Here are a few things to remember when layering skincare…
Thinnest to thickest texture: Apply from light to heavy. Start with your most watery products, such as toners, serums, mists and essences. Heavier products, such as lotions, moisturisers, oils and creams come next, followed by sunscreen as your final step.
Water-based before oil-based: Oil and water don’t mix, and oil can prevent water from penetrating. So water-based products need to be applied first. Let them absorb, and then apply oil-based products on top.
Lowest to highest pH: If you’re using active ingredients, it’s important to know their approximate pH levels, and go from lowest to highest. So, acidic products (pH 3.0 to 4.0) should always be applied before more alkaline (pH 5.0 to 7.0). In sating that it’s best not to combine too many actives…
AM 🌞
1. Cleanse
2. Toner
3. Mist or Essence
4. Treatment Serum
5. Eye Cream
6. Moisturiser
7. Face Oil
8. Sunscreen
PM 🌙
1.Oil Cleanse / Cleansing Balm
2. Active Cleanse
3.Physical Exfoliant
4.Toner
5. ChemicalExfoliant
6.Mist or Essence
7. Treatment Serum
8. Eye Cream
9. Moisturiser
10.Face Oil
If you’re using an oil based, richer, more occlusive creme – then layer your face oil underneath and finish with your creme.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley reminded me of a great tip the other day… If you’re using an active serum, apply your eye cream first to act as a protective barrier to the delicate skin around your eyes.
It’s best not to use a chemical exfoliant or acid toner on the same night as using a physical exfoliant/scrub
Ensure that you take all of your products down over the neck and décolleté, especially sunscreen! (except for strong retinols/grainy scrubs/actives)
Remember, less is definitely more. This is just an example of what goes when, it’s best to keep your routine simple and avoid layering too many products or combining too many actives.
