Layering your skincare. What is it all about?

From face serums to night creams, there are many different skincare products that serve different purposes. However, did you know that how you layer your skincare products may be valuable to consider when it comes to the health of your skin?

There are two main factors to consider when it comes to layering skincare. One is the order you apply a set number of products (for example the products in your daily skincare routine). The other factor is about the number of products in your routine; the question of whether one product can do the job of two and so on. 

Read on to learn about layering your skincare and some simple ways to do this every day.

Skincare that multitasks

Just as a builder doesn’t take one tool with them to build a house, it probably doesn’t make sense to use one tool for caring for your skin! Your skin has multiple needs and finding one product to fill each of these needs might be difficult. That’s why layering your skincare is something to consider. Creating your own skincare routine, rather than relying on one or two products to do everything, also means that you can create more customised care for your specific skin needs. 

Using your skincare in order

One way to layer your skincare is to start with cleansed, fresh skin and then work through the rest of your routine from the product with the thinnest consistency, and finish with your heavier face creams or night masks. Simple, right?

To understand which skincare products may typically have the thinnest to thickest consistency, here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to go by. Remember, speak to your healthcare or beauty professional for specific guidance on your routine. 

Step 1: Cleanse

Properly cleansing your skin is a great first step for your skincare routine. Whether it’s the end of the day or first thing in the morning, your skin will usually have a buildup of dirt and bacteria. Remove makeup and cleanse any dirt away with a balanced cleanser so your skin’s natural oils won’t be disrupted while still helping to achieve fresh and glowing skin. 

Step 2: Exfoliate

When your skin has a build-up of dead skin cells, the topical products that you apply must penetrate further to reach the fresh, healthier layers of your skin. Starting your skincare routine with a cleansed and recently exfoliated base may help leave you with soft, smooth skin and a clean canvas for serums, oils, and creams.

Step 3: Tone

Toning your skin may be a helpful step to support your skin’s pH level while preparing it for the following steps of your regime. While your skin is still damp from your toner, move on to the next step.

Step 4: Serum

Serum’s usually have a light aqueous-based formula which allows easier absorption into the skin. (Check your individual product though, as it can vary from brand to brand).

Step 5: Face oils

Face oils are generally lightweight and can be applied before your face cream for convenience.

Step 6: Face creams

Face creams are generally the heaviest product you will apply in your skincare routine unless you use an eye cream (or other spot treatment) or night mask and are ideally the final step in your routine. (Again, this can differ from brand to brand of course!)

Step 7: Eye creams

Eye creams are designed specifically for the skin around the eye area (as the name suggests!) Eye creams usually have a richer consistency.

If you use anything described as a night mask or night cream, this is best used as the last step in your skincare routine as these are designed as night time care products.

Enjoy your skincare routine and consider layering products to best suit your everyday needs.

Reviewed by the healthylife Advisory Board October 2022.