young woman using Nivea Soft Moisturising Cream

How to Build a Skincare Routine: Ordering and Layering

What should a skincare routine include & in what order? Why does layering matter? NIVEA lays out the importance of skincare routines and how to build them for the morning and evening in 6 steps

What's in this article:

woman using nivea skincare
HOW TO DO SKIN CARE

Skin care routines matter

A skincare routine is more than just a series of steps; it's a dedicated practice that helps nurture your skin and helps to promote a healthy appearance. Skin care routines involve a careful selection of products and a specific order of application, working to address your skin's unique needs.  

A well-crafted skincare routine not only helps maintain the skin's moisture balance but also offers a moment of self-care. Whether you're aiming for more radiant-looking skin, addressing a concern like dry skin, or simply enjoying a chance to pamper yourself, a consistent skincare routine is key to achieving healthier-looking skin. 

In this comprehensive guide, NIVEA explores everything you need to know about how to order and layer your skincare products to help achieve healthier-looking skin. 

What is a skin care routine?

A skin care routine refers to a structured sequence of steps and products aimed at maintaining and improving the appearance and overall condition of the skin. It involves steps performed regularly to cleanse, nourish and help protect the skin from various environmental factors.  

Typical skincare routine steps include cleansing to remove impurities, applying targeted treatments like serums for specific concerns, moisturizing to nourish, and adding sun protection to shield against the sun’s harmful UV rays.  

The specific products and steps can vary based on individual skin types, concerns and goals. A well-designed skincare routine not only promotes healthier-looking skin but also encourages a sense of wellbeing. 

WHY FOLLOW A SKINCARE ROUTINE?

5 Benefits of a consistent skincare routine

Skin care routines contribute to the overall health and the appearance of your skin. Here are some key reasons why skin care routines are important: 

  1. Maintaining Skin Health: Your skin is the largest organ in your body and serves as a protective barrier against the environment. An effective skin care routine helps maintain the integrity of this barrier and, depending on the products used, can also help protect skin from the effects of the sun. 
  2. Supporting Aging Skin: A consistent skin care routine can help keep skin soft and moisturized, which is particularly important for aging skin. As we age, the skin naturally reduces its production of Collagen and Elastin, proteins that help support skin’s elasticity and firmness, as well as hydrating Hyaluronic Acid. This can contribute to signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and dryness. Certain products, like moisturisers and serums, can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots due to aging, depending on the formula. 
  3. Establishing a self-care routine: When life gets busy, it can be easy to forget to take time for yourself. Establishing a regular skin care routine can help bring a sense of rhythm to your day and give you a chance to practice self-care by unplugging and pampering yourself. 
  4. Boosting Confidence: Taking care of your skin can improve your self-esteem and confidence. When your skin looks and feels healthier, you're more likely to feel good about your appearance. 
  5. Long-Term Benefits: Consistency is key in skin care. The benefits of a good skin care routine become more evident over time. While you might not see immediate results, sticking to a routine can lead to significant improvements in the long run. 

Skincare Routine Ordering and Layering

Ordering and layering skincare products can help to maximize their effectiveness and help achieve desired results. 

When layering skincare products, it is important to start with lightweight products like cleansers, toners and serums then progress to thicker products like moisturizers to ensure each product can provide its intended benefits.
woman using Nivea face cream

How many steps does your skin care routine really need?

Not everyone needs a complicated 10-step skin care routine, as skincare needs can vary based on individual skin types and concerns. A basic 3-step skin care routine consisting of cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection can be sufficient for some people.  

Having a more involved skincare routine can offer more targeted and advanced solutions, addressing specific concerns such as aging, dry skin, or uneven skin tone with the use of additional products like serums, exfoliants or masks.  

The choice between having a basic, intermediate or advanced routine depends on individual goals and preferences, with some opting for simplicity and others prioritizing a more comprehensive approach to skincare. 
SKINCARE ROUTINE ORDER

Building a 24-hour face skincare routine: Steps to include

Morning and evening face skincare routines serve different purposes and often involve different products to address the specific needs of your skin at different times of the day. Here's a breakdown of a morning and evening skincare routine order, along with how important each step is: 
young woman using Nivea face cleanser

Morning skincare routine order:

Step 1: Cleanse 

Start your morning skincare routine with a thorough cleanse to remove dirt and impurities, preparing your skin for the nourishing ingredients in your care routine. 

