Podcast
A solid skincare routine isn’t just about what products you use—it’s also about how you use them. One of the most common mistakes people make? Applying products in the wrong order. When you layer skincare incorrectly, you can block absorption, cancel out active ingredients, or just waste expensive formulas.
But learning to layer skincare properly isn’t complicated. Once you understand the basics—thin to thick, water before oil, actives with care—you can get the most from every bottle on your shelf.
This guide walks you through the right way to layer skincare step by step, so your products do their job and your skin sees the benefits.
Key Notes
- Layer skincare from thinnest to thickest texture for best absorption
- Water-based serums go before oil-based products
- Let each product absorb before applying the next
- Some ingredients shouldn’t be mixed—know what works together
- Sunscreen always comes last in your morning routine
Why Order Matters
Skincare layering isn’t about rules—it’s about effectiveness. The structure of your routine affects how well your products absorb and interact with each other. Lighter, water-based formulas need to go on first so they can sink into the skin. Thicker products, like oils and moisturizers, come later to seal everything in.
Apply them in the wrong order, and you risk blocking those lighter, active ingredients. Or worse—causing irritation by stacking ingredients that don’t play well together.
So, let’s build a routine that works.
Step 1: Cleanser
Start with a clean base. A gentle cleanser removes sweat, oil, makeup, and anything else sitting on your skin. If your skin still feels greasy or your pillowcase picks up residue, your cleanser might not be doing enough.
For morning routines, one cleanse is enough. At night, if you’ve worn makeup or sunscreen, double cleansing can help. That means using an oil-based cleanser first, then following with a water-based one.
Key tip: Don’t use harsh cleansers that leave your skin tight. That’s a sign it’s stripped too much.
Step 2: Toner (Optional, But Useful)
Toner helps bring your skin’s pH back to a healthy level after cleansing. It also helps your skin absorb the next products more effectively. Today’s toners are often hydrating, soothing, or lightly exfoliating—far from the old alcohol-heavy formulas of the past.
Pat it on with your hands or sweep it across your face with a cotton pad. Either works.
Toners with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin are great if your skin feels tight. Exfoliating toners with salicylic acid or glycolic acid are better used at night, and not more than a few times per week.
Step 3: Serums and Treatments
This is where the real work happens. Serums are packed with high concentrations of active ingredients—think Vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides, or hyaluronic acid. These are the formulas that target pigmentation, fine lines, breakouts, and dehydration.
Here’s how to layer them:
- Apply water-based serums first.
- Wait 30 seconds to a minute to let them absorb.
- Then, if needed, apply oil-based serums.
Only use one or two serums per routine unless you’re sure they’re compatible. Mixing too many actives at once can irritate your skin and reduce the impact of each.
Daily Brightener: Willa Krause Vitamin C & B3 Glow Serum
The Vitamin C & B3 Glow Serum from Willa Krause’s Earth Natural Skin Care range is a waterless, antioxidant-rich formula designed to give your skin a brighter, more even appearance. With Vitamin C to support collagen and fade pigmentation, and Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) to improve skin tone and texture, it tackles dullness head-on.
This serum also boosts circulation and hydration, leaving your skin with a healthy, long-lasting glow. Apply it after cleansing and before moisturizer in the morning for daily radiance and antioxidant protection.
Step 4: Eye Cream
Eye cream goes before your moisturizer. Why? Because the skin around your eyes is thin and sensitive. A thick cream or oil-based moisturizer might block absorption if applied first.
Use a small amount, dab it gently around the orbital bone (not too close to the lash line), and let it absorb. Ingredients like caffeine help with puffiness, while peptides and hyaluronic acid support hydration and firmness.
You don’t have to use eye cream, but if you have concerns like puffiness or dark circles, it can make a difference.
Targeted Care: Willa Krause Eye & Lip Contour Cream
The skin around your eyes and lips is thinner, more delicate, and often the first to show signs of aging. The Willa Krause Eye & Lip Contour Cream is designed to support these areas with active ingredients that hydrate, firm, and protect—without overloading the skin.
Formulated with Vitamin A, Caffeine, Panthenol, and Rosemary Leaf Extract, this cream boosts cellular activity, improves elasticity, and reduces puffiness. It’s especially helpful for smoothing fine lines and supporting collagen production, while Vitamin E and Bilberry Extract offer strong antioxidant protection.
Use it after your serum and before your moisturizer, gently tapping it around the eyes and lips. Ideal for dry or mature skin types looking to target early signs of aging with a focused, non-greasy formula.
Step 5: Moisturizer
Moisturizer seals in everything that came before it. It also strengthens your skin barrier, preventing water loss and supporting overall skin health.
