How To Layer Skincare
When it comes to getting glowing, healthy skin, the way you layer your skincare products really can be the difference. In this blog post, we’ve asked our expert aestheticians to explain the principles of layering skincare, what to look for when selecting skincare products, what should and shouldn’t be in your AM and PM routine, and more. Now, let’s get into it!
Understanding the Basics of Layering:
Layering skincare is precisely what it sounds like: applying products in a thoughtful order to boost their effectiveness and achieve the best results. The general guideline is to begin with the thinnest products and gradually move to the thickest. This proven method ensures that each product penetrates the skin effectively, allowing the active ingredients to work at their best.
What Are The Benefits of Layering Your Skincare?
We love layering our skincare because it allows you to address various skin concerns without drying or irritating your skin. It also enhances hydration, helping to keep your complexion healthy and glowing. .
Now, Let’s Get Into When and How to Layer:
Morning Routine (AM)
Cleanser:
Purpose: The first step in your morning skincare routine is always cleansing, which is essential for removing impurities and excess oil that accumulate overnight. After a night’s sleep, your skin can hold onto oil, sweat, and other debris, making it crucial to start your day with a fresh canvas.
Product Recommendation: Gentle Wash or Bright Wash.
How to Use: Wet your skin with lukewarm water and apply a small amount of your cleanser. Gently massage it into your skin in circular motions for about 30 seconds, focusing on areas that may be prone to oiliness, such as your forehead and nose. Rinse thoroughly and pat your face dry with a clean towel.
Toners:
Purpose: Toners are an important step in your skincare routine because they help restore your skin’s pH balance after cleansing. Washing your face can sometimes disrupt this balance, so using a toner helps bring it back to normal. This prepares your skin to better absorb serums and moisturizers that follow, enhancing their effectiveness.
Product Recommendation: Look for anything with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
How to Use: Pour a small amount onto a cotton pad or your hands. If you’re using a cotton pad, gently swipe it across your face, focusing on areas that may need extra attention, like the T-zone and chin.
Serums:
Purpose: Serums are essential for your skincare routine because they deliver potent active ingredients directly to your skin. Unlike moisturizers that primarily hydrate, serums target specific concerns like dullness, fine lines, dark spots, and acne.
Product Recommendation: Daily Dose for brightness and antioxidant protection.
How to Use: Apply a few drops and gently press into the skin.
Eye Creams:
Purpose: Eye creams are made to target specific problems around your eyes, like puffiness, dark circles, fine lines, and dryness.
Product Example: Our go-to is Views. It helps the eye area stay hydrated all day.
How to Use: Use your ring finger to (gently) dab a small amount around the orbital bone.
Moisturizers:
Purpose: In the morning, moisturizers are crucial for hydrating your skin and locking in moisture, helping to create a protective barrier that keeps your skin feeling soft and supple throughout the day.
Product Example: We like this Sheer Lightweight Moisturizer It’s lightweight enough for daily use, and moisturizes without feeling heavy.
How to Use: Massage it into your skin.
Sunscreen:
Purpose: SPF is important to wear every single day (even if you’re indoors) to protect your skin from UV damage.
Product Example: Always look for an SPF of 30 or higher. This one’s our favorite!
How to Use: Apply generously to your neck as the last step of your morning routine, and don’t forget to re-apply every 90 minutes.
Evening Routine (PM):
Steps 1-6: Repeat the steps from your AM routine.
6. Spot Treatments:
Purpose: Spot treatments are specifically designed to target localized skin issues, most commonly acne. These treatments deliver potent ingredients directly to the problem areas, helping to reduce inflammation, unclog pores, and accelerate healing.
Product Recommendation: Opt for a product with Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide helps kill acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation, while salicylic acid exfoliates the skin and unclogs pores.
How to Use: For best results, apply your spot treatment after your moisturizer. Use a clean fingertip or a cotton swab to dab a small amount directly onto the affected area. Be careful to apply only where needed, as these treatments are concentrated and can be drying if used too broadly.
How Do You Choose The Right Products?
Here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing the products for your skincare routine:
-Identify Your Skin Type: Knowing your skin type - whether it's oily, dry, combination, or sensitive - will help you pick the right products for your specific skin goals. For example, if you have oily skin, lightweight moisturizers and products that won’t clog pores are great choices.
-Look for Active Ingredients: Products with active ingredients are key to how well your skincare works. For instance, vitamin C brightens the skin and helps reduce pigmentation, while retinol promotes cell turnover and reduces the appearance of fine lines.
-Avoid Overlapping Ingredients: While layering skincare products can be beneficial, using too many with similar active ingredients can actually irritate your skin. Ingredients like exfoliating acids, retinol, and vitamin C can be particularly sensitive when used together. Instead, introduce new products one at a time and monitor how your skin reacts.
If you're looking for expert guidance or want to explore medical-grade skincare products tailored to your skin, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team of expert aestheticians and nurse practitioners are here to help you reach your skincare goals!
Whether you're interested in lip filler, Botox/Dysport, skin lasers, or want to learn more about our Defy Monthly Facial Membership (a perfect choice for those who want to transform their skin without the price tag over the course of a year!), we’d love to see you in our Bethesda medical spa soon.