Benefits may include: Awakens and refreshes skin, can help control excess oil, prepares skin for skincare products, can help remove dead skin buildup. 
 
Can I skip cleansing?: Cleansing is essential in any skincare routine, so it should not be skipped. Having thoroughly cleansed skin is the foundation on which you will apply your care products. 
 
Cleansing Tips: Use a cleanser that suits your skin type, apply gently and avoid scrubbing, use lukewarm water, avoid harsh ingredients, and pat your face dry instead of rubbing. 

 
Step 2: Tone 

Toning finishes the morning cleansing process by removing final traces of dirt or residue and helping to prepare the skin for additional skincare products or makeup. 
 
Benefits may include: Removes leftover residues, adds hydration, refines pores and improves complexion, boosts radiance. 
 
Can I skip toning?: Toning is generally beneficial for skin and boosting radiance, however in some situations it is fine to skip. These include: following a minimalist routine, negative skin reactions or if you are using a 2-in-1 cleanser and toner product for step 1. 
 
Skin toning tips: Use a toner that suits your skin type and targets any specific concerns, apply by gently patting on with your fingertips or soft cotton pad, avoid toners containing harsh ingredients like denaturated alcohol, avoid overuse (generally more than twice a day). 
NIVEA Cleansers and Toners
woman using Nivea serum
Step 3: Serum:  

Serums are lightweight, fast-absorbing products formulated with nourishing ingredients to target specific skin concerns. They are the ‘super-boost’ of any beauty routine. 
 
Benefits may include: Faster results than creams alone, customization to your routine, additional hydration, radiance, firmness or smoothness based upon their formulation. 
 
Can I skip serum?: Skipping serum misses out on a big opportunity to power-up your skincare routine and target any specific concerns. However if you have no concerns or are wanting to stick to a minimalist 3 step routine, you may consider leaving serum out. 
 
Tips: Select a serum that targets your concern, understand what the serum’s formula does and the ingredients it contains, allow 1-2 minutes after applying before moving onto your next product, a little amount goes a long way. 
NIVEA Serums
Step 4: Eye Cream 

Eye creams are specifically formulated to nourish the delicate skin around the eyes, helping to target common concerns such as dark circles, puffiness and crow’s feet. These can also be used after moisturizer, provided you leave the under eye area clear for application. 
 
Benefits may include: Targeted action on common concerns such as dark circles or eye bags, improved texture and hydration, enhanced makeup application. 
 
Can I skip eye cream?: Younger individuals with no specific under eye concerns or those looking to stick to a basic skincare routine may look to skip eye cream.  
 
Tips: Choose an eye cream that targets your concerns, apply by gently tapping with your ring finger avoiding contact too close to the eyeball, start with less and add more if necessary, be patient for results. 
woman applying Nivea face cream
Step 5: Moisturizer - Day Cream 

Day creams provide essential moisture and hydration throughout the day, helping to keep skin feeling supple and looking its best. 
 
Benefits may include: Moisture, sun protection (if they contain SPF), skin barrier support, makeup base, additional targeted actions based on formulas (supporting aging skin, hydrating dry skin, etc.). 
 
Can I skip moisturizing?: Moisturizing is a cornerstone step and therefore inadvisable to skip. Those with particularly oily skin may choose to skip and apply a light sunscreen instead, but it is still recommended to find a moisturizer formulated for oily skin. 
 
Tips: Choose a day cream for your skin type and concerns, SPF provides additional protection, apply more generously than serum, allow time after applying before applying makeup, dot all over your face and neck before gently massaging onto skin. 
NIVEA Day Creams
Step 6: SPF 

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is essential to keep skin shielded from harmful UV rays that can cause damage and premature aging known as photoaging.  

Benefits may include: UVA/B protection, helps prevent sun induced-dark spots, helps prevent photoaging, helps prevent sunburn when used in conjunction with other sun protection measures.  

Can I skip SPF?: SPF is essential to skin health, even in minimalist routines. It should be applied whenever skin is going to be exposed to sunlight and applied and reapplied according to directions on the packaging. Thankfully, if using a day cream with SPF, you can combine two steps in one, though it is important to reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours throughout the day after your initial application. 

