Are You Applying Your Skincare Products in the Right Order?

You probably already know that you should be using an anti-aging serum and an eye cream, but do you know which you should apply first?

The order in which you apply your skincare products really does matter. You could spend a fortune on lotions and serums, but if you don’t layer them in the correct order, you won’t see results. Even worse, using products in the wrong order could actually lead to irritation and breakouts.

Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on how to correctly layer skincare products. 

How to Layer Skincare Products

Step One: Remove Makeup

If you’re wearing makeup, the first step in your skincare routine will be to remove it. Use a makeup remover to gently dissolve and wipe away cosmetics.

Step Two: Cleanse

The next step is to wash away excess oil, dirt, and debris with a gentle cleanser. Cleansing preps the skin for the next steps in your skincare routine.

Step Three (1-2x Per Week): Exfoliate

Exfoliators should be used several times per week rather than daily. While exfoliation is an important part of a healthy skincare routine, most people find it too harsh to exfoliate every day.

Once or twice per week, use a physical or chemical exfoliant to buff away dead skin cells and remove build-up. If you use a physical exfoliant like a scrub, you can use it in place of your daily cleanser.

Step Four: Tone

Toning comes after cleansing. Toners remove anything that cleansing has left behind (like residue or stubborn makeup). They also restore the pH balance of the skin, which helps it to better absorb further products. Some toners also deliver antioxidants, vitamins, or moisture into the skin.

Step Five: Serums

Serums should be applied before moisturizers to maximize their results. During the day, use an antioxidant serum that contains vitamin C to protect skin from aging free radicals all day long. At night time, use an anti-aging serum to repair and rejuvenate skin.

If you use multiple serums, apply the product with the thinnest consistency first, then layer more syrupy serums on top. For example, watery essences go on before thicker serums. Pat serums into skin to improve their absorption.

Step Six: Eye Cream

Eye cream is an often forgotten part of a healthy skincare routine, but you shouldn’t skip it! Since the skin around the eyes is more delicate, it tends to show signs of aging before the rest of the face.

Gently tap an eye cream or gel around the eye area using your ring finger to hydrate and protect this sensitive area, both night and day.

Step Six: Moisturize

Moisturizers are designed to create a barrier to hold hydration in. However, they also prevent additional products from penetrating the skin. This is why moisturizers come last. Use a light moisturizer for daytime, and a thicker cream for night.

Step Seven: Protect

During the day time, you’ll want to apply sunscreen after moisturizer. It’s important to wear sunscreen every single day, even if the weather is cloudy. You can combine these last two steps by using a moisturizer with SPF.

Patience is Key

It’s important to wait between layers of serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens to give products a chance to absorb into the skin. Wait at least one minute before each layer to maximize your results.

And remember, consistency is the secret to getting great results with your skincare routine. It can take up to six weeks to see changes, so stick with it and your skin will reward you!