The Right Order for Your Skincare Routine: A Morning and Evening Guide
Apply skincare in the right order: a simple morning and evening routine based on AAD and FDA guidance, from cleanser to serum, moisturizer and sunscreen.
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Cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, sunscreen. Most people own some version of these basics, and the order they go on matters too. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that the sequence in which you apply your skin care products affects how well the products work, and it cautions that using too many products may irritate the skin. This guide walks through a simple morning and evening order based on AAD and FDA guidance, and explains why each step sits where it does.
Why order matters
The AAD lays out a short, four-part sequence for applying skin care products:
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry.
- Apply any medication or targeted product immediately after cleansing.
- Apply moisturizer and/or sunscreen.
- Apply makeup, if you use it.
The idea behind it is easy to remember. Products meant to work directly on the skin go on early, and products meant to hold in moisture or shield the skin from the sun go on later. Sunscreen in particular is meant to sit on top as an even layer, which is why it is the final skincare step in the morning.
The AAD also offers reassurance for beginners. In a 2020 public education release, it described a simple, three-step approach of cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting the skin as key, and noted that using fewer products can save money and reduce the chance of irritation. A short routine done consistently is a strong starting point.
| Step | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gentle cleanser | Gentle cleanser |
| 2 | Toner (optional) | Toner (optional) |
| 3 | Serum or targeted product | Serum or targeted product |
| 4 | Moisturizer | Moisturizer |
| 5 | Broad-spectrum sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher | Not needed |
The morning routine, step by step
Step 1: Cleanser. Start with a gentle cleanser. The AAD recommends limiting face washing to twice a day and after sweating, since washing more often can irritate the skin. A gentle cleanser removes dirt, oil, and debris so the next layers start on a clean surface.
Step 2: Toner (optional). Toner is not an essential step. If you use one, apply it right after cleansing. Most toners are thin, watery liquids, so they fit naturally before anything thicker.
Step 3: Serum or targeted product. In the AAD sequence, any medication or targeted product goes on right after cleansing. Serums are usually lighter in texture than creams, which is one reason they tend to come before moisturizer.
Step 4: Moisturizer. One useful tip from the AAD's 2020 release is to apply moisturizer to damp skin, which traps water in the skin. Choose a texture that suits your skin, such as a lighter lotion or gel if your skin is oily and a richer cream if it is dry. If clogged pores are a concern, the AAD suggests looking for labels that say "non-comedogenic" or "won't clog pores."
Step 5: Sunscreen, always last. This is the rule worth memorizing. The AAD puts it plainly: use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher as the last step in your morning skincare routine, after moisturizer. Apply it to your face, neck, ears, and any other exposed areas. The AAD specifically mentions the tops of the hands as a commonly missed spot, especially while driving.
The FDA also advises using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, regularly and as directed. According to the FDA, broad-spectrum sunscreens help protect against both forms of UV radiation, UVA and UVB, and the SPF value indicates the level of sunburn protection a product provides.
Two habits make sunscreen work harder. First, if you are spending time outdoors, reapply every two hours or immediately after sweating or swimming. Second, do not skip cloudy days. The AAD notes that UV rays penetrate clouds and windows, so sunscreen still matters when it is overcast, when you are indoors near windows, or when you are driving. Both the AAD and the FDA note that the sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The evening routine, step by step
Nighttime is for clearing away the day and giving your skin a calm, simple finish before bed. Sunscreen is not needed at night.
Step 1: Cleanser. Wash away sunscreen, makeup, oil, and daily buildup with the same gentle approach as the morning. Some people prefer a double cleanse, an oil-based cleanser first and then a water-based one, to remove long-wear sunscreen or makeup. It is optional. A single thorough, gentle cleanse is enough for many people.
Step 2: Serum or targeted product. This sits in the same early slot as in the morning. If you use different products for day and night, the evening is the natural home for the ones your dermatologist or the product label marks for nighttime use.
Step 3: Moisturizer. Finish with moisturizer. Because no sunscreen follows it, some people prefer a slightly richer texture at night. That is a matter of comfort, not a rule.
Common questions
What if I use more than one serum? A common rule of thumb is to go from thinnest to thickest, applying the most watery formula first and the richer one after. Another simple option is to split serums between morning and evening instead of stacking them.
What if I am unsure about the order? Fall back on the AAD's four-part sequence: cleanse, targeted product, moisturizer and/or sunscreen, then makeup. Keep in mind the AAD's caution that too many products may irritate the skin, especially when more than one anti-aging product is involved. If a routine feels complicated, trimming steps is a reasonable choice.
How long should I wait between layers? There is no single official waiting time. Giving each layer a short moment to settle, until the skin no longer feels wet, can help keep products from pilling or sliding around.
Sun protection beyond sunscreen
Sunscreen is one part of a broader plan. The AAD recommends pairing it with lightweight long-sleeved shirts, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection, and choosing clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) label when possible. The FDA likewise advises limiting time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and covering exposed skin with clothing.
Consistency is where many people fall short. In a May 2025 AAD survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults, only 56% said they use sunscreen regularly, and just 20% said they do so on cloudy days. A routine you follow every day matters more than owning the perfect product.
When to talk to a professional
Everyone's skin is different, and a basic routine is a starting point rather than a fixed rule. If you have a skin condition, are pregnant, take medication that affects your skin, or notice a spot that is itching, changing, or bleeding, talk to a board-certified dermatologist before changing your routine.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology, "Should I apply my skin care products in a certain order?"
- American Academy of Dermatology, "American Academy of Dermatology survey: half of Americans worry about skin aging, but many still skip sunscreen" (May 6, 2025)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, "Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun"
- AAD via Newswise, "How to Care for Your Skin Without Breaking the Bank" (November 10, 2020)
Last checked: October 3, 2026