When it comes to skincare, not only what you use matters but how you use it can make the difference. The most quality products would not help in the case they are applied incorrectly. Conceptualize your skincare routine as you think of getting dressed: you would not wear your jumper before your T-shirt, would you? The same can be said of layering skincare products.
If you have ever wondered why your serum does not appear to make a difference, or why your moisturizer pills under your sun protection, the order of your layers is probably wrong. Never mind, we are going to run through this step by step and have even suggested some of the UK-available products to make it easy on you.
Why Skincare Layering is Important
Layering refers to the process of ensuring every product seeps in the skin appropriately so as to give the optimum results. Water-based products, such as thin liquids, are often applied first, and thicker, oily products, such as creams are applied later to seal everything in.
Layered right, layering:
- Increases the uptake of active components
- Stops product pilling (irritating flaking)
- Forts up your skin barrier
- Keeps makeup look sensational on the top
So, now it is time to step through like a pro.
Step 1: Cleanser- The Fresh Start
Always start off by cleaning the skin. Going in clean slate removes makeup, grease, oil, and sunscreen, which allows your next skincare to perform properly.
The evening Cleansing: Double cleansing really makes a difference here an oil-based cleanser to wipe away any makeup and sunscreen followed by a light water-based cleanser.
Product Examples (UK):
- Skincare products The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter (excellent in removing make-up)
- CeraVe hydrating cleanser (good to use on sensitive or dry skin)
- Gel La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying (skin prone to oily skin and blemishes)
Purchase now at: https://amzn.to/478A8L7
Step 2: Toner (Utterly Effective)
Toners are no longer the stripping liquids as it was the case before. The modern-day formulas nourish, balance, and prepare your skin to receive the further steps. Consider them as the prep to your skincare.
Product Examples:
- Pixi Glow Tonic (contains glycolic acid to provide lightening exfoliation)
- Laneige Cream Skin (hydrating toner and moisturiser hybrid that I now get in the UK thanks to Sephora)
No. 3: Essence (The Korean Secret)
To use K-beauty-inspired regimens, essences are an excellent supplement. They are lightweight fluids rich in hydration and nutrition to make your serums work more.
Product Example:
- CosRX Advanced Snail newly discovered 96 Mucin power essence (moisturizing, soothing, cult product)
Step 4: Serums The Power Players
This is where it becomes interesting The goal of Serums The active ingredients in Serums are highly concentrated to treat certain issues, such as dullness, pigmentation, fine lines, or acne.
How to layer serums:
- Use water-based serums first (vitamin C or niacinamide, etc.)
- Oil-based serums (such as squalane or retinol)
Examples of products( UK):
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (balances the oil, and decreases the acne)
- It has the consistency of water and it responds well to some other gold-standard vitamin C serums such as SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic (pricier but also worth it)
- The Inkey List Retinol (cheaper anti-ageing remedy)
Step 5: Eyes Cream
Your eye area has a thinner and finer skin, so eye creams are formulated not to be too thick and heavy.
Product Examples:
- CeraVe Eye Repair Cream (non-expensive, mild)
Kiehls Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado (moisturising and nourishing)
Step 6: Moisturiser -Seal It Up
Moisturisers establish a seal to trap the water and shield your skin. As far as skin type is concerned, you need to make the choice:
- Gelled creams oily skin
- Creams to development of dry skin
- A combination skin reference to using both straight men and soft light lotions
Product Examples ( UK):
- Moineau hydrating moisturized serum
- camomile Eye Therapy (hydrating mist eye cream)
- CeraVe Moisturising Cream (my fave cheap drugstore staple)
Step 7: SPF (Morning Only) The Non-Negotiable
The most significant thing that you can do in the morning is PF. It guards against premature ageing, sunburn, skin cancer. Regardless of whether it is cloudy or sunny in the UK, you require SPF on daily basis.
Product Examples (UK):
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+
- Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Face Lotion Fragrance Free
- Eucerin Oil Control Gel-Cream SPF50+ (the best choice in case of oily skin)
Step 8 (Evening): Facial Oils (Optional)
If you apply facial oils, then do that as the absolute final step at night. Oils do not moisturize the skin (it is the role of water products), but still keep a beautiful seal.
Product Example:
- The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Presse Rose Hip Seed Oil (illuminating, moisturising)
The Golden Rule to Layering quotes
- Always apply the products of the thinnest to thickest consistency:
- Cleanser
- Toner
- Essence
- The lightest and heaviest serums (from the lightest to the heaviest serums)
- Eye Cream
- Moisturiser
- RF (AM only)
- Oils (PM optional)
Mistakes to Steer Clear of Commonly encountered
-
Combining more than you need: Don not mix vitamin C, retinol and exfoliating acids together in one day. Daily with alternate days as required
-
Forward skipping SPF: No matter how good the serums are, they cannot compete with the sun damage that would undo the effect.
-
Overloading: You donâ fingers aren reminded that more is not necessarily better and that you need to use products that are made to support your skin type or condition.
Final Thoughts
Layering is not really difficult as far as you know the logic behind: thinner and active products in the first place; thicker, coating products in the last. When arranged properly, your products will deliver and your skin will be healthier, brighter, and more radiant.
As far as the UK is concerned, the good news is that quite a lot of affordable, yet effective products are readily sold in Boots, Superdrug, Cult Beauty, and Sephora UK. Start with the fundamentals and create a pattern which suits your skin and works.
