No matter how many products you use in your routine, morning and night, the order in which you apply is what makes the most difference to your skin. Skincare minimalist or maximalist, your morning skincare is just as important and beneficial to your skin as your evening skincare. This is the time to reset your skin after a night of sleep. To re-hydrate your skin (as it can be driest in the AM) and set your skin up to be protected before exposing it to screens, UV rays, pollution and other environmental stressors.

Keep reading for our guide and tips on how to properly layer your morning skincare products below...

If you want to learn more about skincare layering, especially for your evening skincare, you can read our blog post here. The golden rule remains the same, AM and PM when applying your products: always apply from thinnest to thickest.

How to layer skincare in the morning

Step 1: Wash your face (skip the cleanser)

Personally, we recommend skipping the cleanser in the morning and just washing your face with water instead. Especially if you have dry skin. Using a cleanser in the morning can cause your skin to be stripped of its natural oils and since you cleanse your skin thoroughly before bed the night before, a splash of water is enough to get rid of any overnight impurities. Leaving your skin with a clean, cleansed base. 

Step 2: Face mist

A great way to add extra hydration to the skin when layering on top. Using a mist before applying any serums or oils will also allow your products to better absorb into deeper layers of the skin. It's also a great way to prep the skin before and after applying any makeup. Not only do we recommend using a face mist before applying your other skincare products, but you can also use it after applying your products and throughout the day as a quick refresh, leaving your skin looking extra dewy. 

Step 3: Serums

Think of your serums as the secret weapon to any skin concerns (dullness, acne, uneven tone, dry skin etc) and facial oils as the key to hydrating your skin. Serums are potent concentrations that are filled with antioxidants and nutrients to boost skin health. We recommend using a retinol alternative serum such as Resurface in the AM, as it helps amp up the benefits of your other products, gives you retinol-like results without any of irritation or side effects of a traditional retinol and protects your skin in the process. Plus, it won't make your skin sun sensitive, so you can use it any time of day. 

Step 4: Eye cream (optional) 

The eye area is the most delicate, thinnest skin and one of the first areas to show signs of aging. So it needs a little extra TLC. Morning and night, we always recommend applying your eye products before any oils or moisturizers so that it can fully absorb and penetrate the skin, giving you the most benefit. Use a lighter textured eye cream/gel or oil in the morning. 

Step 5: Face oil(s)

Don't skip this step! Using a facial oil in the morning helps to make up for overnight moisture loss by rehydrating the skin, working as a protective layer on your skin, locking + sealing in the products you used before and further boosting hydration. In the morning, use a lightweight, quick absorbing facial oil like Hydrate, that will boost and protect but won't leave skin feeling greasy.

Step 6: Sunscreen 

We might sound like a broken record by now, but don't forget your sunscreen! It should always be the last step in your skincare routine, but it is one of the most important. Not only does sunscreen protect your skin from UV damage and premature aging but it also boosts your overall skin health. Sort of like your skincare best sidekick. We recommend using a mineral SPF that will also protect against blue light, free radicals, pollution and other environmental damages.