When it comes to skincare, what you use matters—but how you use it is just as important. One of the most common questions I get as a dermatologist is: What’s the right order to apply my skincare products? And the truth is, correct layering skincare products can make or break your results. The wrong order might dilute ingredients, block absorption, or even lead to irritation.
The good news? Layering your skincare doesn’t need to be complicated. With a few simple principles and some science-backed guidance, you can build an effective routine that works with your skin—not against it.
Here’s how to properly layer your skincare products for optimal results, featuring a few of my favorite dermatologist-developed products from ERLY.
Why Order Matters
Each skincare product is formulated with a purpose, and in many cases, those purposes build on one another. For example, lightweight serums are designed to penetrate quickly, while moisturizers are meant to sit on the surface and seal everything in.
If you apply a rich cream first and then try to use a serum, the serum won’t absorb properly. Likewise, putting sunscreen under your moisturizer means your skin won’t get the full protective benefit.
To get the most out of your skincare, your routine should follow a few general rules:
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Thinnest to thickest in texture
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Water-based before oil-based
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Treatments before protectants
Morning Routine: Protection and Hydration
Your daytime routine should focus on hydration, antioxidant support, and sun protection. Here’s the ideal order:
1. Cleanser
Start with a gentle cleanser to remove overnight oil and prepare the skin to absorb active ingredients.
If your skin is oily, breakout-prone, or you’re wearing SPF to bed, use a foaming cleanser like ERLY Face Foam Gentle Cleanser. It cleans without stripping your skin’s natural barrier—key for all skin types, especially sensitive skin.
2. Serum
Once your face is clean and slightly damp, apply a water-based hydrating serum.
ERLY Daily Splash is ideal for morning use. It contains three forms of hyaluronic acid, which pull moisture deep into the skin and leave it looking plump and fresh. Apply 1-2 pumps and press gently into the skin with your fingertips.
ERLY Daily Soothe contains 10% niacinamide, which is an excellent antioxidant, calms redness, supports barrier repair, and minimizes the appearance of pores. This step is especially beneficial if you deal with uneven tone, oiliness, or sensitivity.
3. Moisturizer with SPF
Finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen—ideally one that also hydrates and supports your skin barrier.
ERLY Start Moisturizer with SPF 40 combines mineral sun protection (zinc oxide) with peptides and moisturizing ingredients. It protects from UVA/UVB rays, blue light, and environmental stressors—while also nourishing the skin. It’s lightweight enough for daily wear, even under makeup.
Note: If you use a separate moisturizer and sunscreen, apply moisturizer first, then sunscreen last.
Evening Routine: Repair and Restore
At night, your skin switches into repair mode. Your evening routine should focus on hydration, barrier support, and treatment products that don’t play well with sunlight.
1. Cleanser
Always start by removing sunscreen, makeup, and debris from the day. A double cleanse is not necessary for most people—instead, use a thorough but gentle cleanser like ERLY Face Foam, especially if you’re prone to clogged pores or breakouts.
2. Serum
This is the time to use any night-specific serums or treatments. If you’re using an ingredient like retinoids (not currently included in ERLY’s product line), this is when you’d apply it.
Hydration is just as important at night. Apply ERLY Daily Splash again to replenish moisture loss from the day. Hyaluronic acid helps smooth the appearance of fine lines and supports the skin’s overnight repair process.
You can also reapply ERLY Daily Soothe here if your skin is recovering from irritation or breakouts. Its niacinamide content supports calm, clear, even-toned skin.
4. Moisturizer
Seal everything in with a nourishing nighttime moisturizer.
ERLY Night Moisturizer is packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E—two powerhouse ingredients for hydration and barrier repair. It has a cushiony, non-greasy texture that restores the skin without clogging pores or overwhelming sensitive complexions.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Layering Skincare Products
To make sure your skincare is layered effectively, keep these tips in mind:
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Apply to slightly damp skin: Serums like hyaluronic acid work better when applied to damp—not dripping wet—skin. It helps lock in moisture more efficiently.
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Let each layer absorb: Give your products 30–60 seconds to settle before applying the next. This ensures each product penetrates fully without pilling or interfering with the next step.
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Use the right amount: More is not always better. A pea-sized amount of serum or moisturizer is often enough for your entire face. Sunscreen should be more generous—about a nickel-sized amount for full coverage.
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Don’t overload: Especially if your skin is sensitive, stick to a simple, consistent routine. You don’t need seven steps. Just the right products, in the right order.
Sample ERLY Layering Routine
Morning:
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ERLY Face Foam Cleanser
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ERLY Daily Splash
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ERLY Daily Soothe (optional) or Daily Dew for glow
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ERLY Start Moisturizer with SPF 40
Evening:
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ERLY Face Foam Cleanser
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ERLY Daily Splash
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ERLY Daily Soothe (if needed)
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ERLY Night Moisturizer
Final Thoughts
Layering skincare doesn’t have to be confusing. Think of it as setting a foundation (cleansing), feeding your skin (serums), and sealing everything in (moisturizer or SPF). When done properly, layering not only improves the performance of your products—it helps maintain a stronger, more resilient skin barrier over time.
At ERLY, our goal is to simplify skincare without sacrificing results. Every product in the ERLY line is designed to be used together, layered safely, and suitable for sensitive skin—so you never have to worry about irritation, interactions, or complicated routines.
Because effective skincare should feel easy, not overwhelming.
