LAYER YOUR SKINCARE FOR MAXIMUM RESULTS.
LAYER YOUR SKINCARE FOR MAXIMUM RESULTS.
We’ve come a long way from the usual three-step (cleanse, tone and moisturise) routine. With new categories sprouting up over the years, your beauty shelf is likely well-stocked with an arsenal of products for clear, glowing skin. Lesser known is the fact that there’s actually a right way to layer your skincare. Using products in the wrong order is not only ineffective, but wasteful, too.
Your regime for morning and night should be a little different, but the best rule of thumb to follow is to always apply your products from the lightest consistency to the heaviest. By doing this, you’re sealing in the goodness of lighter products like serums, giving them more time to sink deeper into skin. If you did the reverse and layered on a thicker, oil-based cream first, lighter, water-based products won’t be able to penetrate the dermis.
Once you’re done with cleansing, here’s how to layer the rest of your skincare. Don’t fret if you aren’t following all the steps below – just skip ahead to the next one!
1 TONER OR FACIAL MIST
Skin is like a sponge. If it’s dry, it can’t suck in and retain as much moisture. When it’s a little moist, it is more receptive to the rest of your skincare. Think of your toner or facial mist as a prep step. Both have a softening effect and help to hydrate, so your skin can better absorb other products.
2 ESSENCE OR BOOSTER
These are both lightweight and watery. They’re not as potent as serums but are still nutrient-dense. Many essences also contain ingredients that help to speed up cell renewal.
3 SERUM
Serums tend to be slightly thicker than facial essences, and are also jam-packed with potent actives, like antioxidants or vitamins. They are formulated to target specific skin issues like pigmentation or loss of elasticity.
4 CREAM
No matter what your skin type, you still need a moisturiser. Daytime creams tend to be more lightweight – so you can apply makeup without feeling greasy or looking shiny – and are more focused on protection and support. The slightly thicker consistency of a night cream is usually due to ingredients that help lock in hydration, repair and restore skin, and boost its natural moisture barrier.
5 OIL
Facial oils are great for rebalancing and deeply hydrating skin, as well as adding a glow. If yours is oilier, you may opt to only use this at night. You can also combine this step by mixing in two to three drops of facial oil into your moisturiser.
6 SUNSCREEN & OVERNIGHT MASK
Top off your skincare with a sunscreen that offers at least SPF30/PA+++ protection to ward off UV rays. At night, consider using a sleeping mask to nourish your skin and enhance its regenerative abilities while you sleep. The thicker consistency of the mask will also help to seal in moisture so your skin doesn’t dry out overnight.
