When it comes to skincare, most of us have the basics down: cleanse, tone, moisturise. As for the extra steps in between, it’s hard to know where they all fit in?!
It's all well and good building a decent skincare collection, but if you’re not applying them in the right order, you could be wasting your time and money.
Properly applying and layering skincare products means better, more noticeable results in the long run. If you have been using a product and not seeing the results you were hoping for, you could be applying it at the wrong time of day, or in the incorrect order.
Why should we be layering our skincare products?
Layering enhances the absorption of skincare products so that you can target skin concerns in a more effective way. Here are four reasons proper skincare layering is important:
- Active ingredients work more effectively
- Increases absorption
- Helps you combine ingredients safely
- Prevents sun damage
Which order should you apply your skincare products?
There are different approaches to the exact order of the layers whether you have dry, sensitive or oily skin, but the general rule of thumb is to first cleanse and then treat and protect your skin by the order of your products consistency. That means your lightweight liquids will be the products you start with, and your heavier and thicker creams are the ones you end with.
Here is how to layer skincare products:
Cleanse - Cleansers are a staple of any skincare regime; gel, cream or lotion are all acceptable so choose your skin type and dip your toe in.
Tone - Often the part that people all too easily miss out of the skincare routine, toners work hard to remove any excess grime and oil, whilst balancing the skin’s pH levels.
Mask - Masks can help hydrate skin, remove excess oils and help improve the appearance of pores.
Serum - Highly concentrated facial serums are very effective for those areas of concern that need a little extra help.
Moisturiser - Moisturisers hydrate the skin, whilst adding all the important vitamins and nutrients it needs.
Face Oil - Face oils overall purpose is to serve as an extra level of protection for your skin, these should be applied after your moisturiser to seal the moisture in.
The most important thing is finding a skincare routine that works for you and that you’ll follow. Whether that involves the whole shebang or a simplified ritual, have fun experimenting!
If you want to discover a personalised routine suited to your skin type, lifestyle and skin goals, take our Skin Diagnostic!
