In What Order Do I Apply My Products?

We get it.  Skincare can be confusing at times, especially when you’re using multiple products and trying to create a morning and night routine.  

Here’s the correct order to apply your skincare:

Step 1: Cleanser

When to use it?  Morning and Night

But especially Night.

Cleansing is a key daily step for healthy skin to remove daily debris and oil that could clog our pores, dull our skin, and cause breakouts.  Also, for your skin to properly absorb and benefit from your moisturizer, you need clean skin that’s free of oil and grime.

If you can only fit this key step in once a day? Make sure it's at the end. What would your mother say if she knew you were going to bed with the day's grime and pollution still on your face?

Step 2: Moisturizer 

When to use it? Morning and Night when it's dry. Night when it isn't

It doesn’t matter if you have oily skin or dry skin — a moisturizer is a must.  We talk about the skin barrier a lot here at MANTL, but that’s because it’s so important to keep it healthy!  Our skin barrier protects us from environmental stressors while locking in essential nutrients and moisture.  

During the day, we’re exposing our skin to all sorts of environmental irritants like pollutants, bacteria, and different weather conditions. And at night, our skin loses a lot of water while it’s working overtime to repair and regenerate cells.  So regardless if it’s daytime or night time, put on that moisturizer and keep your skin barrier happy.

If you have oily skin and are worried about breakouts, choose a lightweight moisturizer that’s tested to be non-comedogenic (does not clog pores), like our Age Defense Moisturizer.  Remember that oily skin doesn’t mean hydrated skin — and when your skin is dehydrated, it can end up producing more oil to try and combat the dryness.

Step 3: Sunscreen

When to use it? In the morning. And every 2 hours throughout the day.

Do you need to apply sunscreen daily?  Yes, it’s a must.  The sun’s UVA rays can penetrate through clouds and glass.  So even if your inside or if it’s cloudy out, you’re exposed to sun damage. UVA rays cause signs of premature aging as it can penetrate deep into the dermis.  It should be the last step of your skincare regimen to ensure it’s efficacy is not diluted by applying any products on top of it.  

And don’t forget: Be sure to follow a sunscreen’s instructions for reapplying!  If you’re out in the sun all day, this is a crucial step to avoid sun damage.  And if you’re going to be sweating or in water, use sunscreens with water-resistance.   

Step 4: Celebrate

Congrats! Just like that, you’ve completed your skincare regimen. 

Bonus:  If you tend to get oily and shiny throughout the day, our No-Shine Sheets are designed to absorb excess shine whenever you need it.