How to Get the Most Out of Your Skincare

Investing in high-quality skincare is only half the battle. To see real results, you need to make sure those products are actually absorbing and performing as intended. Many skincare routines fall short because of simple application errors that are easy to correct.

Here are the science-backed principles for getting the most from your daily routine.

The science: Molecules in watery products (like toners and essences) are smaller and penetrate the skin quickly. Cream and oil-based products have larger molecules designed to seal the skin.

The order: Always apply your products in order of viscosity:

1. Cleanser
2. Toner or essence
3. Active serums
4. Eye cream
5. Moisturizer
6. Face oils
7. SPF (morning)

Let the thinnest layers sink in first. Once your serums have absorbed, seal them in to slow evaporation: a restorative layer like Barrier Repair Cream, with Panthenol, ceramides, and squalane, helps keep the ingredients beneath it where they can do their work.

The science: Applying water-binding formulas, like Calming Serum with its multiple molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid alongside Panthenol, to damp skin lets them draw that surface water into the skin’s upper layers, for a plumper, dewy look.

The exception: Keep your skin completely dry when applying retinol or exfoliating acids. On damp skin, these active ingredients can penetrate too quickly and cause irritation.

Give your products a moment to work.

The science: Some ingredients need to adapt to your skin’s pH, or simply need time to dry down so they don’t pill (ball up) when the next product goes on. Wait 30 to 60 seconds between steps to let each layer absorb.

Where do you keep your skincare? If it’s on a sunny windowsill or in a hot, steamy bathroom, you might be degrading your products.

The science: High heat, humidity, and direct UV light can oxidize and break down fragile actives like Vitamin C and retinoids, making them far less effective. Keep your routine in a cool, dark place (like a drawer or cabinet) so every drop keeps its potency.