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No matter the level of beauty expertise, there's always one doubt that crosses our minds with every new innovative product that launches: "What is the correct skin care routine order?" Because "what product goes on first, your serum or moisturizer?" is about as mysterious to us as the whole chicken-or-egg question — and don't get us started with "does toner go before or after you mask?" But while the jury is still out on that age-old debate, your skin care routine order is completely agreed upon by experts — even if it is a little less known among the rest of us.
To help set us all straight and make the most of our treasured face treatments and creams, we checked in with the experts, founder and director of Capital Laser & Skin Care Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi and celebrity esthetician Joanna Vargas to find out exactly how we should be applying each product to help achieve clear skin.
First things first, Dr. Tanzi and Vargas both agree that you really only need three products for your daily routine. "If you are using great products, you don't need a lot of steps," Vargas tells us of sticking with a cleanser, serum, and moisturizer — the Holy Trinity of your skincare routine. But since we like to treat ourselves (and inevitably complicate things) by trying out new products, we're breaking down every possible skincare option and step for your morning and nighttime routine, below. Still, when in doubt, Dr. Tanzi says a simple rule of thumb is to "apply products with the thinnest formulations first to [allow them] to be absorbed." Need further clarification? Here are the exact steps:
Makeup Remover
No matter what your nighttime routine, Vargas says, "taking off makeup is the first step." This ensures that every product you use after, from your face wash to your moisturizer, will be absorbed into the skin better, and that you're not just piling products on to dirty skin. Makeup remover wipes like Neutrogena's Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes is a quick and efficient product to kick off your routine.
Cleanser
Morning or night, Dr. Tanzi and Vargas both agree that you should start things off by washing your face with a cleanser that gets out dirt and oil but is still gentle on your skin. While Vargas's Vitamin C Face Wash clears out pores to prevent breakouts without drying the skin, Dr. Tanzi also recommends the La Roche Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanserfor those who particularly struggle with acne or Cetaphil Skin Cleanser for an inexpensive option that's gentle on skin,
Cleansing Balm
If you prefer a more solid cleanser that melts into dry skin and can double as a makeup remover, make this your first step. The Eve Lom Cleanser gets our luxe pick for leaving skin clean and as soft as if you've just moisturized, while Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Cleansing Balm is a more budget-friendly option.
Cleansing Oil
This is another first step alternative that dissolves makeup and washes away the gross oils (think the ones that cause acne), while leaving skin clean and soft using good-for-you oils like coconut and argan. Try Burt's Bee Facial Cleansing Oil.
Micellar Water
If you went in on the French beauty trend, you'll be happy to know you can use micellar water like Garnier's as your first step to remove your makeup and cleanse your skin.
Toner
While it's certainly not a necessary step, Vargas says you can use a toner "to rebalance the skin after cleansing," if you need an extra boost.
Masks
Dr. Tanzi says you only need to do a mask once each week, and it should always be applied to skin that's already been removed of any makeup and cleansed.
Face Mist
If your face needs a little bit of extra hydration or you're trying to calm down any irritation, you can spray one of these over your face after cleansing (or use it throughout the day over your makeup for a refreshing pick-me-up).
Serum/Acne Treatment
If you suffer from breakouts, Dr. Tanzi says to follow up cleansing with an acne treatment like the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treament and skip the traditional serums that can leave acne-prone skin feeling greasy. If your skin type is on the drier side, Dr. Tanzi says, "use a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid both morning and night." We're partial to Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum.
Oils
Dr. Tanzi says that since you wouldn't be using an oil and a serum, those with drier skin can opt for an oil if they like, while combination and acne-prone skin types should always go for the serum.
Essences
Since essences and serums provide the same hydrating skin benefit, if you've found an essence you really like, you can skip the serum and use that instead.
Eye Cream
While you don't need an eye cream in your teen years if you choose to incorporate one into your daily routine, Dr. Tanzi says to stick to a moisturizing cream with few ingredients (we like CeraVe Eye Repair Cream and Fresh Rose Hydrating Eye Gel Cream.
Moisturizer
In the morning, Dr. Tanzi and Vargas both stress that it's important to choose a moisturizer with SPF (yes, even in the winter) to keep your skin hydrated and protected from sun damage. Again, Dr. Tanzi tells us that gentle skincare products are best in your teen years, so stick to simple formulations like CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with SPF 30 or Juice Beauty SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer, which also works to clear blemishes. At night, switch to a regular moisturizer like CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion PM, or skip the moisturizer entirely if you have oily, acne-prone skin and just stick to your cleanser and acne treatment combo.
Primer
Glossier's Priming Moisturizer is especially good in the summer months when you're looking for a lighter alternative to your usual moisturizer — plus it sets your skin up for a smoother makeup application.
SPF
If your favorite moisturizer is lacking in SPF or you'll be spending more time in the sun, Dr. Tanzi says to follow up your moisturizer (or serum if you skip this step entirely) with your sunscreen. Since it's the heaviest formulation, save the SPF for last.
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