Skincare Layering

Did you know there is a correct order to put your skincare products on? Well there is and if you mix up the order, you actually might make your products not work effectively.
With so many skincare options, it might be confusing when determining how to layer your products to maximize their performance. When is it best to apply serums? What about oils? Here is a guide to help you layer your skincare by product in proper order so you can have an effective and simple skincare routine.
LAYERING
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![]() A person should also ensure that they are not exfoliating if they have wounds, open cuts, or sunburn on their skin. |
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![]() Dispense between 4-5 drops into the palm of your hand, making sure the pipet doesn’t touch your skin as this can transfer bacteria and cause spots. Without rubbing the formula into your hands, place your fingers into the serum and pat it onto your skin. The dry downtime (or time you should expect to wait until the serum is dry enough to apply subsequent products) differs, but 30-60 seconds is a safe rule of thumb. |
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![]() When it comes to eye cream, a little goes a long way. If you apply too much, it can potentially cause congestion or contribute to milia in the area. Pick up a pea-sized amount of eye cream (for each eye) on your ring finger and dot it on around the orbital bone, from the inner to the outer corners of your eye area. It’s also important to be careful with how you touch this sensitive skin. Rubbing in the eye cream may be fast and easy, but it can actually be too harsh for the sensitive area. Because of how delicate the skin around your eyes is, you’ll be better off applying eye cream as gently as possible. After you’ve dotted it on, use the pad of your finger to pat, rather than rub, the eye cream to help it absorb. |
![]() As acne spot treatments differ in active ingredients, check your product packaging or consult your dermatologist for the best way to apply it. Prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide, a common acne spot-treatment ingredient, has a one-to-three-hour working time. Any cream that comes in contact with it before it has completed its work will likely inhibit the active ingredient from working properly. Remember that acne spot treatments can dry out your skin, so always apply only on spots where you need it. |
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![]() If you’re using an acne spot treatment, you may want to skip those areas when applying your moisturizer to make sure the ingredients in it won’t interfere with the active ingredients in your spot treatment. The amount of moisturizer to use varies by product. In general, thinner moisturizers can be applied more generously since your face absorbs them quickly. If you’re using a really thick moisturizer, a small dollop should do the trick. If you aren't sure where to start, go with an almond-sized amount of product. Dab a small amount of the moisturizer on different areas of your face. Use clean fingertips to apply small dabs of the moisturizer onto key dry areas like your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. This helps to distribute the product evenly all over your face. Don't forget your neck, as it has delicate skin that is prone to sagging, wrinkles and deep lines. |
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![]() Apply four to five drops of oil into your palms, rub together to warm the product and pat it into the skin. Smoothly press the oil onto your face and neck, using the whole surface of your hands. Let it sit for a few minutes before moving onto sunscreen. |
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![]() Sunscreen: So, this should technically be the last step of your morning skincare routine. Applying sunscreen to your skin, whether it’s in your makeup, moisturizer, or a spray bottle in your cabinet, is without a doubt the most important of all of your skincare steps. Protecting your face from harmful UV rays will prevent premature aging and harsh sun exposure. This is one skincare step you should never skip, it’s this one. |
![]() But just because it might take half a year to see your wrinkles smooth out doesn’t mean you won’t see more immediate results in other ways. Retinoids trigger collagen production and cellular exfoliation, which means they’ll also fade dark spots, smooth scars, clear pores, prevent breakouts, and brighten skin. Basically, retinoids are the closest thing to magic that dermatologists have. If you’re new to retinoids, make sure to start slow to mitigate the initial adjustment period of flakes and sensitivity. Apply a pea-size drop to your entire face one night a week for one week, then two nights a week for two weeks, then three nights a week for three weeks, and then every other night indefinitely. You’re already using a night cream with retinoids, since doubling up won’t make the anti-aging results more effective—it’ll just cause inflammation. And if you do have extra-sensitive skin, apply a layer of moisturizer both 10 minutes before and after applying your retinol to reduce irritation without totally diluting the treatment. Basically, sandwich your face in moisture. If using face oil, put it on as the last layer. |
There you have it. Now you can be sure that your beloved skincare products are being layered properly for an optimized morning or night skincare routine so you can put your best skin forward, always.