Skincare products are formulated to work in a specific sequence. Apply them out of order and you either block absorption, dilute active ingredients, or create a barrier that stops the next product from penetrating at all. The general rule is simple: thinnest to thickest.
Morning routine
Start with a gentle cleanser, then toner if you use one. Follow with any water-based serum (Vitamin C or niacinamide), then eye cream, then moisturiser, and finish with SPF. Sunscreen always goes last in the morning — layering anything on top of it reduces its effectiveness.
Evening routine
Cleanse first — double cleanse if you've worn sunscreen or makeup. Then toner, treatment serum (retinol or AHA/BHA if you use them), eye cream, and finally a slightly richer night moisturiser. Retinol and exfoliating acids go on before moisturiser but never in the same routine as Vitamin C — they conflict and can cause irritation.
If this feels like a lot, remember: a consistent two-step routine (cleanser + SPF in the morning, cleanser + moisturiser at night) beats an elaborate routine done inconsistently.
