Why Layering Matters
The importance of the order of skincare products lies in absorption, consistency, and pH. Layering skincare products properly helps in maximizing the absorption of active ingredients by the skin, therfore improving the efficacy and effectiveness of the products. Incorrect sequencing diminishes the absorption of active ingredients, limiting the desired outcomes. Applying thicker products such as moisturizers before thinner ones like serums can hinder the penetration of active ingredients.
How to Layer Your Skincare Products in the Right Order
The primary guideline is to apply skincare products from thinnest to thickest consistency, allowing lightweight formulations to be absorbed first, followed by richer ones. This method facilitates optimal product absorption and prevents occlusion, as advised by Mitchel P. Goldman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Cosmetic Laser Dermatology.
Step 1: Cleanser
The initial step in any skincare regimen is cleansing your face. This process ensures a clean canvas for product absorption and removes accumulated dirt, oil, and debris from pores. When selecting a cleanser, opt for a gentle, alcohol-free, and non-abrasive formula. These cleansers preserve the skin's natural oils, crucial for maintaining a balanced skin barrier. We recommend using a cleanser containing ceramides, as they help hydrate and moisturize the skin.
Our recommendation is to use a cleanser with Ceramides that helps hydrate and Moistuize your skin.
CeraVe Crème Lavante Hydratante: FOR DRY SKIN
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser With Salicylic: FOR DRY WITH ROUGH AND BUMPY SKIN TEXTURE
Step 2: Toner
While not essential, toners can enhance your skincare routine. They aid in further removing excess oil and dirt post-cleansing, thereby improving skin preparation for subsequent products. Additionally, toners can hydrate dry skin and maintain optimal skin pH, potentially aiding in acne prevention.
Step 3: EXFOLIANT
Exfoliation is vital for eliminating dead skin cells from your face. It's best to exfoliate immediately after cleansing, allowing alpha and/or beta hydroxy acids to effectively remove dead skin cells and prepare your skin for subsequent skincare steps. Leave in Exfoliant can be use AFTER TONER. AHAs and BHAs offer numerous benefits, such as controlling sebum, diminishing hyperpigmentation, and improving skin texture. However, excessive exfoliation with AHA and BHA products can harm your skin's natural barrier, leading to irritation, redness, and breakouts. Individual skin tolerance varies, but generally, exfoliating two to three times per week is advisable.
Our recommendation is the globally recognized No.1 Ranked product, loved by everyone, Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a clinically verified gentle leave-on exfoliant featuring salicylic acid. It swiftly clears pores, diminishes wrinkles, and promotes a more even skin tone.
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Step 4: Spot Treatment
For targeting pimples or dark patches, apply spot treatments immediately after cleansing or toning. These treatments focus on specific areas and contain active ingredients tailored to your needs. Applying them to freshly cleansed skin maximizes their effectiveness. Here's how to apply: After cleansing (and toning), use clean fingers to apply a small amount of spot treatment to the affected area. Use as needed, following the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid applying other serums or treatments to areas with spot treatment.
Step 5: Serums
Serums, known for their rapid absorption, should be applied directly onto the skin after cleansing or toning. Here are our high-end skincare serums that are not only globally renowned but have also garnered praise from hundreds for customers in Nepal
LA ROCHE-POSAY Skincare Serums Range
The Ordinary Skincare Serums Range
Step 6: Eye Cream
For optimal absorption due to its thick texture, apply eye cream after any treatments. Although not mandatory, using an eye cream can provide additional moisture and hydration to the delicate under-eye area, which is susceptible to wrinkles and sun damage.
Step 7: Moisturizer
Moisturizers, typically thicker, are best applied after lighter serums or treatments. In a minimal skincare routine, moisturize post-cleansing. Opt for moisturizers with ceramides and glycerin.
Our top pick features a luxurious texture, fast absorption, and provides 24-hour hydration, suitable for year-round use, without leaving oily or heavy residue on your skin.
Step 8: Face Oils
Face oils offer extra moisture and hydration to the skin. Apply face oils after your moisturizer for optimal effectiveness.
Step 9: Sunscreen
Sunscreen should always be the final step in your daytime skincare routine. Its daily application helps shield your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, preventing skin cancer and premature aging signs such as sunspots and wrinkles. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests using sunscreen with broad-spectrum coverage and a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
Our top recommendation is La Roche-Posay Sunscreen SPF50+. This dermatologist-recommended product, specifically La Roche-Posay's Anthelios UVmune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+, serves as your ultimate defense against UV rays and environmental threats. Utilizing advanced technology and a dermatologist-tested formula, this lightweight fluid provides exceptional protection while leaving an invisible finish, ideal for daily use.
La Roche-Posay Sunscreen SPF50+
In case of any skincare issues that requires medical attention, one must see a dermatologist.