The essential steps of good skincare

...for an effective (and stress-free) routine

You have the right products... but in what order should you apply them? An effective skincare routine isn't just about having the right products; it's primarily about timing . Applying your products in the correct order maximizes their benefits , avoids unnecessary interactions, and saves you time (and money 💸).

Here is the ideal order of essential steps in a skincare routine , morning and evening, with some tips for applying them correctly.

🌞 In the morning: protect, balance, illuminate

1. Rinse with clean water (or a gentle cleanser for oily skin)

Even if you haven't sweated, your skin still produces sebum overnight. Rinsing with lukewarm water is sufficient to cleanse your face and prepare it for further skincare. If you have oily skin, a gentle cleanser (gel or foam) will remove excess sebum.
💡 Tip: Using a cleanser in the morning is not necessarily required, especially if you cleansed your skin at bedtime the night before.

2. Toner / Tonic Lotion

Toner (or tonic lotion, or essence) helps to rebalance pH, lightly moisturize, gently exfoliate and prepare the skin to absorb subsequent treatments.
💧 This is not a mandatory step, it simply helps to improve the skin with faster and more visible results.

3. Serum (to target your skin concerns)

This is the ultimate "targeted" treatment. Choose a serum based on your needs: niacinamide, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid... so that it focuses on a specific concern: excess sebum, dull complexion, blemishes, wrinkles, etc.
💡 Avoid mixing several serums, this could cause unwanted effects (irritations).

4. Moisturizing cream

In a routine, cream seals in moisture and protects the skin barrier. Even oily skin needs it (with a light, gel-like texture if necessary).
🥛 Think of the "glass of water + lid" effect: your serum hydrates, your cream keeps it all inside.
💡In the morning, moisturizing cream can be replaced by a moisturizing sunscreen, if you prefer to keep it minimalist.

5. Sunscreen (SPF 30 minimum)

The non-negotiable step of the morning. Even in winter. Even on cloudy days. Even behind windows. It protects the skin from UV rays, responsible for premature aging, spots, and even some forms of acne.

🕶️UVB rays are more prevalent in the summer, but UVA rays are present year-round and are the most dangerous. Korean sunscreens are perfect for adapting to your skin type, without leaving a white cast.
⚠️ Sunscreen should be applied as the last step , on top of all your other skincare products.

🌙 Evening routine: clean, repair, nourish

1. Makeup removing oil (if wearing makeup and SPF)

The first step in double cleansing, using a cleansing oil or balm, dissolves makeup, sunscreen, pollution, and excess sebum. Note that cleansing oil/balm is not necessarily recommended for fungal acne.
💡 No need for a cotton pad: massage dry then emulsify with warm water before rinsing.

2. Foaming cleanser: the essential item.

The second step of the double cleansing process removes oil residue and impurities. The result: perfectly clean skin, without being stripped.
✨ If you're staying indoors all day, without makeup or SPF, a gentle cleanser is sufficient!

3. Toner / Tonic Lotion

As in the morning, this step prepares the skin to better absorb skincare products. Some Korean lotions are rich in soothing or moisturizing active ingredients.

4. Serum

Evening is the ideal time to use more targeted or potent active ingredients: retinol, AHAs, BHAs, bakuchiol… provided you don't mix them all together! In this case
💡 If you use a serum with powerful active ingredients, apply them gradually (not every day) and pay attention to your skin's reactions so as not to damage your skin barrier.

5. Night cream

Night cream nourishes and supports cell renewal while you sleep. These creams are richer than day creams. In Korean skincare, there are "sleeping packs" that offer an ultra-comforting "night mask" effect.
🌜 Tip: Night cream isn't mandatory! Day creams can be used at night (but not the other way around).

And what about the rest of the care? (masks, treatments...)

The exfoliant

It is recommended to exfoliate your skin once or twice a week. Choosing a mask or exfoliating treatment is a good way to remove accumulated dead skin cells and help the skin regenerate. It's the best way to achieve smooth, even-toned skin!

The masks

Face masks, clay masks, sheet masks, collagen masks... Everyone can choose their favorite. Taking the time to care for your skin with a mask provides deep hydration, strengthens the skin barrier, brightens, and revitalizes the complexion.
✨Once a week is perfect!

💜 In summary

A good skincare routine doesn't need to be complicated. It simply needs to follow the logical order of treatments so that each product can fully perform its function.

How to remember the order of application?

The products are always formulated to complement each other within a skincare routine. A routine is created with the aim of deeply nourishing and protecting the skin. The texture of the products is therefore a key factor in understanding this routine.
Apply the products from the most liquid to the thickest!

👉 Need personalized advice or a ready-made routine? Discover our ready-made routines adapted to your skin type: