare easier to follow. Build a consistent routine, introduce products thoughtfully, and give your skin time to respond.