How to Layer Your Skincare Products

The steps involved in a well-rounded skincare routine are a bit more complex than the average “lather, rinse, and repeat” hair-washing cycle. With all the cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and treatments available on the market these days, knowing which products should be applied first and why can be confusing and feel overwhelming at times. Whether you’re a skincare beginner or a seasoned pro, this simple guide will help you master the art of skincare layering. 

If you’d like to learn how to layer your skincare products to get the most out of your AM and PM routines, then keep reading! 

AM Skincare Routine

1. Cleanser

The first step to a solid morning skincare routine is cleansing away those impurities and overnight product build-up. Remember to use lukewarm water when washing (if your cleanser requires water) and gently pat your skin dry with a clean microfiber cloth or napkin. Alternatively, you can allow your skin to air dry or leave it slightly damp before applying additional products. This method can improve not only product absorption, but also overall effectiveness! 

2. Toner (Optional)

Toners and essences are optional in not only a morning routine, but also an evening one, pending your skin type and its needs. Many choose to opt out of this step as many find these products to be stripping and unkind to their skin. However, there are gentle toners on the market that help restore moisture and prep your skin for subsequent products. When purchasing toners or essences, look for key ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera for optimal hydration! It’s also best to use clean hands rather than traditional cotton rounds to press these products into the skin for better absorption. 

3. Serum

Serums can be used both in the morning and evening. When it comes to your AM routine, incorporating vitamin C is sure to be a skincare game-changer. Why you may ask? Vitamin C is known to brighten your complexion, fight free radicals, boost sunscreen protection, and more! When choosing the right Vitamin C serum for your skin, keep your eyes peeled for a concentration of 10-20% L-ascorbic acid. However, if you’re more sensitive and prone to irritation, opt for vitamin C derivatives such as sodium ascorbyl phosphate. 

4. Moisturizer

The key to AM moisturizers is choosing ones that are lightweight while still being suitable to your skin type. If you have dry skin, opt for a cream-based moisturizer and if your skin naturally shines as bright as a diamond thanks to its oil production overload, incorporating a gel-based moisturizer is best. Morning moisturizers also play a key role in preparing your skin for sunscreen application which we know is a non-negotiable step in any AM routine! 

5. Sunscreen 

A high-quality sunscreen is one of, if not the most crucial products to include in your morning skincare lineup. Sunscreen is your shield against harmful UV rays and premature aging and it’s imperative to choose a formulation that contains a minimum of SPF 30 with broad-spectrum protection. You can also opt for tinted sunscreens that provide a natural glow, mimicking the appearance of a subtle makeup look! 

PM Skincare Routine 

1. Cleanser

Your skin naturally accumulates dirt and oil throughout the day, especially if you’re a makeup wearer, so cleansing your skin should always be the first step in your PM routine. When your skin is properly cleansed, it ensures any build-up has been sloughed away and provides a clean slate for your other skincare products to work their magic. If you’ve been wearing makeup, it’s best to start with a micellar water or oil-based cleanser to break down products from the day and natural oils. Follow up with a gentle, water-based cleanser of your choice for a deep clean! 

2. Treatment

If you have any specific skin concerns you’d like to target, tackling them in the evening is the way to go. And nighttime is when skin repairs and regenerates itself, healing from the damage of the day while you sleep! Using products that contain ingredients like retinol and niacinamide are best to incorporate at night due to how they interact with not only your skin, but also daily environmental factors. Ingredients such as these can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays and cause potential irritation and dryness, so it’s best to leave their application to the evenings. 

3. Serum

Evening skincare is all about nourishment and repair! Incorporating hydrating serums that lock in moisture and soothe the skin after active ingredients is key. It’s important to balance out the skin and not strip it any further, which can potentially occur with treatments, particularly those geared towards acne. This is the time of day where you want to opt for serums that contain hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or various ceramides and peptides. 

4. Moisturizer 

Like serums, your evening moisturizer should be full of skin-quenching ingredients. Remember: hydration helps restore your skin, so you want to incorporate a product that’ll soothe not strip it. If you have oily skin, opt for a lightweight gel formula. A thicker cream or even sleeping mask should be kept for those with dry skin. You can even incorporate a facial oil into your moisturizer if dryness is a concern. Not only will this boost hydration, but it’ll also help strengthen your skin’s barrier support, which is great for those with dry and even sensitive skin! 

5. Eye Cream

Although many believe eye creams are targeted to those with concerns such as fine lines and puffiness, they’re great for everyone to incorporate into their PM routines. The skin around the eye area is delicate and requires extra care and only requires a pea-sized amount of product to work wonders! While eye creams do help combat existing skin concerns, they can also help prevent the development of wrinkles, swelling, and even dryness. Eye creams that are rich in antioxidants and peptides can aid in collagen production, fading pigmentation, and enhancing overall skin radiance over time! 

Skincare layering doesn’t have to be complicated. Following this simple guide will allow you to maximize the benefits of each skincare product to achieve a glowing, resilient complexion. Get ready to dive into confidence and let your products work their magic, one layer at a time. And if you’re ever stuck, here’s a quick skincare tip: layer your products from thin to thick. This allows for lighter formulations to penetrate and absorb into the skin fully before sealing them in with richer, nourishing products. Until next time! 

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