How to Layer Your Skincare Products

The moisturize-and-go routine we once knew is long gone. Who can stick to that when we've got endless types of products, each with its essential role? While that's a good thing, it gets tricky if you don't know the correct order of application. Skincare cocktails can reveal the best version of your skin only if you know how to layer products in the correct order. Not doing so can cancel their benefits, making your skincare routine a vain effort. As a general rule, you should be layering products from thinner to thicker formulas. Otherwise, light textures can't penetrate through more viscous products, rendering them ineffective. 

Not knowing the correct order of layering skincare products shouldn't deter you from having at least a minimalist skincare routine. That's why we're chasing down to the very basics of layering skincare products so you get the most from your routine.

Cleanser

Day and night, you should never be skipping cleansing. That's how you get rid of makeup, dirt, pollution, and dead cells buildup, creating the perfect canvas for layering the rest of your skincare products. Without cleansing, product absorption is hindered — not something you want. 

P.S. Nope, makeup wipes don't count as cleansing skin as they smear around grime and leave a residue behind. Gross!

Toner

Even if toner is optional, it's that in-between step that infuses skin with some more perks while drawing away any residue that cleansing did not remove. Some cleansers may strip away the skin of moisture, and toners can balance the pH, prepping your complexion for the next steps. Plus, toners leave skin damp, so what you're applying after gets better absorbed.

Treatment

Whether you want to improve skin firmness with the Firming Filter COQ10 Serum or even tone with Brightening Boost Vitamin C Serum, this is where you're doing it. Serums are lightweight and have tiny molecules that sink into the skin where they do their magic. The serum you're using should address your concern — wrinkles, uneven tone, breakouts, dryness — and should be smeared on when the skin is still damp from toner (unless you're using retinol!). That's how they penetrate effectively, shooting actives right into the skin's deeper layers for transformative results.

As for those of you who want to apply two serums, you want to layer the water-based serum first, followed by the oil-based one. And in case both textures are the same, start with the one your skin needs more. For instance, if dehydration is your issue, start with a hyaluronic acid serum, or, if dark spots bother you, layer the vitamin C serum first. 

Moisturizer

At this point, you should be locking in what you have previously applied with a moisturizer. You can use the same moisturizer AM and PM, or a lightweight one in the morning and a heavier one for the night to boost the skin's natural repairing process. Regardless of your choice, the moisturizer is the last step in your night routine and the penultimate one at AM. Moisturizers not only preserve the barrier and moisten skin, but they pack thickening agents that form an invisible veil, stopping external foes from entering the skin while trapping serum and treatments in.

SPF

Sunscreen is non-negotiable 365 days a year and comes as the final step in your AM skincare routine. Sun is the main culprit for premature skin aging, early wrinkles, and dark spots, so skipping this step can result in endless unwanted outcomes. So, be cool and never skip sunscreen that gives UVA and UVB protection with at least 30 SPF. And no, the SPF in your CC cream, foundation, or moisturizer doesn't count. 

Words By: Ana Vasilescu