Here’s How to Layer Your Skincare to make it More Effective
Have you ever wondered about the order in which you apply products from your skincare routine?? YES?? The way you layer your skincare is quite important because there is an order for everything, and your skincare routine shouldn’t be chaotic every morning and night.
For a skincare routine to work, the right products based on your skin type are needed. It is very important to know how to layer skincare, else all the hard work that you have put in to follow a skincare routine to get healthy, glowing skin will be in vain.
But with so many steps and so many products in one routine, we understand that it can get a little overwhelming. So, let us tell you how to layer skincare products correctly to reap the maximum benefits from your skincare routine.
Liquid or cream: How to layer skincare products?
‘Layer from lightest to heaviest formulas’. The most well-known and simple rule to follow is that products with the thinnest consistency should go first.
Thinnest consistency –> Thickest consistency
Meaning: liquid –> water based to oil
Most products are formulated this way. Those that need to go first, say toners have liquid forms, followed by serums and moisturizers which have a thicker consistency.
How to layer skincare: a step-by-step guide
Step 1: Cleansing
The foremost step of any skincare routine is cleansing. Removing excess oil, grime, dirt, makeup residue and impurities should always come first. Cleanse your skin squeaky clean before applying any other product. Choose a cleanser according to your skin type, and opt for the double cleansing method, if needed. Clean skin that is completely free of oil and grime, is essential for ingredients in other products to absorb properly.
Step 2: Toner
Most people choose to skip toners, because of the common assumption that toners are harsh and can irritate the skin. However, that is not the case. Toners can help clear your pores and hydrate your skin. You can choose hydrating toners or ones with slightly exfoliating properties. However, it is important to choose the ingredients based on your skin type and concern. Also, steer clear of toner with alcohol content.
Step 3: Serum
Serums are highly concentrated treatment products that address specific concerns. Since they deliver highly potent actives directly to the skin, it is important to keep them as close to the skin as possible. Hence, use it immediately after toner or cleansing if you are skipping the toner.
Step 4: Spot Treatment
Treat those blemishes (acne, scars, spots) through spot treatments. You can use ingredients like retinol and benzoyl peroxide. Treatment products have a thicker consistency, so apply it after your serum, but always before a moisturizer. Also, remember that acne spot treatments can dry out skin, so always apply only on spots where you need it and not on the whole face.
Step 5: Moisturizer
Everyone needs a moisturizer, even if you have an oily skin type. The natural oil that our skin produces, maintains a protective coating against environmental stressors and possible infections. Most of us need extra hydration after the damage that sun, weather, and harsh chemicals do to our skin. The best time to apply a moisturizer is while the skin is still damp, apply your moisturizer immediately after you are done applying your serum or treatment. This way, you will be able to lock in much-needed hydration with your moisturizer.
Step 6: Sunscreen
Photoaging contributes to the skin’s degeneration, which means even if you are following a good and consistent skincare routine, it will not have the optimal effect without the daily use of good sunscreen. We have stressed enough that SPF 30 or more should be applied daily, even when you are staying indoors as our skin is sensitive to indoor and screen lights.
Summing up
The basic thumb rule about layering skincare products is from thinnest to thickest. However, the most important thing is to find a skincare routine and stick with it. So many things go into consideration to create a skincare routine: your skin type, your skin concern, treatments (if needed), ingredients that suit your skin, the right brand, the right products, and of course the will to follow it consistently. Lastly, one must know how to layer skincare correctly to get the best results from their skincare routine.
Happy Skincare to you All!!
This article is in collaboration with Nancy Gupta!
Author bio: She watches, she reads, she analyzes, she feels, she thinks and she WRITEs! She is creative in everything, she has her own voice and she is always brewing stories in her mind. She might not speak a lot at first, but she sure can write everything she wants people to know, hear, feel, or read.
PS: You can lure her in with Pizza, Coffee, and a lot of Rasgullas!
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