Yes, there is a right way to layer your skincare products. But why you layer them matters just as much as the order itself. Applying products in the right sequence can help you get the most out of your routine without unnecessarily wasting product.
If you’ve ever wondered which product should go on first, whether toner is actually necessary or where your serum fits in, here’s how to layer skincare products each morning.
Step 1: Cleanse
Cleansing is the first step in any skincare routine. A cleanser removes oil, sweat and other buildup from your skin so the products that follow can be applied to a clean surface.
The most important part is choosing a cleanser that works for your skin type without leaving your skin feeling tight, dry or irritated. We talk more about how to choose the right cleanser in this blog.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on a cleanser, either. Look for one that effectively cleans your skin without unnecessarily irritating or stripping it.
Step 2: Toner (Maybe)
Toner is an optional step, not a requirement for everyone.
Some older toners were formulated to remove excess oil and leave the skin feeling extremely clean, but they could also be drying or irritating. Today’s toners can serve a variety of purposes, including adding hydration or delivering ingredients such as antioxidants and exfoliating acids.
If you use a toner that works well for your skin, apply it after cleansing and before your serums and other treatment products. If you don’t use one, there’s no need to add it simply because you think your routine is incomplete.
Step 3: Antioxidant Serum
Next comes your antioxidant serum. Vitamin C is one of the most popular antioxidant ingredients for a morning skincare routine because it can help protect the skin from environmental stressors while supporting a brighter, more even-looking complexion.
Other antioxidant ingredients you may see in skincare include vitamin E, green tea and resveratrol.
One of our favorites, yes, we’re biased, is Vitamin C, E & Ferulic Acid.
Apply your serum after cleansing and toning, if you use a toner, and give it a moment to absorb before moving on to the next step.
Step 4: Spot Treatment
Have a blemish? This is a good time to apply a targeted acne treatment. If you don’t have a blemish or use a different acne regimen, you can move on to the next step.
Spot treatments can contain active ingredients that are more irritating than the products you use over your entire face, so follow the directions on the specific product and avoid applying more than recommended.
Acne Control Serum is one option for treating acne-prone skin.
And remember, picking or squeezing a blemish can increase inflammation and may contribute to scarring or discoloration. If you have a persistent or particularly inflamed blemish, a dermatologist can determine whether professional treatment is appropriate.
Step 5: Eye Cream
Whether you need an eye cream depends on your individual concerns and skincare routine. Products formulated for the eye area can target concerns such as dryness, fine lines and the appearance of dark circles.
If you’re looking to incorporate a retinoid into your eye-area routine, try a retinol eye cream. For general hydration and conditioning around the eyes, you can try this eye cream.
Keep in mind that the skin around the eyes can be particularly sensitive, so introduce active ingredients gradually and follow the product’s directions.
Step 6: Moisturize
Now it’s time to moisturize.
A moisturizer helps hydrate the skin and supports the skin barrier. The right formula depends on your skin type and individual needs. Someone with dry or mature skin may prefer a richer moisturizer, while someone with oily or acne-prone skin may prefer a lighter, non-comedogenic formula.
If you’re looking for additional hydration, hyaluronic acid can be a useful ingredient to incorporate into your routine.
Apply your moisturizer after your treatment products and before sunscreen.
Step 7: Sunscreen
This is the step you should never skip in your morning skincare routine.
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher as the final step in your skincare routine before makeup. Sunscreen helps protect your skin from UVA and UVB radiation, which can contribute to premature skin aging and skin cancer.
We offer several sunscreen options, including Purely Physical SPF 47, a mineral sunscreen formulated with zinc oxide.
If you prefer a tinted option that provides some cosmetic coverage, HA Physical Tint SPF 45 combines mineral sun protection with a tint that can help even the appearance of your complexion.
Remember to apply enough sunscreen to adequately cover your exposed skin and reapply throughout the day as directed, particularly after swimming, sweating or toweling off.
How to Layer Skincare Products: The Simple Rule
If you don’t want to memorize seven steps, remember this general rule: go from lighter products to heavier products, and always finish your morning routine with sunscreen.
Your exact routine may look different depending on your skin type, concerns and the active ingredients you’re using. You don’t necessarily need every product listed above to have an effective skincare routine.
Need some more skincare recommendations? Schedule an appointment for a skincare consultation by calling our office at 561-805-9399 or emailing us at info@okgppwvm.elementor.cloud.
