There’s a lot of fuss and buzz about skin caring products, with each one promising to be the panacea to every of our skin woes. And so it is expected when we stock up our cabinets, dresser tops, or skincare fridges with a variety of stuff. But we often have no clue in the Universe on the right way to layer the numerous skincare products.

This is where you imagine yourself sitting before your myriad of skincare essentials with a wild mane of hair, eyes wide open, and thoughts all jumbled up on why getting a glowing skin got to be such a chore. (Just kidding, you can skip this part and just go on to read the rest of this guide).

However, If you have been in such a dilemma or are currently experiencing it, this is to let you know that you’re not alone – what a relief!

Why Is It Important You Know How To Layer Your Skincare The Right Way?

You can bet your fav A-rated celebrity, skin influencer, or beauty expert didn’t just wake up with that smooth velvety transparent skin one morning. They have a dedicated day and night time skincare routine, which they follow religiously (you may probably know this).

But

What’s more? They know the right time to apply that retinol cream, the spot treatment, or that vitamin c serum that’s packed with antioxidants, so every product lives up to its full potentials cumulating in the skin goals we so desire. You should layer adequately, so these products do not just sit in your skin without achieving their full potentials. They need to get into your skin and get working, and there’s a right way to do it.

Now you know why you ought to be accurate with your layering, let’s get into the right steps for both day and night time skin care regimens that will undoubtedly revolutionize your skin.

Pro Tip: the rule of thumb for layering your skincare just like you would your fall clothing is to layer from thinnest to thickest to allow for the proper absorption of products by your skin.

#STEP 1 – Cleanser

Um… we all know to wash our faces before slathering on anything at all, right? Many of us are guilty of applying skincare essentials on grimy and dirty skin. Cleansing is a non-negotiable step (especially if you had makeup on) because using products on a dirty face will have no effect due to pores clogged from dirt, grim, or sebum.

Use a mild exfoliating cleanser to open up your pores and deep clean your skin, and go for a more gentle cleanser for sensitive skin. An alternative is to wash your face while showering for the morning. And if you want to have a feel of your sheet mask for the day, you can put it on after this step.

#STEP 2 – Toner/Essence

Say hello to the number 1 skin primer. You need to lay the foundation for future layering, which is where a toner comes in. Hydrating, Acne-treating, refreshing or rejuvenating – whatever maybe the specifics for your skin type – you should apply a toner (on a dried clean face) before continuing with your routine for the seamless absorption of other products. It also functions as an extra cleanser, taking out all the debris your cleanser may have missed.

While toners are super lightweight and essences have a thicker consistency, they both have similar functions and can be used in place of each other. However, if you have both calling out to you, it won’t hurt to give your skin an extra dose of hydration.

#STEP 3 – Serum

If you’re ever tempted to skip your serums, never give in. Serums come in small molecules and are packed with zillions of nutrients that will easily and deeply penetrate your skin and keep it happy. Serums are skin caring powerhouses that offer many benefits – from hydrating, anti-inflammation, and anti-oxidation to moisturizing, even-skin toning, and more – which makes skipping this step an offense in the Skincare Court of Law.

In the mornings, we recommend Vitamin C serums (like the obagi vitamin c serum) due to the anti-oxidizing and anti-inflammatory properties of Vitamin C and its potential to fight damage-causing free radicals, lightening and brightening the skin.  While at night, when the most repairs are done to our skin, you should go for serums packed with humectants that will leave your skin moisturized, hydrated, and supple all night long.

If you have sensitive skin and your vitamin c serum seems slightly too strong for your skin, then layer a moisturizer before and after serum application to reduce the effects.

#STEP 4 – Eye cream

The last woe you want are tired-looking, puffy, aging, dark-circled eyes (add some eye bags too). Luckily, eye creams are there to ensure the reduced appearance of any of these issues. Be gentle when applying because the eye area is a delicate one.

If you need to spot treat, then do so after this step. You only have to do this if you have specific skin woes you need to address, like wrinkles, blackheads, and whatnot (it’s an optional step). It’s ideal you spot treat at night for greater efficiency of the treatments.

#STEP 5 – Moisturizer

Moisturizing is a must-do for all skin types – none can escape this, not even the ever shiny oily skin. Your skin needs all the moisture it can get, and moisturizers are skincare essentials for that specific purpose.  So slap on your moisturizer daily – nighttime inclusive – but ensure it’s one formulated for your skin type.

#STEP 6 – Face Oil

This comes later because oils have the thickest formulations and can penetrate any other formulas – water, cream, gel, and others – but not vice versa. Your face oil will, amongst other functions, act as an occlusive and keep all the moisture-filled products locked into your skin, forming a barrier against the escape of moisture.

And yes, oily skin needs oil too. Only go for non-comedogenic oils that are lightweight and will not clog your pores like Jobaba oil, Argan oil, Rosehip oil, etc. Also, limit the use of face oils to once daily (preferably nighttime).

#STEP 7 – Sunscreen

ideally, a sunscreen with SPF 30 and above, sunscreens just sit there and shield your face from the bad stuff UV rays may want to deposit on your skin – see sunscreen as your knight in shining armor. You do not want to miss out on this one, so get yourself sunscreen and apply it every morning before leaving your home.

Pro Tip 2: use your exfoliants, scrubs, and face masks every other day or night once or twice a week.

CONCLUSION

Whew! We hope that wasn’t a lot to take in? If it seems so, give it time, and in no time, you’d be reeling the steps out by the heart and layering like a pro. Only ensure you know your skin type and what works for it and remember less is more with skincare and so you do not have to overwhelm your skin with large quantities of a product at a time.

Also, please consult an expert like your dermatologist; we want your skin healthy as you do too.

Good luck!