---
title: "Topical Facial Estrogen: How to Layer Skincare Actives"
description: "Learn how to layer topical facial estrogen with vitamin C, DNA repair serums, moisturizer, retinoids, and sunscreen for best absorption."
url: "https://www.myalloy.com/knowledge-base/topical-facial-estrogen-how-to-layer-skincare-actives"
---

# Topical Facial Estrogen: How to Layer Skincare Actives

> Learn how to layer topical facial estrogen with vitamin C, DNA repair serums, moisturizer, retinoids, and sunscreen for best absorption.

## How should topical facial estrogen be layered with other skincare actives?

You can think of topical facial estrogen like any other active in your routine, it just needs the right spot in the lineup so it absorbs well and plays nicely with everything else. Dr. Ellen Gendler lays out a simple rule that makes it easy: go from thinnest to thickest.

For most routines that means vitamin C first because it’s usually the lightest thing on the face. If you use a DNA repair serum, that would go next. Your topical estrogen, like our M4 Face Cream Rx or M4 Face Serum Rx, goes right after those treatment serums. It can act as your moisturizer, or you can put a moisturizer over it if your skin likes more hydration. Then during the day, always finish with sunscreen. Retinoids like tretinoin should only be used at night, after your estrogen and moisturizer.

If you want to hear Dr. Gendler walk through this stacking order, the layering chapter of her conversation is a nice listen. You can watch it here: unfortunately I couldn’t generate the exact timestamped link just now, but the chapter is called Layering and Routine Tips in the YouTube video titled Topical Estrogen's Role in Healthy, Radiant Skin.

If you’re considering adding topical estrogen to your routine, you might want to look at our M4 Face Cream Rx which you can find here: [M4 Face Cream Rx](https://www.myalloy.com/solutions/m4).


**M4 Face Cream Rx**

Estriol

Restore elasticity, hydrate deeply and build collagen—this powerful estriol-enriched face cream does it all

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---

This answer was created using the following resources:

- [Topical Estrogen's Role in Healthy, Radiant Skin | Dr. Ellen Gendler & Dr. Corinne Menn - Layering & Routine Tips](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOzPrwnwsFA)
- [The Science Behind Topical Estrogen: Doctors Review M4 Cream - Topical Estrogen for Skin](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ss6SwpqS1vA)
- [A New Approach to Aging with Alloy - Topical Estriol for Facial Skin](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voedsMd4Zsc)
- [From the Inside Out: Skin, Hair & Hormones | Dr. Deepti Gandhi - Combining Oral and Topical Estrogen](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyxNnGi-XpE)
- [Skin Deep with Dr. Menn: Let's Talk Skincare & Estrogen | Dr. Corinne Menn - Topical Estrogen vs. Retinoids](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sW48U6HSkcc)
- [Topical Estrogen: Tips from Dr. Ellen Gendler](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/why-topical-estrogen-should-be-part-of-your-skincare)
- [The Science Behind Putting Estrogen On Your Face](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/the-science-behind-putting-estrogen-on-your-face)
- [Skincare Routine | M4](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/why-estrogen-belongs-in-your-skincare-routine-and-not-just-in-your-hormone)
- [Collagen & Estrogen: How Are They Connected?](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/what-women-need-to-know-about-the-link-between-collagen-and-estrogen)
- [How to Layer Skincare and Add M4 to Your Routine | Complete Guide](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/a-guide-to-layering-skincare-and-adding-m4-into-your-routine)

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