The Ultimate Guide to Correctly Layer Your Skincare
So, you want to start layering your skincare products? Or maybe you’re not sure where to start and would like a few pointers?
Well, deciding what order to apply your skincare products can be tricky. But with a little know-how, you can create a simple routine that will have your skin looking and feeling its best in no time.
You might be wondering: what is the best order for skincare products?
Here’s a simple guide to follow:
Step 1: Cleanse
The first step in any skincare routine is to cleanse your skin. It removes all of the dirt, oil, and makeup that has built up on your face throughout the day. It is essential to use a gentle cleanser that will not strip your skin of its natural oils.
Two great cleansers that we recommend regularly to every skincare newbie and pro are the Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser and the Terrakai Skin — Snowflower + Niacinamide Gel Cleanser.
For best results, cleanse your skin twice a day and use a cleanser that is pH balanced.
Step 2: Mask (optional)
Masks are an excellent product to target specific needs of your skin and remove any impurities that may be hiding below the surface. Masks come in different forms and compositions, so choose one that is suited to your skin type. Sheet masks are great for soothing irritated skin, while clay masks work well for purging impurities. If you’re using a wash-off face mask use it right after you cleanse. Sheet masks can go after Step 3.
The Alchimie Forever — Kantic Brightening Moisture Mask (also available in travel size) and the AllWell Beauty — Botanical Radiance Face + Body Mask are two of our most fantastic recommendations.
For best results, use masks only once or twice a week.
Step 3: Tone
Toners help remove any remaining dirt or makeup, and they also help balance the pH of your skin, while hydrating it to protect your moisture barrier. It is important because if your pH levels are not balanced, it can lead to several skin problems, such as acne, dryness, and sensitivity; and that’s a big no.
There are a variety of different toners to choose from, so it is prime to find one that is best suited for your skin type. Some great options include the Tropic Vitamin Toner Pore Refining Mist and Pai Skincare — Lotus & Orange Blossom Soothing Tonic.
For best results, do not rinse the toner off and choose a product with minimal alcohol levels.
Step 4: Serum
Serums are a key part of any skincare routine, as they contain high levels of active ingredients. Serums are often packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can nourish your skin and promote collagen production. You can layer on as many serums on your face just be mindful of mixing ingredients! Some go well together and others may irritate your skin even if the properties are clean and safe.
There is an abundance of serums available in the market, but we recommend checking the ingredients list to see if it works for you. Some of our favourites include the Codex Beauty Bia Facial Oil and iYURA — Yauvari Amplified Youth Spring.
For best results, apply serum to a clean, dry face and look for high levels of active ingredients.
Step 5: Chemical Exfoliator/Retinol (PM)
Keep the treatments going in the PM! Your skin soaks up the most when you’re at rest, so this is the perfect time to add a little extra treatment to your skin. Retinol has Vitamin A which goes deep in your skin to help protect your skin from free radicals, relieves acne, scarring and, prevents any signs of aging. If you are new to retinol use it 1–3 times a week to help your skin build tolerance for everyday use.
Here are some of our favourites: LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream, Mad Hippie AHA Exfoliating Peel and 100% Pure Multi-Vitamin + Antioxidants Potent PM Serum.
For best results, apply only at night and use sunscreen in the morning. When using Vitamin A your skin become more sensitive to the sun, so make sure you protect your skin!
Step 6: Moisturizer
The last step in your nighttime skincare routine is to apply a moisturizer. This doesn’t mean you skip out on this in the morning! It helps to seal in the active ingredients from your other products and keep your skin hydrated all day long. It is important to choose a moisturizer that is suited for your skin type, as some can be too heavy or oily for certain skin types.
Our top picks for moisturizers include the Healthy Body Investment — Mature Benefits Facial Cream and Earth Harbor — MERMAID MILK Nutrient Glow Moisturizer.
For best results, and we can’t stress this enough, always apply your moisturizer after serum and before sunscreen.
Step 7: Sunscreen
The last step in your morning skincare routine is to apply sunscreen. Wearing sunscreen is the best and easiest way to prevent early signs of aging. It helps protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation even when you are indoors all day. If you are new to skincare an easy morning routine would be cleanser, toner, Vitamin C, moisturizer and sunscreen.
Our top picks include Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Tinted Facial Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, Grown Alchemist Natural Hydrating Sunscreen: Broad Spectrum SPF-30, Zatik Naturals Solar Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Broad-spectrum, UVA/UVB protection.
For best results use an index finger and middle finger length amount of sunscreen.
Winding Up
Layering skincare products is a great way to maximize its benefits. And, it’s also perfect for those of you who just love trying new things! It can be a little intimidating at first, but try out different combos until you find the best one for you. We hope that this guide will help take some of the mystery out of layering skincare products and encourage everyone to give it a go.
Skincare is a personal journey, so remember that perfect skin doesn’t exist and progress is everything. Don’t forget to check ingredients lists and check out Think Dirty if you want to learn more about non-toxic ingredients that work or are found in your skincare.
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