Belinda Just like we are painting or baking, we will not get the correct result we want if we just throw a bunch of colours or ingredients together without planning them out. The same goes for skin care. If we know how to layer and mix our skincare products correctly, our skin will get the most out of them for glowing results.
Why Do We Need to Layer Skincare?
Let’s first talk about why we need to crack the product layering code before we get into the proper sequence for our skincare. Our products’ primary function is to safeguard our bodies and keep toxins out, but in order for them to be effective, the active ingredients need to be able to penetrate the skin. If our skincare products are applied incorrectly, they may become ineffective or, even worse, cause redness and irritation.
Why Layer Skincare is Important?
- The active ingredients perform better.
- Increasing absorption.
- Helping us safely combine ingredients.
- Preventing sun damage.
How to Layer Our Skincare in the Right Order?
According to Dr. Idriss, “the rule of thumb when applying skincare is to apply the lightest first and the heaviest last since thinner products can’t penetrate thicker products.”
So, for instance, if we applied a serum incorrectly over our moisturizer, it would be nearly ineffective. Similarly, if we put moisturizer on top of oil for our face, it won’t be able to properly hydrate our skin, causing irritation to the skin barrier and dryness over time.
Correct Skincare Routine
#Step1: Cleansing Our Skin (Day & Night)
Always begin our skincare routine by washing our face, whether we do so in the morning or at night. For products to penetrate the skin barrier, our skin must be free of makeup and dirt. Make use of a cleansing oil and a double cleanse at night to get rid of our sunscreen and makeup. Follow this with a delicate cleaning agent intended for our skin type.
#Step2: Exfoliating (Night)
Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells and promote healthy skin texture. Beauty products are easier to absorb into our skin when it is smooth and free of buildup. Exfoliate two to three times per week, and do not use retinol on the days we exfoliate.
#Step3: Applying Toner (Day & Night)
In the past, face toners were horrible liquids with alcohol in them that irritated the hell out of your face. According to Dr. Gohara, “toners are not meant to be something that sits around on your skin and feels heavy.” In essence, all they do is prepare your face so that the ingredients can be absorbed more easily later.
#Step4: Applying Serums (Day & Night)
Due to their antioxidant- and nutrient-rich formulations, serums must be applied as close to the skin as possible. A gentle yet potent AHA formula can completely be applied in the morning (and at night) prior to our moisturizers to remove dull-looking dead skin and prepare our complexion, whereas many treatment serums are intended for use at night.
#Step5: Applying Eye Cream (Day & Night)
Although moisturizers and eye creams can typically be applied in the same order, we should also take the formulation of the eye cream into consideration before establishing a routine. Besides, regardless of our skin type, look for an eye cream with a rollerball applicator and/or a caffeine-infused formula that, within 20 minutes, helps temporarily tighten and constrict puffy undereyes.
#Step6: Applying Moisturizer (Day & Night)
Before going outside, everyone must moisturize to ensure adequate skin protection. Dehydrated or dry skin can occur even on oily skin. To keep our skin hydrated, knowing how to layer moisturizers is just as important for our skin as other skincare products.
#Step7: SPF (Day)
An SPF should always be the final step in our morning skincare routine, regardless of whether we skip the toner or change the order of our eye cream and moisturizer. Why? because it gives our other targeted treatments, like vitamin C products, time to absorb into our skin. The ideal time to apply sunscreen is 20 to 30 minutes after our skincare routine.
Final Thought
In addition to our skin type and routine, it’s important to think about how long it takes our skin to absorb our products.
To give ourselves (and the products) enough time to get to work, we might want to simplify our morning and/or evening routines if we feel stressed or pressed for time. Don’t feel like we have to do everything in one sitting in front of the mirror.
It’s important to remember that the processes for layering products aren’t set in stone. Finding what works best for us is important because our skin is unique. Keep doing what works best for our skin if our current routine is producing the desired results but differs from the sequences listed above.
