How Do You Layer Skincare Products The Right Way?
Layering skincare products, explains Naples’ Skin Wellness Physicians, offers myriad benefits by enhancing the effectiveness of each product and promoting overall skin health. Cosmetic procedures and good skincare go hand in hand. Although cosmetic treatments like neurotoxins and fillers improve specific areas of the face, you still need to maintain a good skincare routine so that the overall appearance of your skin looks its best. Regardless of the type of products you use, knowing how to apply them the correct way will help you to get the most out of them. It’s helpful to know how to maximize the efficiency of each layer.
Dermatologist Dr. Daniel Wasserman explains, “By applying products in a specific order, from lightweight to heavier formulations, you maximize ingredient absorption, rather than just slathering on different creams. The right layering method allows active ingredients, like antioxidants and serums, to penetrate deeply, addressing specific concerns. Additionally, layering provides customized care, catering to individual skin needs. The process also creates a protective barrier, locking in moisture and preventing dehydration. Overall, strategic layering optimizes the synergistic effects of various products, promoting a radiant, well-nourished complexion with improved texture and tone.”
Unfortunately, figuring out the right order for skincare products can sometimes seem complicated or confusing. So what are the best strategies for layering products? See below for basic tips you should know for your skincare routine. Remember that cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen are three essentials for any skincare routine, regardless off how simple or sophisticated it is.
Go By the Order of Your Products’ Consistencies
When you’re applying skincare products, it’s better to start off light. Thinner, more watery products should go on first, after you have cleansed your face, followed by the creamier and thicker products, layered from lightest to heaviest. Another thing to consider is how long it will take for each product to be absorbed. A good rule of thumb is to wait 30 to 60 seconds after applying each product to optimize absorption.
Cleanse and Tone Your Skin
You’ll need to cleanse your skin in the morning to remove any dirt or residue that builds up overnight. This can be followed by using a toner or astringent right after to replenish hydration while removing any remaining dead skin cells or dirt.
Include Vitamin C In Your Skincare Routine
Antioxidant serums go on next. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors. This science-backed, dermatologist-approved nutrient has numerous health benefits for your skin, including everything from stimulating the production of collagen—a protein that gives your skin a supple and youthful appearance—and helping you to maintain the existing collagen you do have, to improving the overall skin texture and appearance, brightening skin, and helping to provide protection against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Vitamin C is also good for lightening dark spots and providing a more even skin tone. One of the most common questions skin specialists get asked is, “Which goes first, serum or moisturizer?” Serum should go first, as the active ingredients will penetrate your skin more effectively. You can apply a few drops of a vitamin C serum to your skin on mornings after cleansing and toning it, followed by moisturizer and sunscreen. Every skin type can benefit from this.
Moisturize
Since your skin will be exposed to the outside environment, moisturizing and applying sunscreen are a must. Apply a small amount of moisturizer with clean hands to smooth and soften your skin. Moreover, moisturizing helps to protect the skin’s barrier and reduce the chances of breakouts or blemishes.
Always Apply Sunscreen
Unprotected sun exposure is the leading cause of premature aging skin, as it causes DNA changes and breaks down certain fibers in your skin over time. Even though it might not seem like it, UV rays from sunlight can still damage your skin even on cold or cloudy days—or even when indoors. If you aren’t applying sunscreen regularly, your other skincare efforts may unfortunately go to waste. Protecting your skin is the last step of your routine. Sunscreen should be the last product to go on for your morning routine on top of everything else, as it provides a shield for all of the other products.
Use Retinol, a Powerful Anti-Aging Ingredient
Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, offers numerous benefits in skincare. Renowned for its anti-aging abilities, retinol stimulates collagen production, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and promoting skin firmness. It accelerates cell turnover, aiding in the elimination of dead skin cells and revealing a fresher complexion. You can apply a pea-sized amount of retinol at night before moisturizer, a few nights a week.
Want more skincare tips? Contact Skin Wellness Physicians for more advice on the best ways of layering skincare products. Call (239) 732-0044 or fill out a contact form to request a consultation.