Quick answer: Apply products from thinnest to thickest. In the morning: cleanser, Vitamin C serum, moisturiser, sunscreen, then BB cream or makeup and lip balm. At night: cleanse thoroughly (double cleanse if you wore sunscreen or makeup), Alpha Arbutin serum, then moisturiser. Sunscreen is the last skincare step and is never used at night.
The rule of thumb
Water-based, thin products go first so they can reach the skin; creams and oils go after to seal them in; sunscreen sits on top of your skincare in the morning, and makeup goes over sunscreen. If a texture feels watery and light it generally goes before something creamier.
Morning routine
- Cleanse. A gentle cleanser, or just water if your skin is dry or sensitive.
- Vitamin C serum (2–3 drops), for example C Glow. Press into clean, dry skin and wait about a minute.
- Moisturiser if your skin needs it; oily skin can use a light gel or skip it on humid days.
- Sunscreen, such as Hybrid SPF-95, about two finger-lengths for face and neck. Wait a few minutes.
- BB cream or makeup, for example Bloom Base.
- Lip balm as the last touch, like Nude, Pink or Red Bloom.
Night routine
- Remove makeup and sunscreen. Use a balm or oil cleanser, then a gentle cleanser (double cleanse).
- Alpha Arbutin serum (2–3 drops), such as Clarity, on dry skin, with a little extra on dark spots.
- Moisturiser.
- Lip balm, a thicker layer in winter.
Which actives go together
| Combination | OK? | How |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C + Alpha Arbutin | Yes | Vitamin C in the morning, Alpha Arbutin at night so each gets its own time. |
| Vitamin C + sunscreen | Yes | Serum first, then sunscreen. |
| Alpha Arbutin + moisturiser | Yes | Serum first, moisturiser seals it in. |
| Brightening serum + strong acids or retinol on the same night | Careful | Alternate nights, introduce one at a time and ask a dermatologist if unsure. |
| BB cream + sunscreen | Yes | Sunscreen first, wait, then BB cream. |
Sample routines by skin type
| Skin type | Morning | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Oily or combination | Gentle gel cleanser, Vitamin C serum, light gel moisturiser (optional), lightweight sunscreen, BB cream on makeup days | Double cleanse, Alpha Arbutin serum if you have marks, light moisturiser |
| Dry | Water or cream cleanser, Vitamin C serum, richer moisturiser, sunscreen | Cream cleanser, hydrating serum or Alpha Arbutin, rich moisturiser, thick lip balm |
| Sensitive | Water or mild cleanser, a gentle Vitamin C serum every second day, moisturiser, fragrance-free sunscreen | Mild cleanser, moisturiser; add Alpha Arbutin only after a patch test and one new product at a time |
A weekly rhythm that is easy to keep
- Every day: cleanse, sunscreen in the morning, moisturiser at night.
- Most days: Vitamin C in the morning and Alpha Arbutin at night if your skin tolerates both.
- When skin looks irritated: pause the actives for two or three days and keep only cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen.
- On trips: pack a mini sunscreen, a lip balm and a travel-size cleanser, and keep the serums in a cool bag away from the sun.
How long to wait between layers
You do not need to wait ten minutes between each product. About a minute for serums to settle and a few minutes for sunscreen to set before makeup is enough for most people. If a product pills (rolls into little balls) you used too much or applied the next layer too soon.
If you only have three products
Not everyone wants a ten-step routine, and you do not need one. If you keep it to three products, make them a gentle cleanser, a sunscreen in the morning and a moisturiser at night; add a serum only when you are ready to be consistent with it for several weeks. A short routine you follow every day beats a long one you drop after a week.
Common mistakes
- Sunscreen before serum. Serum cannot sink in through sunscreen.
- Skipping sunscreen on cloudy days or in winter.
- Using every active every day from the first week.
- Using too much product; 2–3 drops of serum are enough.
- Washing off sunscreen with only a face wash; do a double cleanse.
Frequently asked questions
Do I apply Vitamin C before or after moisturiser?
Before. Serums go on first, then moisturiser, then sunscreen.
Does sunscreen go before or after moisturiser?
After. Sunscreen is the last skincare step in the morning, before makeup.
Which goes first, sunscreen or BB cream?
Sunscreen first, wait a few minutes, then BB cream or makeup.
Can I use Vitamin C and Alpha Arbutin together?
Yes, but at different times: Vitamin C in the morning, Alpha Arbutin at night.
Do I need a moisturiser if I have oily skin?
Oily skin still benefits from a light, oil-free moisturiser, especially in air-conditioning or winter; on humid days a gel or just serum plus sunscreen can be enough.
What is the correct order for skincare at night?
Cleanse (double cleanse after sunscreen or makeup), serum, moisturiser, lip balm.
How many drops of serum should I use?
Two to three drops for the whole face; more does not work faster.
Roman Urdu mein khulasa
Subah ka tartib: cleanser, Vitamin C serum, moisturizer, sunblock, phir BB cream ya makeup aur lip balm. Raat ka tartib: achi tarah safai (sunblock ya makeup ho to double cleanse), Alpha Arbutin serum, moisturizer. Sunblock hamesha skincare ka aakhri step hai aur raat ko nahin lagta. Vitamin C aur Alpha Arbutin dono lag sakte hain, lekin alag waqt par: Vitamin C subah, Alpha Arbutin raat ko.
Related: Alpha arbutin kaise use karein? · BB cream kaise lagayen? · Build a routine bundle · Serums
This guide is general skincare information, not medical advice.
