Top Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Skin Care Products

How you apply skincare products matters just as much as the products themselves. Small changes in your skincare routine can treat dryness, acne, or fine lines. 

Here are skincare routine tips to maximize skincare results and common skincare mistakes to avoid.

Apply Products in the Right Order

For the best absorption, layer your skin care products from thinnest to thickest. Here’s how to apply skin care products in the right order:

• Cleanser
• Toner (if used)
• Moisturizer
• Sunscreen (in the morning)

Applying products in the wrong order can make them less effective.

Use the Right Amount

More isn’t always better. Overusing products can clog pores or irritate them. In general, serums must be applied in a pea-sized amount. Moisturizers must be a nickel-sized amount. For sunscreen, using a quarter-sized amount for your face is recommended.

Give Products Time to Absorb

Rushing through your routine can keep ingredients from working properly. Let each product absorb for about a minute before applying the next one.

Don’t Skip Sunscreen

Sunscreen is non-negotiable. It protects against sun damage, premature aging, and even skin conditions in children, such as sunburns and irritation. Use SPF 30 or higher every day, even when it’s cloudy.

Store Products Correctly

Heat, humidity, and sunlight can break down active ingredients. Keep skin care products in a cool, dry place. Some items, like vitamin C serums, last longer when refrigerated.

Exfoliate, But Don’t Overdo It

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and helps products absorb better. However, over-exfoliating can cause redness and irritation. Stick to two to three times a week and choose a method that suits your skin type.

Apply Skincare to Damp Skin

Damp skin absorbs products better than dry skin. After cleansing, gently pat your face and apply serums and moisturizers while the skin is still slightly damp.

Wash Your Hands First

Your hands carry bacteria and dirt that can transfer to your face. Always wash your hands before touching your skin or applying products.

Avoid Mixing Certain Ingredients

Some ingredients work well together, while others can cause irritation. Avoid mixing retinol with benzoyl peroxide, as they cancel each other out.

Using Vitamin C with AHAs/BHAs can be too harsh. Meanwhile, combining niacinamide with vitamin C may reduce each other’s effectiveness.

If you want to combine your routine with advanced treatments, consider our cosmetic services at Westchester Center for Dermatology.

Be Consistent

Results take time. Most skin care products need at least four to six weeks of consistent use before noticeable improvements appear. Stick with your routine and be patient.

Consult a Dermatologist

If you’re dealing with stubborn acne, rosacea, or other persistent concerns, professional advice can help. The board-certified dermatologists at Westchester Center for Dermatology can recommend treatments and best skincare practices for your needs.

Schedule a Consultation

Need personalized skincare advice in Scarsdale? Schedule a consultation with our dermatologists today. 

One of our esteemed doctors, Dr. David Kriegel, was named an outstanding practicing doctor of New York in 2024 through MSP Communications’ peer review. The results were published in The New York Times Sunday Magazine on May 4, 2025.

Westchester Center for Dermatology is also located near patients in Hasting on Hudson, Crestwood, Tuckahoe, Thornwood, Pleasantville, Harrison, Hawthorne, and Purchase.