SKN.COACH
Skincare Routine

Routine Order & Layering

The correct order to apply skincare products matters more than you think. Master AM/PM layering, understand how many steps you actually need, and avoid the common mistakes that keep routines from working.

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Evidence-based Step-by-step Personalized routines

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Answer a quick question to find the right guide for your situation.

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What's your main routine question?

Start with the Basics

A great routine doesn't need 10 steps. Start with 3-4 essentials: cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF in the morning. Add one active at a time. Get a personalized routine based on your skin concerns.

Thin to Thick Rule

Apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency. Morning: cleanser → toner → serum → moisturizer → SPF. Night: skip SPF and add treatments. See our cheat sheets below for visual guides.

View Layering Cheat Sheets

Simplify Your Routine

More products isn't always better. Many people see better results by cutting back to essentials and doing them consistently. A skin scan can help identify what you actually need vs. what's clutter.

Simplify with a skin scan

Audit Your Routine

If results aren't happening, the issue might be: wrong order, too many actives at once, not enough time to see results (4-12 weeks), or products that conflict. A skin scan can identify what to keep, cut, or add.

Get a routine audit

All Guides & Resources

Everything you need to build and maintain the perfect routine.

Beginner Fundamentals

Skincare Routine for Beginners Minimum effective routine + choose your path
Build a Routine from Scratch Step-by-step guide to planning your skincare

Step Counts

7-Step Routine: What Matters Which steps are essential vs. optional
5 Basic Skincare Steps The core routine for everyday
How Many Serums is Too Many? When more products hurt instead of help

Application How-tos

How to Apply Serum Correctly Amount, technique, wait times

Troubleshooting

Common Skincare Mistakes What's sabotaging your routine
Coming soon
Is My Routine Good? (Audit) 60-sec self check + what to cut or add
Coming soon

Trends & Rules

Korean 10-Step Routine What it is and if you need it
Coming soon
4-2-4 Skincare Rule Does the cleansing method work?
Coming soon

Related from Other Hubs

Sunscreen Pilling: How to Stop It The two-layer layering method for SPF
Sunscreen hub
How to Start Adapalene Routine around retinoids + layering order
Acne hub
Over-Exfoliated Skin Reset When to cut back your routine
Barrier hub
Routine for Fungal Acne Special layering considerations for malassezia-prone skin
Fungal acne hub

Cheat Sheets & Downloads

Free infographics to save, print, or share

AM/PM skincare routine order infographic

AM/PM Routine Order

Complete layering guide with morning and night steps

View & Download →
Skincare actives mixing compatibility chart

Mixing Actives Cheat Sheet

What can & can't be combined—retinol, vitamin C, acids

View & Download →
Browse all cheat sheets →

Starter routine

A simple AM/PM routine anyone can follow.

AM Routine

  1. 1Cleanse — gentle cleanser or water rinse
  2. 2Toner — optional, hydrating type preferred
  3. 3Serum — vitamin C or hydrating serum
  4. 4Moisturizer — let absorb 1-2 minutes
  5. 5SPF — two finger-lengths, pat gently

PM Routine

  1. 1Cleanse — oil cleanser or micellar first if wearing SPF/makeup
  2. 2Cleanse again — gentle water-based cleanser
  3. 3Treatment — retinoid, exfoliant, or skip
  4. 4Serum — niacinamide, peptides, or hydrating
  5. 5Moisturizer — can be richer than AM

Layering Rules

The principles that make any routine work better.

✓ Thin to Thick

Apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency. Water-based before oil-based.

✓ Wait 30-60 Seconds

Let each layer absorb before applying the next. Reduces pilling and improves penetration.

✓ Actives Before Moisturizer

Serums and treatments work best when applied to clean skin before heavier products seal them in.

⚠ Don't Mix Certain Actives

Retinol + AHA/BHA in same routine can irritate. Alternate nights or use one AM, one PM.

⚠ Vitamin C + Niacinamide

Old advice said don't mix. Modern formulas are fine together. If flushing occurs, use at different times.

✗ Too Many Actives

More than 2-3 actives per routine risks irritation. Start with one and add slowly.

What not to do

These mistakes keep routines from working.

Using too many actives at once. More isn't better. Pick 1-2 actives and use them consistently before adding more.

Skipping SPF. All your serums and treatments won't matter if UV damage undoes the work. SPF is non-negotiable.

Applying in wrong order. If you put moisturizer before serum, the serum can't penetrate. Sequence matters.

Not giving products time. Most actives need 4-12 weeks to show results. Switching too fast means nothing works.

Over-complicating everything. A simple consistent routine beats a complex inconsistent one every time.

Ignoring your barrier. If skin is tight, stinging, or red—stop actives and repair your barrier first.

When to see a dermatologist

Some situations need professional evaluation.

Consider seeing a derm if:
  • Your routine consistently causes irritation despite using gentle products
  • Acne or other conditions aren't improving after 3 months of consistent care
  • You have a skin condition that needs prescription treatment (severe acne, rosacea)
  • You're unsure what your skin actually needs and want a professional assessment
  • You want to start prescription retinoids or other Rx treatments

Common questions

Quick answers to the most-asked routine questions.

What order should I apply skincare products?
Apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency. Morning: cleanser → toner → serum → moisturizer → SPF. Night: cleanser → treatment → serum → moisturizer. The rule is simple: water-based before oil-based, thin before thick.
How many steps should a skincare routine have?
A basic effective routine needs 3-4 steps: cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF (morning). More steps aren't always better—focus on consistency with essentials before adding actives or extras. Many people see better results by simplifying.
Should I apply serum before or after moisturizer?
Serum goes before moisturizer. Serums are thinner and contain concentrated actives that need to penetrate skin first. Moisturizer is thicker and seals everything in. Exception: some facial oils go after moisturizer to lock in hydration.
How long should I wait between skincare steps?
Wait 30-60 seconds between layers for better absorption. For potent actives like retinoids or vitamin C, wait 1-2 minutes. You don't need to wait until skin is completely dry—just until the product feels absorbed.
Do I need a 10-step routine?
No. The 10-step Korean routine is a framework, not a requirement. Most people do well with 4-5 steps. Use what your skin needs—not what's trendy. A consistent simple routine beats an inconsistent complex one.
What's the difference between AM and PM routine?
AM routine protects: lightweight products + SPF. PM routine repairs: can use stronger actives (retinoids, exfoliants) and richer moisturizers. Skip SPF at night, add treatments that are too photosensitizing for daytime.
Can I skip steps in my skincare routine?
Yes. Toner is optional. Eye cream is optional (moisturizer works). Multiple serums are optional. The essentials are: cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF (morning). Everything else is bonus based on your skin's needs.
How do I know if I'm using too many products?
Signs you're overcomplicating: routine takes 15+ minutes, products pill when layered, skin is more irritated than before, you can't tell what's working. If this sounds like you, strip back to basics for a few weeks.

Build Your Routine Now

Theory is great, but practice is better. Use our free routine builder to create your personalized AM/PM routine in just 2 minutes.

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