Skincare is an art and a science—a ritual that transforms your complexion when done correctly. But with so many products available, figuring out the correct order to apply them can feel overwhelming.
If you’ve ever stood in front of your bathroom mirror staring at your products in confusion, this guide is for you. Learning what order to apply skincare products ensures that each product absorbs effectively, delivering maximum benefits for glowing, healthy skin. Let’s break down how to layer skincare step by step!
Why Layering Your Skincare Properly Matters
Applying skincare in the wrong order can reduce effectiveness and even cause irritation. The rule of thumb for how to layer skincare? Apply products from the thinnest consistency to the thickest—this allows lightweight ingredients to penetrate deeply while richer products help seal everything in.
Learning how to apply skincare in order helps:
- Maximize absorption of active ingredients
- Prevent pilling (when products roll off your skin)
- Keep skin hydrated and balanced throughout the day
- Ensure long-lasting protection from environmental damage
Now, let’s build the perfect skincare routine step by step!
Step 1: Cleanser – Start with a Fresh Canvas
When it comes to how to layer skincare, it’s essential to start with clean skin. Cleansing removes dirt, oil, and makeup that can block products from absorbing properly. Remember to use lukewarm water to cleanse—hot water can strip moisture from your skin! After the cleansing step in how to apply skincare in order, pat your skin dry with a soft towel (never rub!).
- Morning: Use a gentle cleanser to refresh your skin and remove any overnight buildup.
- Night: Opt for double cleansing––Cleanse once with a gentle foaming or hydrating cleanser to break down makeup and SPF, followed by another cleanse to remove impurities.
Try:
Lea Black Beauty® Skin Revitalizing Daily Face Wash – This lightweight, nourishing cleanser hydrates while gently cleansing, leaving your skin soft and fresh.
The Natural Youth® All Natural Beauty Bar is the perfect first step in your skincare routine, gently cleansing while infusing your skin with nourishing ingredients to refresh and prep for optimal product absorption. Its hydrating and purifying formula helps remove impurities, balance oil production, and promote a radiant, youthful glow.
Step 2: Exfoliate – Buff Away Dullness
Wondering what order to apply skincare products in after cleansing? First up is exfoliation, perfect to remove dead skin cells and reveal brighter, smoother skin while allowing serums and moisturizers to absorb more effectively.
- For this step in how to layer skincare, use 2-3 times a week to maintain glow without irritation.
- If using retinol or strong actives, exfoliate on alternate days to prevent sensitivity.
Try: Lea Black Beauty® Moisturizing Skin Renewal Exfoliant – This 2-in-1 exfoliator and face wash cleanses while gently polishing away impurities, leaving skin radiant and smooth. Gentle enough to use daily, or in place of your normal face wash whenever you need a fresh, smooth start!
Step 3: Tone – Prep Your Skin for Maximum Absorption
Toner balances the skin’s pH, refines pores, and preps the skin to absorb serums and moisturizers. This step in how to layer skincare is especially beneficial for hydration and brightening.
- Apply with a cotton pad or pat directly into skin with your hands for better absorption.
- Let it fully absorb before moving to the next step.
Try: Lea Black Beauty® Brighten & Balance 200mg CBD Skin Toner – Infused with CBD, vitamin C, and witch hazel, this toner brightens, balances, and calms for a fresh, even complexion.
Step 4: Serums – Target Your Skin Concerns
Serums are a crucial step in how to layer skincare––packed with concentrated active ingredients that penetrate deeply to address hydration, fine lines, and dullness. Press the product gently into the skin, then wait 30-60 seconds after application before applying moisturizer.
- CBD-infused serums – Calm inflammation and support collagen production.
- Use Morning and Night – After cleansing, apply CBD serum to your face and neck and massage in an upward and outward motion.
Try: Lea Black Beauty® Anti-Aging Face Serum with 250mg CBD – A potent, hydrating serum that reduces fine lines and soothes irritated skin.
Step 5: Eye Care – Don’t Forget the Delicate Areas
Wondering what order to apply eye skincare products? The skin around your eyes is thinner and more prone to fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles, making targeted eye care essential.
- Eye creams hydrate and firm the skin, and should be applied morning and night.
- Gently tap your eye cream into the delicate skin around your eye using your ring finger.
Try: Lea Black Beauty® Premium Hemp Soothing Eye Cream – Packed with CBD and peptides, this step in how to layer skincare deeply hydrates and reduces puffiness.
Step 6: Moisturizer – Lock in Hydration
Moisturizer is the next step in how to apply skincare in order––sealing in hydration and preventing water loss, keeping skin soft and plump.
- For dry skin, use a rich, deeply hydrating cream.
- For oily skin, opt for a lightweight, daily moisturizer.
- For mature skin, choose a CBD-infused or anti-aging formula for added nourishment.
Try: Lea Black Beauty® Sudden Youth® 500mg CBD Intensive Moisture Renewal Cream – A deeply hydrating, reparative cream infused with CBD, antioxidants, and botanical extracts to plump and firm skin overnight.
Step 7: Facial Oils – The Finishing Touch
Facial oils should be applied last in how to layer skincare to seal in all previous steps. They strengthen the skin barrier, boost hydration, and give a beautiful glow. Best for dry and mature skin, oils can be mixed into moisturizer for extra nourishment.
- Facial oils help to seal in serums and creams overnight.
- Press gently into the skin and avoid rubbing too aggressively—let the skin absorb naturally.
Try: Lea Black Beauty® Sudden Youth® 1000mg Nourishing Cannabis Sativa Oil – A potent facial oil packed with 1000mg of CBD to soothe, hydrate, and restore elasticity.
The Secret to Perfect Skin? Consistency!
Learning how to layer skincare correctly is the key to glowing, youthful skin. When you learn what order to apply skincare products in, you allow your skin to absorb the maximum benefits––leading to a smoother, healthier, and more radiant complexion. Ready to perfect your skincare routine? Shop Lea Black Beauty®’s clinically proven, luxury skincare products and give your skin the care it deserves! Enjoy our free shipping on USA orders over $65 today.