Tips: Aim for at least SPF 30 or higher, apply generously and regularly, and use in conjunction with other sun protection measures such as wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding sun exposure during peak times of the day. 
Step 7: Lip Care 

When you moisturize your face, don’t forget to also moisturize your lips! Using a moisturizing lip balm can help keep lips from getting chapped. NIVEA moisturizing lip balm, enriched with the goodness of shea butter, helps to protect and soothe your dry lips and is specially crafted to deliver intensive moisture, ensuring your lips stay velvety soft and well-nourished. 

Benefits may include: moisturized skin, helping to prevent chapped lips, keeping lips soft and smooth 

Can I skip lip care?: While using a lip balm isn’t necessarily essential around the clock if you aren’t expereincing dry, chapped lips, using a lip care product in the daytime that incorporates SPF is essential for helping protect your lips from the damaging effects of the sun. 

Tips: For daytime lip care, using a lip balm with SPF can help protect your lips from the sun’s harmful UV rays. NIVEA Sun Lip Care with SPF 30 offers the moisturizing benefits of lip balm with the added benefit of sun protection. 
NIVEA Lip Care

Evening skincare routine order:

Step 1: Cleanse 

Difference vs. morning: While in the morning you are refreshing and awakening your skin, in the evening you are looking to remove any makeup, sunscreen, dirt or impurities accumulated throughout the day and prepare it for nighttime care products. 
 
Benefits may include: Helps remove makeup, supports skin while you sleep – a key time to support skin health and renewal. 
 
Can I skip cleansing?: Similar to the AM routine, it is not recommended to skip cleansing in the evening unless you are following advice from a dermatologist. 
 
Tips: To gently cleanse skin and remove makeup without harsh rubbing or scrubbing, try a Micellar Water. Micellar Water is a skincare product that feels like regular water but is actually a gentle cleanser that can be applied with a cotton pad and wiped away, no rinsing required! 
night time routine

Step 2: Tone 

Difference vs. morning: Toning in the evening follows a very similar purpose but instead wicks away any final traces of makeup or daily dirt. 
 
Benefits may include: Same as AM routine. 
 
Can I skip toning: Same as AM routine. 
 
Tips: Same as AM routine. 

Step 3: Serum 

Difference vs. morning: The purpose of serum is still very similar, however you could consider targeting different concerns in the evening than in the morning if desired. 
 
Benefits may include: Same as AM routine. 
 
Can I skip serum?: Same as AM routine. 
 
Tips: In the evening you may want to look for a serum that is specifically formulated for hydration and overnight repair. Using the same serum in the morning and evening is perfectly fine, however switching them up can help to target different concerns. 

Step 4: Eye Cream:  

Difference vs. morning: Eye cream serves a very similar purpose in the evening routine as it does the morning routine, so you can follow the same advice. 

woman smiling
Step 5: Moisturizer - Night Cream 

Difference vs. morning: While day cream provides support and protection for skin throughout the day, night cream provides overnight nourishment, supporting the skin’s natural regeneration and repair process. Night creams often have thicker formulas, focused on intense hydration. 
 
Benefits may include: Support skins natural regeneration and repair process that occurs while you sleep, awake to refreshed skin, overnight moisture needs are met. 
 
Can I skip night cream?: The same as moisturizing in the morning, it is generally not recommended to skip in the evening. Skipping can lead to skin becoming dehydrated overnight. 
 
Tips: Look for a night cream that complements your day cream, combining them both for 24 hour care to keep skin looking and feeling healthy and nourished. 
NIVEA Night Creams
Step 6: Lip Care 

Difference vs. morning: Evening lip care does not need to contain SPF. 
 
Benefits may include: Same as AM routine. 
 
Can I skip lip care?: Same as AM routine. 
 
Tips: Apply lip balm before bed after brushing your teeth to help moisturize your lips while you sleep.
Nivea Q10 face mask

Additional skin care routine steps

Exfoliation: 

Depending on your skin type and needs, you should exfoliate as part of your evening face care routine after cleansing 2-3 times a week for a deeper cleanse. This will help to remove any accumulation of dead skin cells and promote more radiant skin. 
 
