How To Layer Skincare Products
Here’s a simple guide on how to layer skincare products. I promise, it’s not that complicated 🙂
Table of Contents
The Golden Rule For Layering Skincare Products: Thinnest To Thickest
The golden rule for layering skincare is to start with the product with the thinnest formula and follow with products with increasing viscosity (or “thickness”) — thinnest to thickest.
The reason being that thinner formulas cannot penetrate thicker ones. It’s that simple. For example, layering a serum over a moisturizer makes the serum ineffective because it is being blocked by the thickness of the moisturizer.
My two cents on layering skincare: wait 30-60 seconds between each step to let the skin absorb the nutrients from each product before going in with the next product and pay attention, if the skin needs to be damp or dry for application. I highly recommend reading this post: What Skincare Products To Apply On Damp Skin vs. Dry Skin.
Layering Products For A Morning Routine
Morning routines are relatively simple because cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen are all you really need, so consider this more of an overview and adapt it for your routine.
- Cleanser
- Toner / Essence
- Serum
- Eye cream
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
Related:
Best Face Wash For Acne Prone Skin
Why You Need A Vitamin C Serum In Your Morning Skincare Routine — And Beginner Tips To Get Started
Here Are Some Great Skincare Products For Men
Layering Products For A Nighttime Routine
Nighttime routines can be a little trickier because this is when it is best to use more products like active ingredients such as retinol, AHAs, BHAs; spot treatments; eye cream and face oil. So, here’s how to layer skincare products in a routine, but this doesn’t mean you use them all. Consider this a ‘master list’ and adapt it for your skin’s needs.
- Cleansing oil
- Cleanser
- Exfoliating Toners (2-3x a week not on the same night as other actives)
- Essence
- Serums
- Spot treatment (such as acne or topical creams)
- Eye cream
- Moisturizer
- Retinol (2-3x a week — not on the same night as other actives)
- Face Oil
Remember to never mix skincare actives in the same nighttime routine.
Related:
A Beginners Guide: What Is Retinol and How To It In A Skincare Routine
How To Use Salicylic Acid And Retinol In Your Skincare Routine
How To Layer Face Masks And Sheet Masks In a Skincare Routine
While face masks and sheet masks are not a part of daily skincare routines, there is a right way to use them and that is to apply masks to a clean, dry face. So, that means doing a single cleanse in the morning or a double cleanse at night and then applying the face mask and then following on with the products as mentioned above.
Face masks and sheet masks have different properties and nutrients. For the skin to truly benefit, they need to be applied to clean, dry skin.
Sheet masks are generally hydrating, so it can replace the toner/essence step in your routine for that day, if you want.
On the other hand, face masks such as clay masks can dry out the skin, so it’s a good idea to replenish the skin with extra hydration by layering on the right skincare products.
Remember: never leave a face or sheet mask on longer than advised on the packaging.
When It Comes To Skincare: Less Is More
When skincare is simple, consistent and done right, it works. You don’t need to follow a 10-step routine to have good skin. You need to follow a consistent and effective routine and it starts with knowing how to layer skincare products.
