Layering Skincare Products

Developing a skincare routine that is right for you might be a daunting task. It might be difficult to decide what you need, what you can avoid, and what items are worth the splurge when there are so many products and ingredients to pick from. Perhaps you'd like to add a new product to your routine but aren't sure where it should go.

Now you don't have to wonder any longer! For each skin type, we've broken it down step by step. We've got you covered, whether you're inspired by extensive K-beauty routines or prefer a simple skincare approach.

Does the order in which I apply my skincare products make a difference?

It's just as vital to apply your skincare products in the right order as it is to use the right products. In fact, when skincare products are administered wrongly, they might be rendered utterly ineffective. Why? Consider the function of our skin.

By keeping things out, our skin protects us. It serves as a natural barrier between ourselves and the rest of the world. Our skincare products, on the other hand, contain components that we are attempting to incorporate into our skin. Our skin can only absorb so much, no matter how well a product is formulated.

Use a cleanser

Cleaning our skin in the morning removes any heavy makeup from the night before and provides a clean canvas for your morning skincare products. In the morning, use moderate, water-based cleansers. For many, a splash of good old-fashioned water is all that is required! It's as easy as lathering and rinsing! Avoid drying off your face before applying your next product for increased hydration.

Toner

Toner can help remove any residual cleanser and adjust the ph levels of your skin. Toners are ideal for those of us with oily or acne-prone skin, but those of us with dry or reactive skin should avoid them. Alcohol-based toners should be avoided because they can dehydrate your skin.

Serum

Serums are distinct from other skincare products in that they contain a high concentration of active chemicals. In the morning, serums with antioxidant actives, such as vitamin C, are preferable since they help protect your skin from UV radiation, free radicals, and pollution damage. Apply a few drops to your skin and gently massage them in.

Applying a Spot Treatment

So you awoke with a pimple or two on your face and want to get rid of them? Now is the moment to apply a teeny-tiny drop of spot treatment directly to those pesky blemishes! Spot treatments are helpful for minor whiteheads and should not be used on big regions, chronic acne, rashes, blackheads, or cystic acne.

Apply an eye cream

Because the skin surrounding our eyes is thinner, it's one of the first places to exhibit signs of ageing. While most eye creams are simply moisturisers in a smaller container, a good eye cream may have a gentler recipe for this delicate skin or a higher concentration of an active ingredient, such as retinol, to help prevent fine lines.

If you want to use a retinol eye cream, do so in the evening instead of the morning because retinol might make our skin more sensitive to the sun. For your morning regimen, choose vitamin E-rich eye creams.

Moisturizer

Moisturizer should be a mandatory part of your morning skincare routine. Moisture helps lock in your skin's hydration and adds moisture via all of its wonderful components, regardless of your skin type. It aids in the maintenance of your skin's health and the prevention of ageing. Is there anything else we can say?

Lighter moisturisers or gels with a thinner, more liquidy texture are best for oily skin. Rich creams or soothing balms are ideal for dry skin, especially during the coldest winter months. Choose a creamier consistency that is thicker than gels but thinner than balms for mixed skin. Consider the consistency of a lotion.

Applying Face Oil

Face oil acts as a barrier between your skin and the outside world. Face oil can help you get the most out of your products by sealing them in and establishing a barrier, giving your skin more time to absorb the wonderful elements you've given it.

Sunscreen

Nothing works harder than your sunscreen when it comes to preparing your skin for the day! Mineral sunscreens, such as those containing zinc oxide as the primary ingredient, are the best since they sit on top of the skin and reflect harmful UV rays, making them an ideal finishing step in your morning beauty routine.

Makeup Remover or Oil-based Cleanser

Double cleansing is a two-step process that is the perfect start to your nightly skincare routine. Begin with an oil-based product and work your way down to a water-based option. Makeup and sunscreen are best removed with oil-based cleansers and makeup removers. Water-based cleansers actually cleanse your skin, leaving it ready for your rich evening products. Apply a cleansing balm immediately to dry skin if you're using one.

A cleanser that is based on water

A moderate water-based cleanser will eliminate any remaining traces of the product and wipe away any sweat, extra oil, or dirt now that you've removed the makeup and grime from the day. Many cleansers contain an active ingredient such as salicylic acid to help with acne flare-ups or hyaluronic acid to keep your skin hydrated. Lather up with a creamy, milky, or watery cleanser. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Avoid drying off your face before applying your next product for increased hydration.

Exfoliating Mask

Is there anything more relaxing than a little self-care? Exfoliating masks are a terrific method to keep your skin fresh and clear while also feeling like a treat! Clay masks are popular for a reason, so look for one that has a clay foundation, such as bentonite, to suck out impurities and exfoliate dead skin cells.

Serum or Acid Treatment

Now it's time to use active substances to combat any skin issues that have been bothering you. The evening is the best time to utilise potent actives like lactic acid or retinol, which may produce small transitory redness or irritation or make your skin more susceptible to the sun.

Try glycolic acid or lactic acid if you want to exfoliate and increase cell turnover. If you have acne or pimples, salicylic acid is the way to go. Hyaluronic acid is the active ingredient to use if your skin is dry or needs to be plumped. If anti-ageing is a priority, retinol in combination with vitamin E is unbeatable.

Applying a Spot Treatment

If you have a few unwanted visitors in the shape of pimples, now is the time to kick them out. Spot treatments are fantastic for the occasional blemish, so use a cotton swab to apply a small amount and relax while it works. Pimple patches are also a good method to cover up a spot or two, and they usually come in the form of cute little stickers that won't go with your daily outfit.

Eye Cream

Some of us can't imagine going without eye cream in our beauty routine. Over time, rich formulas with plenty of peptides and antioxidants can show results. Look for retinol, vitamin E, and vitamin C among the components. Eye creams, like serums, are highly concentrated and pricey.

Sleep mask or night cream application

It's time to replenish your skin's hydration levels. You can totally use the same moisturiser you used in the morning or in the evening! Many of us, though, like a product that is a little richer or denser. before going to bed This is especially true if your skin is really dry or chapped, in which case you should apply a healing balm that is much thicker than a lotion.

Face Oil

This additional hydration also has skin-loving properties, such as antioxidants and minerals, which your skin loves. Because it's the thickest product you'll be using on your skin, you'll want to apply it last in your routine.

How do I combine actives?

Skincare actives are skincare components that accomplish exactly what we want them to. Acne sufferers have a heightened awareness of the active component salicylic acid. Those of us with dry skin crave as much hyaluronic acid, a water-binding activity, as we can get our hands-on. Anti-ageing actives like retinol are a must-have for those of us who wish we could sip from the spring of youth.

Take Away

Instead of slathering your skin with whatever product you can get your hands on, focus on a few major skin concerns, select products that are particularly made to address them, and layer accordingly. It is also important to have a proper skincare routine to get clear skin.