Benefits may include: helping to remove dead skin cell buildup, improved skin tone and texture. 
 
Can I skip exfoliation?: It is best to be in the habit of exfoliating at least twice a week. Those with sensitive skin may exfoliate less often, whereas those with oily skin may wish to exfoliate more often. 

Tips: Choose an exfoliant based on your skin needs - whether that be a mechanical scrub or a chemical (AHA or BHA) exfoliant, exfoliate after cleansing, apply gently and avoid excessive rubbing - let the ingredients do the work, rinse off thoroughly. 

NIVEA Exfoliating Scrub enriched with Lotus Flower, Vitamin E and skin-identical moisturizer Hydramine® thoroughly exfoliates to remove dead skin cells while respecting the skin’s natural moisture balance and leaves skin looking healthy and beautiful. 

NIVEA Exfoliating Scrub

NIVEA curated skincare routines for specific concerns

Below are 5 simple custom, 4-step routines that each target specific concerns. All product recommendations are suitable for every skin type. 

NIVEA Q10 Power skincare routine for aging skin

The NIVEA Q10 Power range contains products formulated to address the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving you noticeably firmer skin in 14 days. The NIVEA Q10 Power products with Q10 and Creatine help to improve skin's elasticity and firmness. 
 
A skincare routine featuring Q10 Power products is a tried and tested solution to achieve firmer-looking skin while helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 
Nivea Q10 Anti Wrinkle Power
  • The NIVEA Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Specialist Dual Action Serum has been developed to visibly reduce the appearance of even the deepest wrinkles and the look of newly formed wrinkles with clinically tested results in just 2 weeks. Its innovative combination of powerful ingredients GLYCOSTOP and Q10 provides smoother-looking skin and a visibly improved complexion. 
  • The NIVEA Q10 Power Firming Day Cream SPF 30 visibly reduces wrinkles in 7 days and helps with visible signs of aging, all with SPF 30 for added sun protection. This day cream combines pure Q10 with collagen boosters* to reveal smoother, younger-looking skin. *Collagen Boosters for younger-looking skin: Pure Q10 + Creatine 
  • The NIVEA Q10 Power Replenishing Night Cream combines Q10, Creatine and Hyaluronic Acid to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles for firmer-feeling skin. The intensively nourishing formula rejuvenates the appearance of skin during the night, when it’s most receptive. 
  • The NIVEA Q10 Power Firming Eye Cream visibly reduces the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes and gradually minimizes the look of dark under-eye circles. Made for all skin types, its light and fast absorbing formula combines Q10 with Creatine and Hyaluronic acid to visibly reduce puffiness and minimize crow’s feet. 
  • Finish off with the NIVEA Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Specialist Targeted Wrinkle Filler which provides an instant wrinkle filling and smoothening effect. Owing to its unique formula, this can be used at the end of the routine and visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles in just 5 minutes*. 

*Temporarily visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles by forming a hydrating film on the skin's surface. 

NIVEA Q10 Power Products

NIVEA Luminous630 anti-dark spot skincare routine

NIVEA’s LUMINOUS630® range has been carefully created after 10 years of meticulous research to provide targeted action against dark spots. Our patented technology has proven efficacy in targeting the root cause of the three major types of dark spots: sun exposure, aging, and dark under-eye circles. 

Incorporating LUMINOUS630® products into your skincare routine can help give a youthful-looking glow to your skin. 

Nivea Luminous Anti Spot Serum
  • The NIVEA LUMINOUS630® Dark Spot Solution Advanced Serum works with the skin's own process to help reduce the look of dark spots by acting on existing spots. This serum helps reduce the look of dark spots in as little as 7 days* to reveal even, brighter-looking, glowing skin. With continued use, after 8 weeks, the look of dark spots is visibly reduced.
  • The NIVEA LUMINOUS630 Dark Spot Solution Even Tone Cream, infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Dexpanthenol, effectively fills wrinkles with moisture, smooths skin, and reduces the look of dark spots. In just 2 weeks*, notice a visible reduction in the look of dark spots, revealing an even luminous complexion. 
    *Works to visibly reduce the appearance of dark spots after each application, with regular use. 

Note: Apply face products containing LUMINOUS630® max. 4 times per day. Avoid direct eye contact. 

