You're Doing It Wrong: Layer your Skin Care Properly - It Matters

When dermatologist Dr. Harold Lancer speaks—you listen.

The man is a heavyweight when it comes to his A-list clientele—he's personally responsible for the skin of every Kardashian, Victoria Beckham, Kate Hudson…the list goes on (and on and on). So if the thought of looking young forever entices you, by all means, read on.

"Whenever I see new patients, they are always curious to know in what order their skin-care products should be applied; it can be daunting," noted Dr. Lancer. "Properly applying and layering products means better, more noticeable results in the long run. If you've been using a product and not seeing the results you were hoping for, you could be applying it at the wrong time of day or in the incorrect order."

Morning Routine: "My general recommendation is to apply your thinnest products first—any serums or liquid treatments. This way, they can be fully absorbed by the skin before any heavier creams are applied," said the pro. "Serums or liquids can be followed by treatment creams, which ought to be followed by a moisturizer, which ultimately should be finished off with a sunscreen."

Note: "Sun protection is critical. During the day, sun protection should always be the final step in your routine, even if you plan to wear cosmetics that have an SPF rating," said the doctor. "Make sure you're using a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays."

The Steps:
1. Serums or Liquids
2. Treatment Cream
3. Moisturizer
4. Makeup
5. Sunscreen

Nightly Routine: "Your nightly skin-care regimen should follow the same order as your daytime: think thin to thick," added Lancer. "Of course, there is no need for sunscreen at night, but some people enjoy the feeling of an extra rich night cream on top of their usual moisturizer, which is also a great final step in your nightly skincare routine."

The Steps:
1. Remove Makeup/Wash Face
2. Serums or Liquids
3. Treatment Cream
4. Moisturizer
5. Night Cream (optional)

Favorite Morning Product: "During the day, your regimen should focus on protecting your complexion from UV light and environmental aggressors," said the skin guru. "A treatment cream with powerful antioxidants is an excellent defense against daily pollutants, UV rays, etc.

Favorite Nighttime Product: "At night, your regimen should focus on rejuvenating and repairing the skin," stated Dr. Lancer. "Powerful anti-agers like retinol and glycolic acid are best used at night due to their ability to increase photosensitivity in the skin. Supporting your skin's renewal while you sleep is also important; I personally like to recommend stem cell-based serum and nourishing moisturizer to ensure my patients wake with hydrated, glowing skin."

Take This With You: "Don't be afraid to layer your products," the expert concluded. "Everyone has unique skin needs, and creating your own skin-care 'cocktail' will give you the results you are looking for."