As with baking or painting, throwing a bunch of ingredients together without doing so strategically won’t get you the outcome you want. Skin care is exactly the same.
When you learn how to layer and mix your skincare products the right way, you’ll be sure your skin drinks up maximum benefits. The many options you have might seem overwhelming, but it’s actually quite simple.
The Golden Rule of Layering
The absolute most important thing to remember is to layer your skin care from thinnest to thickest consistency. Skincare formulas with the smallest molecules, like those in toners and water-based serums, need to go first since they penetrate your skin more easily.
That way, you prevent larger-molecule skin care from blocking other layers from penetrating your skin. With this in mind, your skincare regimen should go in this exact order.
Cleanser
We all know cleansing comes first to remove surface impurities, dirt, and buildup. However, if you are a fan of double-cleansing popularized by K-beauty rituals, the rule is actually inversed.
Start with your thick oil cleanser, then finish with your thinner cleanser, which typically comes in cream, gel, or foam form. Dead skin cells and excess oil can build up on the surface of your skin over time, which can lead to severe acne if left uncleansed.
Exfoliator and Mask
Whether you choose to exfoliate weekly or a few times per week, polishing your face is the next logical step. After cleansing or exfoliating is the best time to luxuriate in your favorite face mask.
Exfoliation is specifically designed to remove dead skin cells that have collected on your skin. Normally, your skin will shed and replenish its cells every 30 to 40 days, but regular exfoliation can help speed up this process.
Toners and Mists
Toners, mists, pre-moistened pads, or other watery liquid skincare formulas are the first product you apply that doesn’t get rinsed off. Apply them while your skin is still slightly damp from rinsing so it can absorb the ingredients more efficiently.
The main benefit of a toner and mist is to help balance your skin’s pH. An imbalance in pH can cause your natural oil production to get out of whack, leading to overly oily or dry skin.
Spot Treat
If you keep a spot treatment on deck to zap those occasional blemishes, dab it on right after toning. Massage it in and let it sit for a moment before moving on to the next steps in the layering process.
Spot treatments are great for reducing the appearance of a range of different skin blemishes. These include sun spots, age spots, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and general uneven skin tone.
Serum
Serums do the heavy lifting when it comes to correcting specific skin concerns. They contain the highest concentration of active ingredients that target anti-aging, acne, hyperpigmentation, or dryness.
They also usually contain potent antioxidants to fight free radical damage. This is one of the most important ways to actively slow down the manifestation of aging.
Eye Cream
Most people think eye creams are the final step, but you must remember the rule of consistency. Since eye creams are thinner in texture than moisturizers, they always go on before.
You want to minimize the risk of layering a heavy moisturizer under your eyes. Doing so will obstruct penetration from your expensive eye cream.
Moisturizer
An important role your moisturizer plays is to literally lock in everything you just diligently applied. It prevents moisture from evaporating from your skin, keeping it balanced and supple throughout the day.
While some of the previous steps penetrated deep into the skin, moisturizers are much heavier. They will normally sit on top of the skin to lock in everything below.
Face Oil
For an instant glow or extra moisture for dry areas, oils always go on last. They can easily penetrate all other formulas, but not vice versa.
For daytime luminosity, simply dab a hydrating facial oil onto your cheekbones. In the evening, apply a bit more on dry spots like your forehead, nose, and cheeks.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is always the final step of skincare layering during the day. Again, never allow an oil or moisturizer to block the active ingredients from doing their job.
If your facial sunscreen also doubles as a moisturizer, you may want to skip your regular moisturizer and oil during the day to avoid a greasy finish.