NIVEA Luminous630 Range

NIVEA LUMINOUS630 Products

Skincare routine for men and women

Skincare routines are essential for all genders in achieving healthier-looking skin. While there are some commonalities in skincare routine steps, such as cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection, there can also be individual differences based on skin type, concerns and personal preferences.  

Men's skincare routines might take into account factors like shaving and facial hair care, while women's routines may include additional steps like makeup removal. Regardless of gender, it is important to understand your skin needs and choose products that address those factors. 

Regularity is vital, as consistent skincare practices lead to long-term benefits. Ultimately, regardless of your gender identity, a well-crafted skincare routine is an investment in both self-care and skin health.
Men’s Skincare Routine
man with moisturizer on his face

A Note About Skincare Routines for Different Skin Types

Where appropriate, skincare routine steps can be tailored to different skin types. This personalized approach ensures that the products and treatments chosen align with each individual's unique needs, resulting in the best possible outcomes for their skin health and appearance. 

Skincare Routines for Different Skin Types

Oily Skin

People with oily skin often struggle with excess sebum production, which can lead to a shiny or greasy appearance. To address this, build a skincare routine centered around products that are formulated to help support oily skin without over-drying the skin. Complementing this with lightweight, oil-free moisturizers ensures essential hydration without exacerbating oiliness, ultimately promoting a more balanced-looking complexion. 

Dry Skin

To combat dry skin effectively, it's essential to incorporate a skincare routine that includes gentle, nourishing cleansers with a focus on hydration and moisturization. Pairing hydrating cleansers with rich moisturizers can help to replenish and retain skin's moisture, ultimately leading to smoother, more supple and hydrated skin. 

Sensitive Skin

To cater to sensitive skin, adopting a minimalistic approach can be beneficial. This entails opting for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic skincare products as well as looking at product labels for language indicating that they are appropriate for or even specially formulated for sensitive skin.  

Combination Skin

By addressing the unique requirements of oily and dry areas, you can effectively manage excess production in the T-Zone area while nourishing and hydrating the drier areas of your skin. To achieve this balance, incorporate a gentle cleansing routine, targeted treatments like exfoliation and serums and suitable moisturizers for each area. 

When building a skincare routine with certain skin concerns in mind, consulting a dermatologist can provide personalized guidance for optimal results. 
SUMMARY

Build Your Own Routine

Skincare routines are essential for achieving healthy-looking, radiant-looking skin regardless of your age or gender. It's important to tailor your skincare to your unique skin type, concerns, and preferences.  

Whether you have dry, oily, sensitive, combination or acne-prone skin, understanding the specific needs of your skin allows you to select the right products and steps for optimal results.  

Be consistent and patient with experimentation when waiting for results. If you are experiencing problems with your skin, don't hesitate to consult a dermatologist or your GP for more guidance.  

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about skincare routines

Why do I need a skincare routine?

A skincare routine is essential for maintaining the health and appearance of your skin. It helps address specific concerns, prevent issues like acne or premature aging, and promotes overall skin wellbeing. 

What should a basic skincare routine cover?

At minimum, a basic skincare routine should include cleansing, moisturizing, and SPF. 

How do I determine my skin type?

Your skin type can be classified as normal, oily, dry, combination, or sensitive. You can determine your skin type based on factors like oiliness, dryness, and sensitivity. Consulting a dermatologist can also help accurately identify your skin type. 

Can I use the same products day and night?

While some products can be used in both your morning and evening routines, certain products like day creams and night creams are best suited for their specified part of the day. 

What's the difference between morning and evening routines?

Morning routines focus on protecting your skin from environmental factors, while evening routines prioritize repair and rejuvenation. Sunscreen is a crucial step in the morning to shield against the sun’s harmful UV rays. 

Can I skip steps in my skincare routine?

While some steps can be personalized based on your needs, cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection are fundamental and should not be skipped. Tailor your routine, but ensure you maintain these core steps. 

Can men and women follow the same skincare routine?

Skincare routines can be similar for men and women, but there might be variations due to factors like facial hair and hormonal differences. However, the basic principles of cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection apply to all. 

How long does it take to see results from a skincare routine?

Visible results from a skincare routine can take time, usually a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the products used and individual skin concerns. Consistency is key.