How to layer your skincare

Most people own good products and use them in the wrong order, or all on the same night, and then wonder why their skin is upset. The order matters more than the number of steps.

The golden rule: thinnest to thickest

Cleanse first. Tone if you use one. Then treat, applying your actives from the most watery to the richest. Moisturise to seal it in. In the morning, SPF always goes on last, over everything. Leave a minute or two between actives so each one can settle.

Morning

Cleanse gently, or just rinse. Tone if it is part of your plan. Treat with an antioxidant such as vitamin C. Moisturise. SPF last, every single day.

Evening

Cleanse to take the day off, twice if you wore make-up or SPF. Tone if it is part of your plan. Treat with your active for the night, such as vitamin A. Moisturise to comfort and repair overnight.

The moisturiser sandwich

When you start something strong, you do not need to go in at the deep end. A layer of moisturiser first, then your active, then moisturiser again, softens the sting while your skin gets used to it. Once your skin is happy, the padding can come off. Your plan says exactly how.

Two rules that save a lot of grief

Do not pile strong actives onto the same night at the start, a vitamin A and a strong acid together is a fast way to a sore face. And change one thing at a time. If you add three new things and your skin flares, nobody knows which one to blame. One change, give it a couple of weeks, then the next.