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A good general rule is to wait about 30 seconds to 1 minute between skincare steps—just long enough for each product to absorb into your skin before applying the next one. Here’s a quick breakdown for common products:
Typical Wait Times Between Skincare Steps
| Product Type | Wait Time | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Cleanser | Pat dry, apply next step immediately | No wait needed after drying skin. |
| Toner/Essence | 15–30 seconds | Should be absorbed before serums. |
| Serum | 30–60 seconds | Gives time for actives to penetrate. |
| Moisturizer | 30–60 seconds | Seals in previous layers. |
| Facial Oil | 30–60 seconds | Apply after moisturizer to lock in hydration. |
| Sunscreen (AM) | Wait 2–3 minutes after moisturizer | Let moisturizer fully absorb first. |
| Retinoids/Acids (PM) | Wait 20–30 minutes after cleansing (if sensitive) | Gives your skin time to return to normal pH, reducing irritation risk. |
Tips:
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Thinner to thicker: Apply your products from thinnest to thickest consistency.
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Feel over time: If your skin feels tacky or damp, wait until it’s just slightly dewy before layering.
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Speed up drying: You can gently pat your face or use a fan to speed up absorption without irritation.