Layer Like a Pro to Boost the Benefits of Your Skin Care Products

With so many cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and much more out there, your skin care routine can get overwhelming. Did you know that there is an easy formula for “layering” your skin care products? There actually is an order to which you should apply your products and it really does make a difference to your skin. You’ve invested money into these products so we want you to get the best out of them. To achieve the best benefits and results, follow these simple rules.

In what order should I apply my skin care products and why?

1. CLEANSER. Always start by removing dirt and oil buildup. Never forget this first important step of washing your face with a gentle cleanser. You can follow up with a toner if you use one. To keep your face fresh, gently exfoliate a few times a week to remove dead skin and buildup, which will help your products penetrate your skin effectively.

2. SERUMS. Serums are nutrient-rich and should be kept as close to the skin as possible. They are the thinnest skin care product and the goal of a serum is to deliver the ingredients deep into your skin. Some people use multiple types of serums that deliver different skin benefits. Apply liquid serums first, then gels, followed by creams.

3. EYE CREAM. An eye cream is much like a serum in that they are thin and need to be clear of any other product barrier. Definitely use an eye cream before a moisturizer.

4. TAKE A BREAK. Let the serums dry and lock into your skin. 

5. MOISTURIZER. A good moisturizer is the key to any routine to not only hydrate the skin, but also to seal the serums into your skin.

6. FACE OIL AND NIGHT CREAM. (night time use) Use face oil in small doses. Oil can penetrate moisturizers, but a moisturizer cannot penetrate an oil, so make sure your oil goes on after your moisturizer. Our skin does some repairing and restoring while we sleep, so thicker night creams are intended to be absorbed over several hours while we sleep.

7. SUNSCREEN. (day time use) This should be your last step in the morning and a step you should NEVER skip. Sunscreen sits on top of your skin, so if you apply it first it prevents other ingredients, from other products, from absorbing into your skin. A good medical-grade sunscreen is lightweight enough that it is easy to layer over multiple products and still have it work to its full potential. Most medical-grade moisturizers have a built-in sunscreen which helps combine two steps into one.

8. LIP BALM WITH SPF. Don’t forget your lips need protection from the sun too. Moisturizing your lips will help to keep them healthy and looking great.

Most experts recommend a simple routine during the day consisting of: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Some people like to double up on the benefits a serum provides, so they use serums in the mornings as well as at night. At night you load up on your skin care products adding in serums, eye cream, night cream, and face oils, allowing them to work for you while you sleep.

Medicated products for acne, alpha hydroxy products for pigmentation, and spot creams to lighten scars are additional products that can be customized into your daily routine. It is always a good idea to ask your Aesthetician the order in which you should be layering these products to achieve the best results.

Layering Your Skin Care Products: a Simple Formula

This simple formula of layering your skin care products will allow for great absorption of nutrients and better protection of your skin, but it is still recommended to watch your skin and find out what really works for you. If you notice pooling of products on the skin, your products are not being absorbed properly and you will need to switch up your routine. The general rule is to go from the lightest to heaviest with your skin care products. Always make sure you are giving the products enough time to settle into your skin before you apply the next product.