Skincare routine order, and where a mask fits
In the morning: cleanse, then any serum, then moisturiser, then sunscreen last. At night: cleanse, then serum or retinoid, then moisturiser. A wash-off or peel-off mask goes straight after cleansing, followed by your moisturiser. As a general rule, thinner products go on before thicker ones, and fewer products are usually better than more.
The order
| Step | Morning | Night |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cleanse or rinse | Cleanse |
| 2 | Serum, if you use one | Mask on mask night, otherwise serum or retinoid |
| 3 | Moisturiser | Moisturiser |
| 4 | Sunscreen |
Why this order
- Cleanser first, with lukewarm water and no scrubbing, as the American Academy of Dermatology advises.
- Hydrating serums next, on slightly damp skin. Hyaluronic acid is the usual example.
- Moisturiser over that. DermNet explains that occlusive ingredients reduce water loss, so they belong on top of what you want to keep in.
- Retinoids at night. DermNet describes applying them at bedtime, with a daily sunscreen and moisturiser for the sun sensitivity and dryness they can cause.
- Sunscreen last in the morning. Here's when you need it in New Zealand.
The bare minimum
If you only ever do three things, make them a gentle cleanse, a moisturiser you like, and sunscreen. The AAD advises starting with one new product at a time, because several at once can irritate skin, and you won't know which one caused the problem.
Where a mask fits
On mask night, swap the serum step for the mask:
- Cleanse, and pat dry.
- Mask. With a jelly mask, that's 15 to 20 minutes while it sets. Here's the full routine.
- Peel, then rinse off anything left behind.
- Moisturise. See what to do after a face mask.
Evenings work best, because you've got time, and it fits a wind-down routine.
What about sheet masks and overnight masks?
A sheet mask goes in the same slot. An overnight mask usually goes last at night, in place of your moisturiser. Check the pack.
A week with a mask in it
One to three masks a week suits most people. Don't use a mask on the same day as other retinoids or exfoliating acids, especially Hyaluronic Acid, which contains retinol, kojic acid and arbutin. This sample week shows one way to arrange it.
Questions
Does moisturiser go on before or after a face mask?
With a wash-off or peel-off mask, after. Cleanse, mask, then moisturise. An overnight mask usually goes on last, in place of your moisturiser.
Does sunscreen go on before or after moisturiser?
After. In the morning, sunscreen is the last step before makeup.
This is general information, not medical advice. If you're worried about your skin, see your GP or a skin specialist.
Sources
- Face washing 101, American Academy of Dermatology
- Emollients and moisturisers, DermNet
- Topical retinoids, DermNet
- How to maximize results from anti-aging skin care products, American Academy of Dermatology