Choose your formula based on skin type:
- Oily or acne-prone skin: Look for gel-based or oil-free formulas.
- Dry skin: Creamy, emollient-rich moisturizers work best.
- Sensitive skin: Go simple—few ingredients, fragrance-free.
Don’t skip moisturizer thinking it’ll make you less oily. Dehydrated skin often overcompensates by producing more oil, leading to more breakouts.
Step 6: Facial Oil (Optional)
If you’re using a facial oil, it goes last—after moisturizer but before sunscreen in the morning. Oils can lock in moisture and give your skin extra nourishment, especially in dry or cold climates.
Use just a drop or two and press it gently into the skin. Too much can sit on the surface and prevent your other products from working properly.
If your moisturizer already has oil in it, you can skip this step. No need to double up unless your skin truly needs it.
Step 7: Sunscreen (Morning Only)
This is your final, essential layer in the morning. No matter how good your routine is, sun damage can undo your progress in a matter of minutes.
Always finish your routine with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Apply a generous amount—don’t just use a pea-sized blob. Think about half a teaspoon for the face and neck.
Let it sit for a few minutes before applying makeup. And yes, you need sunscreen even on cloudy days or if you’re staying indoors near windows.
Nighttime Routine Adjustments
At night, drop the sunscreen and add retinoids or richer creams if your skin needs extra care.
Retinol or Retinoids: These go on after cleansing and before moisturizer. Let them absorb fully before moving on. Don’t mix them with acids or Vitamin C unless the products are specifically formulated to do so.
Targeted Renewal: Willa Krause Bio-Retinol Cell Renewal Serum
Looking to smooth texture, support cell turnover, and soften early signs of aging? The Willa Krause Bio-Retinol Cell Renewal Serum offers a plant-based alternative to traditional retinol that’s gentle enough for most skin types—without skimping on results.
This serum works to refine uneven tone, reduce the look of fine lines, and encourage skin renewal over time. It’s best used in the evening, after cleansing and before your moisturizer. Because it’s a bio-retinol, it’s less irritating than synthetic versions but still effective—ideal for anyone new to retinol or looking for a more natural option.
Use it consistently, apply sunscreen the next day, and let it do the rest.
Overnight masks or treatments: These can replace your moisturizer once or twice a week if your skin needs a boost.
Tips to Make Your Routine Work Better
- Wait between layers.
Letting each product absorb for about 30–60 seconds helps avoid pilling (that weird product flaking). It also gives each ingredient time to start working. - Don’t mix too many actives.
Using Vitamin C, retinol, and an exfoliating acid all at once is asking for trouble unless the formula is designed for that. Start slow. - Adjust based on skin needs.
You don’t have to use every product every day. Some nights, your skin might just want a cleanser and moisturizer. - Less is more.
Using more product doesn’t always give better results. In fact, it can do the opposite. Stick to recommended amounts.
Common Layering Mistakes to Avoid
- Using oils before serums: This blocks absorption. Serums go first.
- Skipping SPF: Even the best skincare won’t help if your skin is exposed to sun damage.
- Not giving products time to absorb: Rushing through can cause pilling and irritation.
- Mixing incompatible ingredients: Example: strong acids + retinol = very unhappy skin.
- Using too many new products at once: If your skin reacts, you won’t know what caused it.
Build a Routine That Makes Sense for You
Your routine doesn’t need to be ten steps long. In fact, three or four well-chosen products layered correctly can often give better results than a shelf full of mismatched ones.
Here’s a simple version that works for most people:
Morning:
Cleanser → Toner (optional) → Serum → Moisturizer → Sunscreen
Evening:
Cleanser → Toner (optional) → Serum or Treatment → Moisturizer → Facial Oil (optional)
Add in eye cream if you’re addressing specific concerns, and exfoliating products two to three times a week based on skin tolerance.
FAQs
- Do I have to use every step every day?
No, adjust based on your skin’s needs—some days fewer steps are better. - Can I mix different serums in one routine?
Yes, but avoid combining strong actives like retinol and acids unless advised. - How long should I wait between product layers?
Wait 30–60 seconds to allow proper absorption and avoid pilling. - Does facial oil go before or after moisturizer?
After. Oils seal in moisture and should be the final step before sunscreen. - Should I use the same routine in the morning and evening?
Not necessarily. Use SPF in the morning and treatments like retinol at night.
Final Thoughts
When you layer skincare the right way, you give every product a better shot at working. You also save time, money, and avoid irritating your skin with unnecessary steps.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just be consistent, use the right order, and make changes based on how your skin responds.
Need help building your own effective skincare routine? Visit your nearest Willa Krause Consultant for personalised product advice and guidance.