Mastering the Art of Layering Your Skincare Products for Maximum Effectiveness

By Holly Wang
September 29, 2024

When you open your beauty cabinet, you likely see an array of skincare essentials. From hyaluronic acid as a supreme hydrator to retinol for anti-aging, vitamin C for brightness, and the crucial SPF, it’s clear you have the building blocks of a solid skincare routine. But is there a proper way to apply these products? How can you layer them to fully unleash their benefits? Marcia Kilgore, founder of the membership-based skincare line Beauty Pie and other brands like Bliss and Soaper Duper, offers expert advice on this topic. Here’s her comprehensive guide to effective skincare layering.

Select the Right Products for Your Skin's Needs

“Creating an effective skincare routine begins with selecting the appropriate products and applying them in the right order,” Kilgore advises. You might know your general skin type, but when it comes to serums and treatments, it’s crucial to address your specific concerns. Do you notice breakouts in humid weather? Is your skin oilier or drier than usual? Pinpointing your skin's needs is essential for choosing the right products to layer.

Layer From Thinnest to Thickest

Once you have your chosen products, layer them from the lightest to the heaviest. Start with the thinnest, most quickly absorbed formula, applying it first, followed by the next heaviest, and so on, until the thickest product sits atop. Generally, your skincare routine should follow this order: cleanser, toner/essence, treatment/mask, serum, eye cream, moisturizer, oil, and finally, SPF. Remember, sunscreen should always be the last step, with only makeup products like powder or foundation applied afterward.

Incorporate an Essence

An essence is a vital step after cleansing, as it not only nourishes and balances the skin's pH but also enhances the absorption of subsequent products. Kilgore recommends using a high-tech, micro-molecular essence like the Japanfusion Hydra Prep Essence Lotion, which soothes, hydrates, and preps the skin for optimal product performance.

Boost with Vitamin C

Topical vitamin C offers numerous benefits, including enhancing radiance, evening skin tone, improving texture, combating fine lines, and repairing UV damage. If using a vitamin C serum, apply it both morning and night on your face, neck, and décolletage, right after cleansing and before your moisturizer. For those opting for a vitamin C moisturizer, use it as the final step before applying SPF.

Make Hyaluronic Acid a Staple

Hyaluronic acid, found in various forms from serums to creams, is a powerful hydrating ingredient. You typically only need it once in your routine. Its benefits include immediate hydration, barrier repair, and skin plumpness. Apply hyaluronic acid serums on cleansed skin before your day or night moisturizer, or use hyaluronic-infused creams before SPF or foundation. It’s particularly effective for soothing sun-damaged skin.

Retinol: The Anti-Aging Hero

For optimal anti-aging effects, use retinol twice daily, morning and evening, while ensuring to apply SPF in the morning. Retinol is safe for summer use if combined with proper sun protection. Consistency is key for the best results, and combining retinol with gentle acids is generally acceptable.

Never Skip Sunscreen

Photoaging accounts for over 90% of skin deterioration, meaning even the best skincare won’t deliver optimal results without daily sunscreen. Kilgore recommends using a lightweight, broad-spectrum SPF, such as the Super Healthy Skin Ultralight UVA/UVB SPF25 or a tinted moisturizer with SPF for added glow.

By following these layering techniques and product recommendations, you can maximize the effectiveness of your skincare routine and achieve healthier, more radiant skin.