How to Layer Skincare
Written by
May Willis
Published
Wednesday, 20 Nov 2024
11 min. read
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Hey there! Have you ever wondered if you're layering your skincare products correctly? If not, you might not be getting the maximum benefits from your routine. Today, we're diving into the best way to layer your skincare products to ensure they work effectively. Let's get started!
For skincare, buying products is the easy part. There are tons of different products on the market, but how do you apply them correctly for maximum benefit?
I. Basic Principles
The two fundamental rules of skincare layering are:
A. Apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency
This ensures that lighter products can penetrate the skin without being blocked by heavier ones.
B. Consider each product's purpose and function
Each product in your routine has a specific role, from cleansing to moisturizing to treating specific skin concerns.
II. Morning Routine Layering Guide
A. Cleansing
Start your morning routine with a gentle cleanser to remove any overnight buildup of oils and products. Cleansing prepares your skin for the subsequent steps in your routine. Make sure to use our PureNatura towels to pat dry your face gently!
B. Toning (Optional)
If you use a toner, apply it while your skin is still damp. This helps to balance your skin's pH levels and preps it for the next products. Toners can also add an extra layer of hydration. This is generally the lightest skincare product one can have in their routine, hence why it is layered first.
C. Treatment Products
This step is for targeted treatments or spot treatments. Use serums like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, or niacinamide. These serums address specific skin concerns such as brightening, hydration, or anti-aging. These products are lighter than moisturizer and sunscreen, but heavier than the toner, so you want to layer this second.
D. Eye Care
Apply eye cream before your moisturizer using gentle tapping motions. The skin around your eyes is delicate, so be gentle to avoid irritation.
E. Moisturizer
Choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type. If you have dry skin, opt for a cream-based moisturizer. For oily skin, a gel-based moisturizer works best. Moisturizers help to lock in hydration and create a barrier to protect your skin.
F. Face Oil (Optional)
If you use facial oil, apply a few drops after your moisturizer. Face oils can provide additional hydration and help to seal in the moisture from your previous steps.
G. Sunscreen
Always finish your morning routine with sunscreen. Regardless of the weather or your indoor/outdoor plans, sunscreen is crucial to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. The reason why this is layered last is because it is the thickest. If you layer other products after sunscreen, they probably won't ever be absorbed by the skin!
Different skincare products have different consistencys and thicknesses, which affect how easily they can be absorbed into the skin. You want to layer the lightest products first, then work your way to the thickest.
III. Evening Routine
Your evening routine will follow similar layering principles but will focus more on treatment and repair. The products you use in the pm routine might be similar or different from the am routine, but the idea behind layering is still the same. Cleanse, then lightest to thickest.
A. Double Cleanse
Start with a thorough cleansing to remove makeup and daily buildup. Use an oil-based cleanser first, followed by a water-based cleanser. This ensures that all impurities are removed from your skin.
B. Exfoliation/Treatment
Use chemical exfoliants or treatment products in this step. Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells, allowing your other products to penetrate better. Treatment products like chemical exfoliants should be used 2-3 times a week, depending on your skin type.
C. Serums
Apply treatment serums like retinol or peptides. These serums help with skin repair and address specific concerns like fine lines or acne.
D. Moisturizer
Finish with a richer moisturizer to provide overnight repair. Night creams are typically heavier and more nourishing to support your skin's natural repair process while you sleep. Make sure to layer this thick product last. Unless you are buffering.
IV. Important Tips!
A. Wait briefly between layers
Allow each product to absorb before applying the next one. This ensures that each product works effectively.
B. Avoid mixing certain ingredients
Some ingredients, like exfoliants and vitamin C, can be irritating when used together. Be mindful of product combinations.
C. Use upward strokes
When applying products, use upward strokes to help lift the skin and prevent sagging.
D. Adjust routine based on your skin type and concerns
Your skincare routine should be tailored to your specific needs. If you have dry skin, you might need more hydrating products. If you have oily skin, you might focus more on balancing oil production.
Conclusion
So here is how to layer skincare in detail, tailored to the am/pm routine! By following these guidelines, you can create a skincare routine that feels great and maximizes the effectiveness of each product.
Consistency is key in skincare, and with patience, you'll start to see the benefits of a well-layered routine. Whether you're looking to brighten, hydrate, or address specific skin concerns, following these guidelines will help you get the most out of your products. So take the time to understand your skincare products and how they work together, and your skin will thank you for the extra care and attention.
Understanding the consistency of different products and how they should be layered together is crucial for everyone new to skincare. What is the point of buying and trying different products if you don't know how they work? At the end of the day, we want to see a visible improvement in our skin health and complexion. Therefore, make sure you do you homework and layer you skincare appropriately!
Q&A
Knowing how to layer skincare products ensures that each product can penetrate the skin effectively and work to its full potential, maximizing the benefits of your routine.
The basic principle of layering skincare products is to apply them from the thinnest to the thickest consistency, which helps in better absorption and effectiveness.
No, you should avoid mixing certain ingredients like exfoliants and vitamin C, as they can cause irritation. It's important to understand each product's purpose and function when layering.
