How to layer your skincare products

Applying your skincare products one after the other, overlaid in a specific order, is what is called the “Skin layering” technique. This technique maximizes the absorption and effectiveness of each treatment while promoting hydration and overall radiance of the skin. Skin layering also effectively targets specific skin concerns and is especially beneficial if your skin requires more hydration during the winter.

The EXPERT LEVEL Routine order will be:

1.  Oil makeup remover (night)
2.  Cleanser (morning and night)
3.  Scrubs (night)
4.  Toner (morning and night)
5.  Mask (1 to 3 times a week)
6.  Essence or treatment lotion (morning and night)
7.  Serum (morning and night)
8.  Eye cream (only at night)
9.  Moisturiser (morning and night)
10.  Sleeping mask or balm (night) and sunscreen (morning)

*After the morning sunscreen, the next step will include all your makeup products

The BASIC LEVEL Routine order will be:

1. Oil makeup remover (night)
2. Cleanser (morning and night)
3. Toner (morning and night)
4.  Serum (morning and night)
5.  Moisturiser (morning and night)
6.  Sunscreen (morning) and sleeping mask or balm (once or twice a week)

 *After the morning sunscreen, the next step will include all your makeup products

But what is the correct way to layer your skin?

The main rule you need to follow when it comes to layering skincare products is to apply them from lightest to heaviest. The general product order is a cleanser, toner, serum, moisturiser, and SPF.

Is layering good for skin?

Layering products in the proper order in your skincare routine is crucial because it makes them more effective. Here are some of the reasons why proper skincare layering is important:

• Active ingredients work more effectively 
• Increases absorption
• Helps to combine different ingredients safely
• Prevents from disrupting the skin’s pH balance and pH levels or irritating your skin
• Protects from sun damage (when including a SPF30 at the end of your skincare routine)

IN CONCLUSION:

 STEP 1: CLEANSE THE SKIN: If you wear makeup, it is key to double cleanse your skin. Firstly, opt for a creamy make-up remover which has oil base. It will remove all traces of makeup and dirt on the face while preserving the skin’s moisture. Cleansing balms are ideal for all types of skin but especially for sensitive and dry skin.

 STEP 2: DEEP CLEANSE: Continue the cleansing process with a sulphate-free cleansing with foam. This will help deeply clean the epidermis and pores. This is a very important step if you have blackheads or if you have an uneven skin tone. A foam-based Cleansing is perfect for all skin types and gentle on sensitive skin.

 STEP 3: BALANCE pH: Use a mist or a toner to balance the pH of your skin. Since your skin has a pH of 5.5 and water has a pH of 7, it is important to re-balance the pH of your skin after rinsing it with water. Use an alcohol-free toner made from floral waters and natural extracts.

 STEP 4: APPLICATION OF SERUMS and OILS: Serums are very light, ultra-concentrated formulas with powerful active ingredients. They penetrate quickly into the skin and can reach the deeper layers of the skin. Serums are perfect for local application targeting a specific skin concern, such as wrinkles or pigmentation. Skin oils contain a concentrate of natural extracts known for its ability targeting a particular skin type or simply improving the overall hydration of the skin.

 STEP 5: HYDRATION: The moisturiser is one of the last stages of layering. It will come in the form of gel or cream and will act on the more superficial layers of the skin. In addition to its moisturising action, this treatment will stimulate action of the previously applied skincare products.