The Aphrodite Collective

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the number of skincare products available, you’re not alone! Knowing the correct order to apply them can make a huge difference in their effectiveness. Applying skincare in the right sequence ensures that each product can penetrate properly and work as intended. Let’s break down the perfect skincare routine step by step!

Morning Routine: Protect & Hydrate

Your morning skincare routine should focus on hydration and protection to prepare your skin for the day ahead.

1. Cleanser – Start with a gentle cleanser to remove any sweat, oil, or leftover nighttime products. This creates a fresh base for your skincare routine.
2. Toner – Toners help balance the skin’s pH and prep it to absorb the next steps more effectively. If your toner contains hydrating ingredients, it can also boost moisture levels.
3. Serum – This is where you apply active ingredients tailored to your skin’s needs. Vitamin C is a great morning option because it brightens the skin and provides antioxidant protection against environmental stressors.
4. Eye Cream – The skin around the eyes is delicate, so applying eye cream early in your routine helps lock in hydration and reduce puffiness.
5. Moisturizer – Even if you have oily skin, don’t skip this step! A good moisturizer locks in hydration and prevents water loss throughout the day.
6. Sunscreen (SPF 30 or Higher) – The most crucial step in your morning routine! Sunscreen protects against UV damage, preventing premature aging and hyperpigmentation. Always apply SPF as the last step to ensure maximum protection.

Nighttime Routine: Repair & Restore

At night, your focus should shift to repairing your skin while it regenerates.

1. Double Cleanse (If Wearing Makeup or Sunscreen) – Use an oil-based cleanser first to remove makeup and sunscreen, followed by a water-based cleanser to clean deeper into the pores.
2. Toner – Just like in the morning, toner helps balance and prep the skin for treatments.
3. Exfoliant (2-3x Per Week) – If using chemical exfoliants like AHAs or BHAs, apply them after toner. They help remove dead skin cells and improve texture.
4. Serums & Treatments – Nighttime is perfect for using retinol or other targeted treatments that work best while your skin is at rest.
5. Eye Cream – Hydrating and anti-aging eye creams can help reduce fine lines and puffiness overnight.
6. Moisturizer or Night Cream – A richer moisturizer at night locks in hydration and supports the skin’s natural repair process.
7. Facial Oil (If Needed) – If your skin is particularly dry, sealing in everything with a facial oil can help deeply nourish your skin.

Why Does Order Matter?

• Thinner to Thicker: Products should be applied from the lightest to the heaviest consistency to ensure proper absorption.
• Water-Based Before Oil-Based: Water-based products should go on first because oils create a barrier that can block them from penetrating.
• Actives First: Ingredients like vitamin C and retinol should be applied early in the routine to work effectively before heavier products are layered on.

Final Thoughts

Building a skincare routine that works for you is all about consistency and understanding what each product does for your skin. Stick with the correct application order, and you’ll maximize the benefits of your skincare!

Do you follow this order, or do you have your own skincare hacks? Let’s chat in the comments! 💖