If you’re new to skincare, you may not realize that how you layer your skincare products is just as important as the products you choose. The order in which you apply your products plays a key role in how different ingredients are absorbed and, ultimately, the results you see from your routine.
Read on to learn more about layering for maximum effectiveness and which steps you might be able to skip.
The Importance of Order
The primary reasons why product order matters are absorption, consistency, and pH. Applying skincare products in the right order is crucial because it enables active ingredients to penetrate the skin effectively, maximizing their impact. Incorrect layering can hinder absorption, leading to a less effective routine and potentially compromising skin health. For instance, applying a thick moisturizer before a thin serum will block the actives in the serum from penetrating the skin. Additionally, layering skincare products correctly helps maintain the skin’s pH balance, allowing the products to work more efficiently. Some products, like chemical exfoliants, need a specific pH range to function productively.
How to Layer Your Skincare
When applying skincare products, the general rule is to use them in order from thinnest to thickest. Start with a good cleanser, and, after rinsing, apply a toner or essence (if you use one). Remember, most skincare experts consider toners and essences to be unnecessary, so feel free to eliminate them from your routine. Personally, I always apply my serum immediately after cleansing. Serums contain concentrated active ingredients that hydrate, brighten, and protect the skin, and can target specific concerns such as acne and discoloration. Choose a serum that suits your needs, and you may find you no longer need an essence or toner. Finish with a moisturizer to lock in ingredients, followed by a broad-spectrum sunscreen in the morning.
Add-Ons
The most basic skincare routine involves using a cleanser, a moisturizer, and SPF. These days, most routines are more complicated, adding toners, exfoliants, essences, and the occasional mask.
If you’re going to exfoliate your skin, apply your exfoliant after cleansing but before applying toners, essences, serums, moisturizers, or sunscreen. Remember to exfoliate only 1 to 2 times per week to avoid irritation.
If you’re using an essence, apply it after your toner and before any serums. An essence acts as a bridge between these two steps—its main goal is to provide a light moisturizing layer and improve the absorption of the next product you use.
If you’re adding a rinse-off mask to your routine, make sure to apply it after cleansing and exfoliating and before toner or essence. Masks provide your skin with high doses of active ingredients, so be sure to choose one that suits your needs and is suitable for your skin type. After masking, rinse your face thoroughly and continue with a toner or essence. If you prefer to use an overnight mask, you can consider this the final step in your nighttime routine.
Final Thoughts
Always keep your skincare routine as simple as possible. Skincare product overload can damage your skin’s protective barrier, leading to dryness, sensitivity, irritation, redness, and increased breakouts. It can also worsen existing conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea. If your bathroom countertop is starting to look like a chemistry lab, it may be time to cut back. Products like toners, essences, serums, and masks may not be necessary for everyone, so be sure to stick to what works for you.
For a handy, printable guide to layering skincare, click here.