How To Layer Your Skincare Products In The Correct Order

With so many products out there, it's difficult to know when you should apply which products, and in what order. We're here to set you straight. 

1. Cleanse
The first step is to cleanse. Cleansing is a necessary first step in your evening routine, but can actually be skipped in the morning if you have dry skin, or even normal, or combination skin. We like using an oil-based cleanser to remove spf, makeup, and other impurities. Optionally, you can follow up with a traditional cleanser as a 2nd step in your cleansing routine.

2. Exfoliate
Whether it is chemical or physical exfoliation, this will be your next step. This step is crucial in that it removes unwanted dead skin cells in order for your next few products to become more effective my penetrating deeper within your skin. Exfoliation can brighten the skin and is recommended that you exfoliate 2-3 times per week, and to avoid any retinol products on the days that you exfoliate.

3. Toner/Essence
From step 3 and beyond, a general rule of thumb is to go from lightest to heaviest and thus, we go with a toner or essence as our next step. Toners are optional in your skincare routine, and can be skipped altogether. It comes down to personal preference. If you do use a toner, the water-like consistency will be the lightest and some of the heavier creams or facial oils will be your heaviest and thickest products. 

4. Masks
Sheet masks or clay masks can be used in step 4, and can be used once or twice per week, as time permits. Sometimes masks are also an exfoliant, and in this case, you would do this in step 2.

5. Serums
Step 5 will be your serums. There are so many serums to choose from these days. Each serum targets a specific issue, so opt for only using 2, maybe 3 different serums at a time. You don't want to overdo it and risk products chemically reacting to one another while on your skin. 

Another tip, if you use a toner in step 3 and skip the mask, apply your serum while your face is still damp from the toner for maximum hydration and absorption.

6. Moisturizers
Once you've given your serums enough time to fully dry and sink in, it's time for a moisturizer. Moisturizers can be thought of as your final step (before an SPF), and can be done in addition to a facial oil in step 7, or you can skip a moisturizer and go straight for a facial oil. But think of this step as the final product that will lock in moisture, hydrate the skin, and protect the skin barrier.

7. Facial Oil
If you do opt for a face oil in addition to a moisturizer, because face oils are oil-based, you want to make sure to apply your water-based moisturizer first, and then your oils on top. This will give you maxium absorption of both products. 

A face oil is optional, but can do wonders as your last step in your nighttime routine in order to lock in all the previous applied products. For extra moisture or glowing/dewy look, you can use it during the day as your last step before apply an SPF.


8. Protection or Overnight Masks
To finish off your skincare layering, apply an SPF during your day time routine, and if you suffer from dehydrated or dry skin, an occassional overnight mask can do wonders for repairing your skin.

A Simple 4-Step Routine:
If you want to start a simple, yet effective routine, follow these 4 steps below:

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