How to Layer Skincare for Maximum Benefits

How to Layer Skincare for Maximum Benefits

If you've ever wondered if the order in which you apply your skincare matters, then the answer is YES!

Something as simple as how you layer skincare can make a huge difference in your skin, and if you don't apply your serums and creams in a specific order, you may be preventing your products from doing their job properly. 

 A basic rule of thumb when it comes to layering skincare is that products with the thinnest consistency should go first. This means that your lightweight toners and serums will be the products you start with, and your heavier creams and oils are the ones you end with. This is a general guide showing the order in which skin care products should be applied.

 Step 1: Cleanser

It's important to ensure your skin is clean before going in with any serums or moisturizers. Cleansing should remove any makeup, SPF, or impurities from your skin. Cleansing will also make your skin more receptive to the treatments that follow, like your toner and serums. If you’re wearing makeup or SPF, consider a double cleanse to ensure that any residue is removed from the skin.

 Extra Step: Mask or Wash Off Exfoliant

Once your skin is completely clean, now is the time for any masks, like the Blueberry GLO2 Skin Renewing Oxygen Mask, or a wash-off exfoliant, like our Exfoliating Facial Scrub.

 Step 2: Toner 

Toner will help to rebalance your skin and prepare your skin for your serums. You can opt for a clarifying toner like the Vitamin C+ Toner, which has salicylic acid to loosen dead skin cells and keep pores clear.

 Step 3: Serums 

Serums are lightweight formulas that contain high concentrations of active ingredients meant to easily penetrate the skin. If you're wanting to target a specific skin concern, like acne, hyperpigmentation, or fine lines, then serums are ideal. Choose 1–3 serums to target your skin concerns. For blemishes, we love the Vitamin C Plus Skin Clearing Serum, or for fine lines try the Peptide Complex Serum.

Tip: Layer Serums Strategically. When using both a vitamin C serum and retinol in a routine, apply vitamin c in the mornings, as it is a potent antioxidant that can protect the skin from skin-damaging free radicals during the day. Alternatively, retinol is best used at night as it can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. Also, avoid layering multiple exfoliating products in the same routine to avoid over-exfoliated skin. You can also apply hydrating serums like our Hyaluronic Acid Serum, or Peptide Complex Serum, onto damp skin as this will allow them to penetrate deeper into the skin.

 Step 4: Eye Cream

Eye Creams can reduce puffiness, hydrate, and brighten under eyes. The skin under the eyes is very delicate, so be gentle with skincare application around the eye area. You can also store eye creams in the fridge to further depuff the under-eye area in the mornings.

Step 5: Moisturizer

Moisturizer hydrates and seals in moisture on the skin, which can help serums be more effective. If you have oily or combination skin, try a lightweight, oil-free option like our Ultra Moisturizing Hydrating Gel. If you have dry skin, try the Hyaluronic Acid Cream Moisturizer.

Step 6: Oils

Because both serums and moisturizers contain water-based ingredients, oils should be applied last. They’re typically heavier than other cream products and will create a protective barrier to lock in hydration and reinforce your skin’s moisture barrier.

Step 7: Sunscreen

For daytime, sunscreen is the most important step, even in the winter! Look for sunscreens with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to protect the skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays. SPF acts as a protective barrier against the sun, so it should always be applied last.

Visit our product page for all your skincare needs and follow us on social media for photos and videos highlighting all of our favorites! And to be featured on social media, don’t forget to tag #naturallybeautiful. :)

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