The exokiss journal · skincare · 2 min read
Skincare routine steps: the right order, and why three is enough
By the exokiss team ·
In short
- Morning: cleanse → serum → moisturizer → sunscreen.
- Night: cleanse → (toner) → serum → eye cream → moisturizer → (face oil last).
- Apply thinnest to thickest: watery first, creams and oils last.
- Three well-chosen steps, used every day, beat ten you can't keep up.
Ten-step routines look impressive, but skin doesn't need a shelf of products. It needs the right few, in the right order, used consistently. Here's the order that works, and six three-step routines from our skincare range.
The right order: morning
- Cleanse: a gentle wash, or just water if your skin is dry.
- Serum: antioxidants like vitamin C shine here.
- Eye cream, if you use one.
- Moisturizer.
- Sunscreen: always last in the morning.
The right order: night
- Cleanse, twice if you wore makeup or sunscreen (see double cleansing).
- Toner (optional): a hydrating toner preps skin.
- Treatment serum: peptides, niacinamide, retinol or a plant alternative.
- Eye cream.
- Moisturizer or night cream.
- Face oil (optional): oils go last; they seal everything underneath.
The thin-to-thick rule
Lighter textures can't get through heavier ones, so go from wateriest to richest: toner, then serum, then cream, then oil. Most products don't need waiting time between them. A minute for each layer to settle is plenty.
Six 3-step routines
| Routine | For | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glow | A brighter, dewy look | Glow Facial Wash | Vitamin C Serum | Prebiotic Face Mist |
| Peptide | Smoother, plumper-looking skin | Peptide Serum | Peptide AM-PM Cream | Peptide Eye Cream |
| Renewal | A fresher, even-looking tone | Niacinamide Serum | Hydrating Serum | Ceramide Night Cream |
| Barrier | Dry, tight skin | Hydrating Toner | Prebiotic Jelly Serum | Ceramide Night Cream |
| Retinol alternative | Retinol-style results without retinol | Retinol Alternative Serum | Retinol Alternative Moisturizer | Retinol Alternative Eye Serum |
| Under-eye | Tired-looking eyes | Caffeine Eye Patches | Caffeine Gel Booster | Peptide Eye Cream |
See them all, with their total prices, on our routines page.
Where to start
If you only buy one product, make it a serum that matches your main goal. Our most versatile is the Peptide Serum (2% hexapeptide-11 and hyaluronic acid), which you can use morning and night.
For dry skin, finish the night with a rich cream. Read how to choose a night cream for dry skin.
Below the neck, the same keep-it-simple idea applies: a light serum all over and a richer cream on rough spots. Read urea cream for rough, dry skin.
Common routine mistakes
- Starting several new products at once, so you can't tell what's working or what irritates.
- Too many strong actives in the same routine.
- Skipping sunscreen in the morning.
- Giving up too early: give a routine 8 to 12 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct order of skincare steps?
Cleanse, tone (optional), serum, eye cream, moisturizer, then sunscreen in the morning or face oil at night: thinnest to thickest.
What are the basic steps of a skincare routine?
Three steps cover most needs: cleanse, treat (a serum) and moisturize, plus sunscreen every morning.
Do I need to wait between skincare steps?
Usually not long. Give each layer a moment to settle, about a minute, before the next one.
Does toner go before or after serum?
Before. Toner comes straight after cleansing, then serum.
Where does face oil go in a routine?
Last at night, after your moisturizer. Oils help seal in everything underneath.
not sure yet?
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