Proper Layering Will Make Your Skincare Routine Way More Effective
You have a serum to soften lines and plump skin. A facial mist to clear pores and calm inflammation. A moisturizer that adds radiance. And the list goes on. How do you get the most from all of your carefully chosen products? You learn the best order in which to layer your skincare routine.
Most of us don’t use multiple skincare products for the fun of it. Okay, certain items are a true pleasure to use, but we choose what we put on our face for a reason.
If you are layering on the goodness each and every day but are still waiting to see the fabulous results, it may be in how you are using your products. More specifically, the order in which you are applying your precious goods. When you use what makes a huge difference in how effective your skincare routine is for you.
How to Supercharge Your Skincare Routine
Maybe you are a cleanse, tone, and moisturize kind of gal. Or you may have a skincare line-up that includes a larger number of products. Are you getting the results you desire? If not, it is probably in how you are applying your products.
The easiest way to properly apply skincare is to go lightest to heaviest. A serum is a much lighter consistency than your moisturizer, so it goes on first. The exception to this is when you need an active product to work on your skin, like an acne treatment or skin lightener. In this case, you want the active product closest to the skin. Don’t worry, we’ll go into more detail in a minute.
This doesn’t mean you always have to apply in the same order. That’s the beauty of a personalized skincare program, you make it work for the state your skin is in at the moment. You may need to layer differently, with different products, due to seasonal changes or even with your nighttime routine.
Layering for Oily and Acne Prone Skin: We know that all skin types, even oily and acne prone, need proper moisturization. But the main goal here is to balance oil and quell breakouts. One common mistake when treating this skin type is to use too many products. Rather than piling on a serum, lotion, and spot treatment, try a multitasker, like a moisturizer that contains antibacterial ingredients.
Antibacterial face wash, YULI Halcyon Cleanser
Oil balancing toner, Odacite Mint + Green Tea Hydra-Purifying Treatment Mist
Spot treatment, Osmia Organics Spot Treatment
Zit preventing serum, Blissoma Flawless Equalizing Anti-Blemish Serum
Moisturizer with antibacterial ingredients, Dr. Alkaitis Soothing Gel
Layering for Dry Skin: The more hydration, the better. Oils soak into skin more quickly than a lotion or cream, so opt for an oil serum or facial oil combo after cleansing. Next up should be your thicker day cream. If you are experiencing redness due to dry skin, hydrating products should clear it up. If the redness persists, try blending a bit of a calming serum with your hydrating serum. This is called “cocktailing” and works like a charm.
Hydrating facial wash, Josh Rosebrook Complete Moisture Cleanse
Hydrating serum or facial oil, Kahina Giving Beauty Serum
Hydrating day cream, Kahina Giving Beauty Facial Lotion
Layering for Normal to Combination Skin: This skin type is generally balanced and doesn’t require a lot of extra products. As in, leave well enough alone. If you are battling breakouts in the T-zone, your skin will benefit from using targeted products in this area only.
Face wash for normal skin, One Love Organics Easy Does It Cleanser
Toner on the T-Zone, Dr. Alkaitis Herbal Toner
Oil balancing serum for the T-zone, Pai Skincare Copaiba & Zinc Blemish Serum
Light day moisturizer, Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream SPF 30
Layering for Sensitive Skin: This skin type responds best to ultra-gentle products and fewer ingredients. Whether dealing with rosacea, eczema, or any type of reactive skin, a streamlined routine will keep delicate skin happy.
Mild face wash, Pai Skincare Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
Facial mist with soothing ingredients, Aster & Bay Rosewater Mist
Redness reducing serum or facial oil if skin is dry, One Love Organics Oh Mega Calming Chia Oil
Gentle day moisturizer, Pai Skincare Chamomile & Rosehip Calming Day Cream
Layering for Mature Skin: This skin type can benefit from multiple products that address all the issues of aging skin, like spots, dryness, sagging, lines, and wrinkles. Don’t be afraid to cocktail skincare products to amp up the benefits.
Hydrating face wash, One Love Organics Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing Oil
Serum to reduce spots and firm the skin, Odacite Mature + Pigmentation Serums
Facial oil to plump and soften lines, One Love Organics Morning Glory Caffeinated Serum
Day cream with anti-aging ingredients, Tata Harper Reparative Moisturizer
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