It turns out product order does matter! Never fear. Now, armed with the derm's expertise and this handy blueprint, you can layer your skin care products like a pro thanks to makeup.com.

In the Morning

As a general rule for how to layer skin care products, start with the lightest and end with the heaviest product. If you start with a thick moisturizing cream, your peptide-packed serum won't be able to penetrate the skin underneath it. And remember to allow each layer to sink in for a few minutes. That way each product is able to deliver its specific benefits without disrupting the functions of the next layer.

1. Step: Serum

2. Step: Targeted Treatments

3. Step: All Over Treatment

According to Gohara, this is now the time to apply any product that is meant to go over the entire face, whether that's an antioxidant treatment, all-over acne-fighter or even a facial oil.

4. Step: Moisturizer

You've heard it all before, but we'll say it anyway. Never leave the house without SPF on your face. And we'll just leave it at that.

If you want to know how to layer skin care products in the evenings, the product order actually stays the same. But at night we use products that are much more potent than what we wear during the day, so there are a few adjustments to be made.

1. Step: Retinol, Prescription Product OR Serum

If your skin requires a different prescription treatment, use it here and follow Gohara's application advice. If you're not using retinol or a topical prescription, this is where you would apply your serum. Because these products are so strong, you should only use one at a time.

2. Step: Targeted Treatments

After layer one has sunk in, but before applying your night cream, apply a rich eye cream. If you have any other spot-specific prescription treatments to apply, now is the time for them.

3. Step: Moisturizing Cream

Lastly, Gohara recommends you "moisturizing with a thicker cream to avert retinol irritation." She also notes that if your face is too oily for a night cream, use a lotion instead; lotions are less hydrating than creams.

Now You Know How To Layer Skin Care Products!

You can approach your skin care regimen like a pro now! Remember to keep the product application from lightest to heaviest. Always seal in everything with a moisturizer, and don't forget the SPF in the morning! At night, use your more potent products-- retinol first, before anything else!!

Have you been following the proper product order? Tell us below.

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