Why Medical Estheticians Need CME, CCE & LME
December 27, 2025
If you’ve ever invested in quality skincare products but felt underwhelmed by the results, the issue may not be what you’re using—but how you’re using it. Learning how to layer skincare correctly is one of the most important yet overlooked parts of an effective skincare routine.
Skincare products are designed to work in a specific order. Applying them incorrectly can reduce absorption, cancel out active ingredients, or even irritate your skin. In this guide, you’ll learn the correct order to layer skincare products, how AM and PM routines differ, and how to safely layer active ingredients like retinol, acids, and vitamin C for healthy, glowing skin.
Your skin can only absorb so much at once. When products are applied in the wrong order, heavier formulations can block lighter, more active ingredients from penetrating the skin properly.
Correct layering helps:
Understanding proper skincare order is especially important if you’re following a holistic skincare approach, where skin health is treated as part of overall wellness rather than a quick cosmetic fix.
The most important rule when learning how to layer skincare products is simple:
Apply products from thinnest to thickest texture.
This usually means:
Why? Lighter products absorb quickly and deliver active ingredients deeper into the skin. Thicker products seal everything in.
Exceptions to the rule:
Your morning routine should focus on protection and hydration.
Cleansing removes overnight oil buildup, sweat, and skincare residue. A gentle cleanser prepares your skin to absorb the products that follow without stripping moisture.
Toners are not mandatory, but hydrating toners can:
Avoid exfoliating toners in the morning if you use active treatments at night.
This is where targeted skincare begins.
Apply serums while the skin is slightly damp for better absorption.
Eye creams should be applied before heavier moisturizers. Use a gentle tapping motion to avoid pulling the delicate skin around the eyes.
Moisturizer locks in hydration and supports the skin barrier. Even oily skin needs moisturizer to prevent dehydration and overproduction of oil.
Sunscreen is non-negotiable. It is always the final step in your morning Skincare Routuine.
Daily sunscreen use is essential for preventing premature aging, pigmentation, and skin damage. If you’re unsure why SPF matters so much, see why sunscreen is important on Aby Ashland.
Your nighttime routine is all about repair and renewal.
If you wear makeup or sunscreen, start with an oil cleanser to dissolve buildup.
Follow with a gentle water-based cleanser to fully cleanse the skin without disrupting the barrier.
Hydrating toners or essences prep the skin and help calm irritation before treatments.
Nighttime is best for active ingredients.
If you’re unsure whether retinol is right for you, compare options in retinol vs bakuchiol on Aby Ashland.
After treatments, use calming or hydrating serums to support recovery.
A richer moisturizer at night helps repair the skin barrier while you sleep.
Oils should always be the final step. They seal in moisture but do not hydrate on their own.
Overloading the skin often leads to irritation rather than results.
You don’t need to wait minutes between every product.
General guideline:
Every Skin Type is unique. If you’re unsure how to layer Skincare Products or which ingredients are right for your skin, professional guidance can make all the difference.
Book a Virtual Skincare ConsultationLearning how to layer skincare correctly can completely transform your results. Whether your goal is healthy aging, acne control, or overall skin wellness, using products in the right order allows them to work as intended.
Keep your routine simple, stay consistent, and adjust based on your skin’s needs. With the right layering technique—and thoughtful product choices—healthy, balanced skin becomes much easier to achieve.
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