How to Layer Your Skincare Products The Right Way

One of the most frequently asked questions for any beauty professional is: how should I use my products? or the question of whether there is a safe way to pop the pimples. Your skincare system needs to have proper steps, but you can play with other products to incorporate. 

Here we will outline the steps you can take in your skincare routine. You don't have to go through all of these steps, but this will at least help you get through your morning and evening routines:

1. Facial cleanser 

Even if you don't wear makeup, your skin gets full of dirt and pollution throughout the day, which is why you need to get rid of all these by using facial cleanser. As far as the type of washing is concerned, it's entirely up to you. Just pay attention to what kind of products you are using later in your routine. For example, if your toner contains acid, skip the acidic wash, as it will contain a lot of exfoliators as usual. 

What about a double-cleanse?

Double cleansers can also be considered, especially if you are wearing makeup. Makeup is usually oily and does not slip easily with water. Cleansing oil on dry skin is perfect, for it literally dissolves makeup without peeling the skin. From there, follow a water-based cleanser.

2. Toner or essence 

There is a wide range of toners in the market. If you want to do some more purifying and exfoliating, look for toners with AH or BHA. Of course, if you do not like a multi-level approach to skincare, you can stop this step. 

According to board-certified dermatologist Jennifer Herrmann, M.D., "Toners were originally supposed to help reset the skin's pH after a harsh cleanser. However, many cleaners are now very good and don't cause a large pH shift. So many routines don't really need toners."

3. Serum 

Serums are a treatment step needed for your skincare regimen. These products have an intended effect, whether it's exfoliating dead skin cells, relieving inflammation, increasing hydration, smoothing fine lines, fighting acne, lightening the tone, etc. Basically, you don't need a serum, but if you have skincare problems that you want to solve, this is worth investing in, as it is the most effective way to do it.

If you are looking for good ingredients for your serum: "Active ingredients include alpha-hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C and retinoids depending on which skin problem you are looking for." says dermatologist Hadley King, M.D.

4. Creams, lotions, and oils 

There are reasons why creams, lotions, and oils are vital in a skincare routine. The first is that they provide hydration or conditioning properties; The second is that they are able to trap water in your skin. 

Here's a little breakdown to help you get the type of moisturizer or oil you need. Look for soothing, comforting ingredients in your cream or lotion, such as aloe vera, colloidal oats, ceramides," says King. 

5. SPF

Last but not least, a product to protect your skin from the sun. You can go to mineral-based sunscreen. "Because the minerals in sunscreen, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide sit on top of the skin to prevent UV rays from physically entering the skin and preventing them from entering the body," says King. (Instead, chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays.) And since they act as a barrier, nothing applied to the skin after the sunscreen enters your skin. 

Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30 to SPF 50 for your skin. Furthermore, many people don't apply enough sunscreen or can't remember to reapply for an entire day.

Extras

However, the above are not the only ones available. Here are a few more steps that are not part of your daily routine, but can be included when needed.

Masks or peels

Mask or peels should be done as part of your nightly routine. They should be applied to clean skin, so apply immediately after night washing. After letting it sit for the recommended time, wash it off and continue as usual. The only exception to this is that if you have opted for an exfoliating mask or a peel, skip the AHAs, BHAs, or retinol at night; you don't want to lose too much skin. Do them only once or twice a week.

Eye cream 

There are many eye creams, so choose which one you think suits your skin. You can apply eye cream alongside with serum. If you have a thick cream, the product's main issue is hydration (the eye area will dry out quickly because it is thinner skin). Apply this next to your face cream. If you are using tinted eye cream, apply this at the end of your routine, as it will also act as a concealer. You can use eye creams every day.

Summary

Skincare is not a one-size-fits-all routine. But investing in the product that is right for your needs is all up to you. If you need a guide on how to apply the product steps-by-steps properly, you can always follow the above tips.