Skincare routine, the 10 Steps
Discover how to maximize the results of your skincare products
We know that most of you feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of skincare products available on the market right now. To make things even more complicated, there are so many different categories of products! We often have users ask us this question: “What product should I use first in my routine?” If you feel lost and clueless about how to layer your skincare products, you are not alone!
This is a simple guide to how to layer your skincare products, a practice that can completely elevate your skincare experience. Not only will proper layering help your skincare products perform better, it will also save you from massive skincare no-gos like product buildup or skin irritation!
We believe that there is no absolute right or wrong when it comes to skincare. While we will recommend a specific order of layering in this post, you should do what feels right for your skin and for yourself.
Also, don't be afraid to change the order of how you currently layer your skincare products after this post. Who knows, you might experience improved results after making the change!
The order of layering skincare products matters
Each product plays a different function and role in your skincare routine. For example, a toner is a product that is meant to restore your skin’s pH to normal pH levels while also providing moisture. A serum serves to deliver the most potent amount of active ingredients to your skin and target your specific skin concerns. Moisturizers, on the other hand, act as a guard at your front door to keep things from getting in and out of your skin.
In this context, imagine if you were to apply your moisturizer before your serum. By doing so, the moisturizer will prevent the active ingredients in your serum from being absorbed by your skin and doing their job! Imagine all the wasted product and money spent!
Remember: No matter how well-formulated your products are, with the wrong order, you may not see their full potential.
The rule of thumb for layering skin care products
The easiest and most basic rule to follow is this - start with the product with the thinnest consistency to the thickest. This means you should always start with something that has a more watery texture and build up to the product that is most opaque or "creamy".
Most products with thin textures, such as toners, have a higher water content and replenish hydration without much "protective" properties. Instead, they aid in the absorption of products applied afterwards, such as serums.
The final step is usually to seal all of these products with a creamy moisturizer with more occlusive properties on top. This helps to lock in all the moisture and active ingredients applied to your skin.
We know there are far more products than just toners, serums and moisturizers. We have two basic morning and evening skincare routine guides for you to study and emulate, based on the layering principles we just covered.
Morning routine:
Your morning routine should focus on these three goals: cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting!
Cleaning:
Cleansing is a very important step in any skincare routine. Always make sure to start your skincare routine on a clean canvas. This will ensure that any excess dirt or sebum produced by your skin overnight is removed.
Toner (optional):
Exfoliating toners
Exfoliating toners are designed to remove excess dead skin cells on the surface of your skin. You can use them as the first step in your routine so that your next product can be better absorbed into your skin.
Moisturizing toners/sprays
Moisturizing toners are used to help balance our skin's natural pH and replenish moisture in our skin. If you have dehydrated skin, you can benefit from this extra step. Well-hydrated skin can help facilitate the penetration of your active ingredients into the products you apply as the next layer.
Essence and boosters (optional)
An optional step that will once again leave your skin extra hydrated. Just like wetting a sponge before using soap, these steps ensure that subsequent products applied to the skin are better absorbed. After all, a wet sponge absorbs better than a dry one!
Serums (optional):
Antioxidant serum
This is another optional step that your skin won't complain about. Antioxidant serums can really help boost sun protection. They fight free radicals, one of the leading causes of premature aging!
Treatment serums
Depending on your skin concerns, you may already be committed to multiple treatment serums. These may include issues like redness, acne, hyperpigmentation, or aging. However, avoid applying retinoids in the morning as it can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. You can save it for your evening routine!
Sheet mask (optional):
Who loves to treat themselves to a sheet mask in the morning while they're doing chores? The extra step gives skin a potent dose of active ingredients and a boost of moisture.
Eye cream (optional):
The extra loving care for the most delicate area of your face! Make sure to apply your eye cream before your moisturizer. This will keep the active ingredients as close as possible to your skin.
Moisturizers:
Choose one or more of these: Emulsion, Lotion, Cream
The amount of moisturizing properties in a moisturizer can depend on its consistency. Emulsions are usually the lightest on the skin and good for oilier skin. Cream moisturizers are, well, the creamiest and usually best for dry skin. The best way to decide is to try it on your skin and remember the golden rule - always apply from lightest to thickest!
Sunscreen:
The most important part of your morning routine is your sunscreen! Sunscreen helps protect your skin from harmful UV damage, especially when you're out in the morning. Apply your sunscreen as the last step in your morning routine.
Evening routine:
Your evening routine may look a little different than your morning routine, with more focus on cleansing, treatments, and hydration. An evening routine is all about replenishing and repairing your skin. Nighttime is your skin's best time to shine!
Cleaning:
Unlike your morning routine, you may need to be twice as careful with your cleansing process in the evening. More makeup, pollution, dirt and grime also means a more thorough cleansing process is needed to ensure your skin is clean before you start your skincare routine.
Oil-based cleanser
You may already be familiar with the concept of double cleansing. Start with an oil-based cleanser that helps melt away heavy makeup and remove excess sebum. Since oil attracts oil, this step ensures that any product on your skin dissolves without stripping it of its natural oils!
Water-based cleaner
Follow up with a water-based cleanser. This is to ensure that you have completely removed the oil-based cleanser you used previously and any remaining dirt and makeup from your face.
Tones:
Exfoliating toners/moisturizing toners: The same rules as in your morning routine apply here too.
Essences, Boosters (optional)
Again, follow the same guidelines from your morning routine.
Serum, Treatment Serum:
Just like in the morning, you can use treatment serums based on your personal skin concerns. Apply them after toners for best results. If you have a retinoid-based serum (or other product), evening is the best time to use it. Retinoids will help refine your pores and signal your skin to produce more collagen for younger-looking skin over time.
Sheet mask (optional):
Want to treat yourself to something extra on a Friday night? Sheet masks are here to help! Choose a sheet mask of your choice and leave it on your skin for 15-20 minutes, and your skin will thank you.
We know it's tempting, but don't leave it on overnight. It would actually dry out your skin instead of moisturizing it!
Eye cream:
The same rules apply as in your morning routine.
Moisturizers:
Just like with a morning moisturizer, you should use your evening moisturizer in this step of your routine. The only difference is that you have the additional option of using a sleeping mask. A sleeping mask/pack usually has more occlusive and emollient properties that help lock in all the moisture from the products used before this step.
Oils (optional):
Oil is another great option for dry skin. If you have very dry skin, consider adding a facial oil on top of your moisturizer. Oil acts as an occlusive agent, boosting your moisturizer and keeping your skin hydrated throughout the night.
