Layering your skincare products is a great way to get the most out of them! By following this exact order, you’ll see better results than if you just use them one at a time. Keep in mind that not all skincare products are created equal, so some may need to be layered in different orders depending on their ingredients. But overall, layer your skincare products following these steps for the best possible outcome.
What do you need in your skincare routine?
The most important thing in your skincare routine is to find the products that suit your skin best. Identify what your skin needs. Do you have oily skin, acne-prone skin, or sensitive skin? Maybe dry skin is your type? And still, even though you probably know your skin type, can you target your particular skin concerns? Pigmented patches, acne scars, dull skin, or something else? Be 100 % aware of your skin condition before you layer anything on your skin.
Order of skincare products: from lightest to heaviest formulas
Layering your skincare in the right order is crucial. Namely, if you doing it out of order, you could be diminishing the efficacy of your skincare products. The main rule you need to follow when it comes to layering skincare products is to apply them from lightest to heaviest. The general product order is a cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, and SPF.
Cleanser
No matter what your skin type, the cleanser should always be gentle. Namely, a gentle cleanser won’t disrupt the natural pH of your skin and won’t strip it from its natural oils. The only time you should use a different type of cleanser is if you have makeup on, in which case you should use a cleansing oil or balm to remove it thoroughly before moving on to your regular cleanser. Still, your cleanser should be detergent-free and without sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).
Use gentle cleanser because gentle cleanser won’t disrupt the natural pH of your skin and won’t strip it from its natural oils.
Toner
After cleansing your skin with a gentle facial cleanser, use toner to prepare your skin for the next steps in your skincare routine: serum, moisturizer, and SPF. Toners are very useful products that help to restore the skin’s pH balance and remove any traces of dirt, makeup, or oil that your cleanser may have missed. But not only that, other products in your skincare routine will absorb better in skin treated with toner.
Serum
After using a toner, it’s time to apply your serum. A serum is a concentrated formula that contains active ingredients that target specific skin concerns. For example, there are serums for wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and other complexion problems. There are also hydrating serums, brightening serums, and more. That’s why you should know, not only your skin type but also your specific skin concerns.
Since serums are thinner and lighter than moisturizers, they can deeply penetrate the skin if applied first. Second, serums are packed with potent, active ingredients that you’ll want to apply directly to a clean face for maximum efficiency. And here’s a quick brief on what serum suits your skin best.
Vitamin C serum: If you want to brighten your complexion and get rid of dark spots, a vitamin C serum is perfect for you.
Hyaluronic acid serum: If you have dry skin or want to prevent wrinkles, hyaluronic acid is the ingredient you need. This type of serum will help your skin retain moisture and keep it plump and hydrated.
Antioxidant serum: If you want to protect your skin from environmental damage, an antioxidant serum is a must-have in your skincare routine.
Glycolic acid serum: Glycolic acid is an AHA that exfoliates the skin and unclogs pores. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, this type of serum will help to reduce breakouts and give you a more even complexion.
Retinol serum: Retinol is an ingredient that can help to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation. If you want to anti-age your skin or get rid of acne scars, a retinol serum is perfect for you.
Let FOREO be at every step of your routine
Moisturizer
After applying a serum, it’s time to lock in all the active ingredients with a moisturizer. Serums are known as very potent products designed to target very specific skin concerns, while moisturizers protect your skin barrier.
A good moisturizer will hydrate your skin, strengthen your skin barrier, protect your skin from environmental aggressors, and help your makeup go on smoothly.
If you have oily skin, make sure to choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that won’t clog your pores. For dry skin, opt for a thick, creamy moisturizer that will provide intense hydration. If you have sensitive skin, choose a hypoallergenic moisturizer that won’t irritate your skin.
Sunscreen
Last but not least, always finish your skincare routine with sunscreen, even if you’re staying indoors. SPF is crucial in protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can cause wrinkles, fine lines, and even skin cancer.
Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and make sure it is broad-spectrum, meaning it will protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Apply sunscreen liberally to all exposed areas of skin and reapply every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating.
What about exfoliation, eye cream, lip balm, etc.?
As said before, a skincare routine that includes a cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, and SPF is basic. If you use something else besides that, here’s the right order:
- Cleanser
- Exfoliator
- Toner
- Serum
- Treatment lotion
- Eye cream
- Moisturiser
- Face oil
- Face balm
- SPF
There you have it, a quick guide on how to build the perfect skincare routine for your specific skin type and concerns. Remember, these are only general guidelines and you should always consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional to find the best products for your unique skin.
Now that you know how to build a skincare routine, it’s time to put theory into practice. Gather up all of your skincare products and get ready to achieve healthy, radiant skin!
Thanks for the useful article! I will be correcting my routines according to this :)
Dear Aysel, thank you for sharing! <3 It makes us happy to hear this!
I’m into skincare, but I’m still trying out what works for my skin – really sensitive type. Physical cleansing is my choice and I have tried a lot of devices, but foreo luna seems to be the best, so – yes, it is great and it made my life easier.
This article will be useful for me because I’ve started incorporating new products into my skincare routine. Thank you!
I ha e been on a Rollercoaster of trying out which 1st, last and over and over. I found this simplified, by explaining throughly, the reasons of the orders,when to change them,and to prioritize goal