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The Correct Order to Apply Skincare (Morning & Night)

If your serums feel like they “do nothing,” the problem might not be the products — it might be the order you put them on. Applying skincare in the wrong sequence can block ingredients from absorbing and leave your skin unprotected. Here’s the simple rule that fixes it.

The one rule that makes it easy

Apply from thinnest to thickest. Watery, lightweight products go first so they can absorb into clean skin. Heavier creams and SPF go last to seal everything in.

Morning routine (AM)

1. Cleanser — Start with a gentle cleanser to remove overnight oil. A simple foaming cleanser like the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser works for normal-to-oily skin.
2. Serum (optional) — A lightweight active such as The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% goes on bare skin so it absorbs first.
3. Moisturizer — Lock in hydration with a cream like the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.
4. SPF (always last) — Sunscreen is the final step every single morning. A lightweight fluid like the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Fluid SPF 60 sits well under makeup.

Quick tip: SPF always goes on after moisturizer, never before. If you wear makeup, that goes on top of sunscreen.

Night routine (PM)

1. Cleanser — Remove makeup, SPF, and the day’s grime.
2. Serum / treatment — This is the time for actives (like retinol, if your skin tolerates it).
3. Moisturizer — A slightly richer cream at night helps repair while you sleep.

You skip SPF at night — that’s the only difference from your morning routine.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Moisturizer before serum — the cream blocks the serum from absorbing.
• Skipping SPF on cloudy days — up to 80% of UV still gets through clouds.
• Layering too fast — give each step 30–60 seconds to absorb.

A simple starter set

If you’re building a routine from scratch, four products cover it: a cleanser, one serum, a moisturizer, and an SPF. Keep them lined up on your counter in order so you never skip a step.

• Cleanser: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
• Serum: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
• Moisturizer: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
• SPF: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Fluid SPF 60

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