How to Layer Skin Care Products: Make Them As Effective As Possible

Turns out that layering your skin care products is more than important. Check out the products you got. There can be hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, moisturizers, oils, and SPF. Anything that suits your skin. However, do you know in which order you need to apply them? Is there a right or wrong way? We have answers to all your questions. This is how to layer skin care products and make them as effective as possible. 


But first, let’s see some general skincare pieces of advice that can help you achieve a better look. 

Layer from Lightest to Heaviest Formulas

Once you find the products that suit your skin at the moment, you should apply them from lightest to heaviest formulas. Start with fast-absorbing products that are lightweight and thinnest. Then go through all your products and apply the heaviest formula last, following by SPF or tinted SPF creme. You can then apply your makeup. 


Incorporate an Essence into Your Routine

An essence is a favorite product of Korean women. They use it after cleansing, before applying serum or moisturizer. Don’t hesitate to use essence in your routine. It will allow faster penetration by softening the epidermal layers. 


Our Power Bomb Essence can be a part of your day and night skin care routine. It is enriched with snail mucin, hydrating, and prevents the signs of aging. 

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

Use Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid

Vitamin C is great for radiance-boosting and uneven skin tone. It is great for fading acne scars, it fights against fine lines, and brightens the skin. You can use it morning and night, especially in summer when you should use it before applying SPF. 


For a hydration boost, use hyaluronic acid. It is found in serums, sheet masks, and moisturizers. The best thing about it - it is compatible with all skin types! You can use it for preventing inflammation, dewy and plumper skin. 


Don’t Forget Sunscreen

No matter how good skincare products that you are using are or how you layer them, nothing will be worth it without SPF. Premature aging and depigmentation are just some of the things you can face if you forget to put on an SPF. 

 

Why Does the Order of Applying Skin Care Products Matter?

There are three things that can happen if you are not following the right order of applying skincare products. 


  • Products can be less effective - not following the exact and right order of putting on skincare products can lead to them being less effective. Simply, they won’t be able to penetrate into your skin properly. Also, some ingredients might deactivate each other if not used in the right order or together at the same time. 
  • Products might not penetrate into the skin - this is an extremely important thing to know. If you are putting watery, thin products over oils, moisturizers, and creams they simply won’t penetrate into your skin but stay at the top and form a residue. 
  • Products can create new skin issues - when you apply oil before serum, this can leave your skin dry and dehydrated even. Water from serum won’t reach your skin at all. Keep in mind to apply everything before SPF. Otherwise, your skin will be more vulnerable to skin cancer and premature aging. 

how to layer skin care products

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How to Layer Skin Care Products: Day and Night Regimens

This is a step-by-step guide on how to apply your skincare products during the day and in the evening. 

 

Your Daytime Routine

The daytime routine should be about protecting your skin from the sun, pollution, and other environmental factors. Leave exfoliators and retinol for the night regimen. 

 

Step 1: Cleanser

Start your day by splashing your face with lukewarm water and use a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type. 

 

Step 2: Toner

Even though this is not a required step, many people use toner after cleansing to calm down the skin. Toners are not harsh anymore, as they were in the past when alcohol was one of the main ingredients. Nowadays you can find mild and gentle toners that consist of acids, antioxidants, and many other high-quality ingredients. 

 

Step 3: Serum

Serums are concentrated treatments, usually for specific skin concerns. However, they are also great for preparing your skin for all the next steps. For summer, choose a serum that is lightweight with a non-sticky formula. In winter, opt for something heavier. 

 

Step 4: Eye Cream

Eye cream is an essential product to use, even if you are in your early 20s. It is the right time to start hydrating the under-eye area, to keep the skin elastic, and smooth appearance. 

 

Step 5: Spot or Ance Treatment 

Acne and spot treatments need to be applied as close to the skin as possible. That is how their benefits will be at maximum. Before applying check the ingredients. Some like benzoyl peroxide, which is common in acne treatment, have one to three hours of working time. Meaning, you shouldn’t put on anything on your skin afterward, until the treatment is done. 

 

Step 6: Moisturizer

Everybody needs a moisturizer. Even if you have oily skin, don’t skip this step. Dermatologists suggest putting on a moisturizer while your skin is still damp. That is how you will lock in the moisture that you previously got from serum. 

 

Step 7: Sunscreen 

Sunscreen should be the last step in your daily skin care routine. Putting the SPF after moisturizer means that your skin will be protected from harmful UV rays. 

 

Your Nighttime Routine

Our skin repairs through the night, so it is crucial for your nighttime routine to be all about treatment. Hydrate, exfoliate and protect your skin during the night. 

 

Step 1: Cleanser

You can use your regular cleanser or try double cleansing at nighttime. Since there are residues of dirt, pollution, and makeup on your skin, you should first apply cleansing oil and then foam or gel. 

 

Step 2: Toner, Essence, and Booster

You can use any of these products or if you use them all apply them in this order: toner, essence, and then booster. You can use a toner that you usually apply in the morning or essence. Boosters are usually infused with watery ingredients and hyaluronic acid. Their main function is to hydrate the skin. 

 

Step 3: Eye Cream

Eye cream should eliminate or even minimize the appearance of dark circles. Also, they are great for hydrating the under-eye are and should be applied before other products in the nighttime regimen. 

 

Step 4: Treatments, Serum or Peel

Treatments are better used at night since our skin is regenerating while we sleep. Many targeted skincare treatments like acne, rosacea creams, then retinol creams, exfoliating treatments, and anti-age creams and serums are better to use in your nighttime routine. 

 

Don’t use all of these products at the same time. If you are exfoliating, don’t use retinol as well. Otherwise, you can irritate your skin. 

 

Step 5: Moisturizer or Night Cream

Whatever you are opting for a moisturizer that you use during the day or you use a night creme, both are very important as they are the last step in your nighttime routine. Night creams have thicker formula than moisturizers that are designed to be absorbed during the night. 

how to layer skin care products

Photo by Carlos Martinez on Unsplash

What About the Timing?

Now that we have learned how to layer skin care products, there is just another question that pops up. What about the timing? How long you should wait for your skin to absorb the products? 

 

According to dermatologists, it is not always possible to wait before applying the next product, since most of us are in a rush. However, when you can, wait for at least five to 30 minutes. 

 

Listen to your skin and find products that are not just expensive but suitable for your skin type.

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