How to combine serums, creams and sunscreen for better results in your skincare routine

If you invest in quality skincare products but feel that your skin is not responding as expected, there may be one detail making all the difference: the order and the way you combine serums, face cream and sunscreen.

The truth is simple: using good products is not enough — it is essential to know how to combine serum, cream and sunscreen to maximise their benefits.

In this article, we explain exactly the correct order of skincare products, how to apply them properly and how to build an effective skincare routine for visible results.

What is the correct order of skincare products?

One of the most common questions is: should you use serum before or after moisturiser?

The answer lies in the texture and function of each product.

The ideal order in a morning skincare routine is:

1. Cleansing

2. Serum

3. Face cream

4. Sunscreen

This sequence allows each product to perform at its best, without blocking the absorption of the next.

Serum: the first step to treat the skin in depth

Serum is the most concentrated product in your routine. This is where the active ingredients that truly treat the skin come into play: hydration, radiance, imperfections or signs of ageing.

If you are still unsure what a serum is used for, think of it as the “intensive treatment” in your routine.

How to use a serum correctly?

• Always apply after cleansing

• Use small amounts

• Spread gently, without rubbing

If you are looking for deep hydration and to strengthen the skin barrier, the Vichy Mineral 89 serum is an excellent choice, thanks to its formula rich in minerals and hyaluronic acid.

For oily or blemish-prone skin, SVR Sebiaclear Serum works directly to reduce imperfections while helping to rebalance the skin without weighing it down.

Face cream: hydrate, balance and strengthen the skin

After serum comes the face cream, responsible for hydrating, protecting and “sealing in” the previously applied active ingredients.

Choosing the best moisturising face cream depends on your skin type and specific needs.

How to apply serum and cream correctly?

The most common mistake is applying too much product or not allowing enough time for absorption. Ideally, wait a few seconds between each step.

If you are looking for radiance and antioxidant action, La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C helps to even out skin tone and combat signs of fatigue.

For sensitive or acne-prone skin, Bioderma Sebium Sensitive provides comfort without compromising the skin’s balance.

Sunscreen: the most important step in your routine

You may use the best products in the world, but without sunscreen, you are compromising all your results.

Facial sunscreen is essential to prevent premature ageing, dark spots and damage caused by UV radiation.

If you are still wondering when to apply sunscreen, the answer is simple: always as the final step of your morning routine.

How to choose the right sunscreen?

It depends on your skin type and texture preference:

• For maximum protection and advanced technology, La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune SPF50+ is a benchmark product.

• For those who prefer a natural finish with coverage, ISDIN Fusion Water Magic Color Medium SPF50+ works perfectly as a tinted sunscreen.

For oily skin, it is particularly important to choose formulas designed specifically for it, such as a sunscreen for oily skin that does not clog pores or increase shine.

The most common mistake: using good products… the wrong way

Many people invest in good products but do not respect the correct skincare order or combine incompatible formulas.

The result?

• Products are not properly absorbed

• Results are barely visible

• A feeling that “nothing works”

The truth is that knowing how to combine serum, cream and sunscreen is just as important as choosing the right products.

Simple routine, real results

A good routine does not need to be complex.

With the right products and the correct order, you can:

• Improve hydration

• Even out skin tone

• Reduce imperfections

• Prevent signs of ageing

More than quantity, the secret lies in consistency and in how you apply each product.

If there is one thing to remember, it is this: it is not about using more products, but about using them better.

By understanding how to use a serum, choosing the best moisturising face cream and never skipping sunscreen, you ensure that your skin gets exactly what it needs.

And it is this consistency that, over time, makes all the difference to your skin.