How to Layer Skincare: 9 Skincare Routine Steps

Layering products in the proper order in your skincare regimen is crucial because it makes them more effective. Here are four reasons proper skincare layering is important:

1. 1. Active ingredients work more effectively: Skincare products combine active and inactive ingredients to solve different skin problems, from breakouts to dark circles. When you layer your skincare products correctly, you allow active ingredients to treat your skin effectively.
2. 2. Increases absorption: Layering skincare products in the right order ensures your products fully absorb into your skin.
3. 3. Helps you combine ingredients safely: When using multiple skincare products, it’s essential to understand which active ingredients are safe to use together and which you should not mix. This avoids disrupting the skin’s pH balance and pH levels or irritating your skin. Be careful not to combine brightening vitamin C serum with retinol, which can lead to skin irritation, or with niacinamide, which will deactivate the ingredients in both products.
4. 4. Prevents sun damage: Since vitamin C and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) increase your skin’s photosensitivity, making it more sensitive to sun damage, dermatologists recommend you layer SPF 30+ after these products in your morning skincare regimen to protect your skin from sun damage caused by UV rays.

Whether you have dry, sensitive skin or oily skin, the rule of thumb is to first cleanse and then treat and protect your skin. Here is how to layer skincare products:

1. 1. Cleanse the skin. Whether you’re layering your morning or night skincare routine, always start by washing your face. Your skin has to be free of makeup and dirt for products to absorb into the skin barrier. Opt for a double cleanse at night, using a cleansing oil to remove your makeup and sunscreen. Follow this with a gentle cleanser designed for your skin type.
2. 2. Exfoliate. Promote a healthy skin texture and remove dead skin cells by exfoliating. When your skin is smooth and free of buildup, your beauty products absorb into your skin more effectively. Use a physical exfoliant or try a chemical exfoliant like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), which exfoliate, brighten, and hydrate the skin. Exfoliate two to three times a week, and avoid using retinol on the days you exfoliate.
3. 3. Apply toner. If you use toner, pour a few drops of toner into your palms and gently swipe it onto your face.
4. 4. Use a sheet mask. If you have a specific skincare concern you want to treat, apply a sheet mask after cleansing and exfoliating. Sheet masks restore the skin barrier and treat a variety of skin concerns. Hydration sheet masks contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid serum to add moisture to the skin. Anti-aging sheet masks include ingredients like antioxidant serums and peptides to promote collagen production, help with firming, and target fine lines. Gently lay the sheet mask over your face for ten to fifteen minutes, depending on the mask’s instructions.
5. 5. Apply additional products by consistency. After you cleanse and prep your face, start layering serums and apply them in order of texture, from thinnest to thickest. Layering from lightest to thickest facilitates effective absorption; layering thick products first blocks thin products from absorbing properly. Leave about one minute between the application of each product to allow the active ingredients to absorb and treat your skin barrier.
6. 6. Use a spot treatment. Topical spot treatments are thicker than toners and serums, so they should go on after these products absorb into the skin. Common spot treatments include benzoyl peroxide creams for acne-prone skin and retinoids or retinol for blemishes, dark spots, and fine lines.
7. 7. Apply eye cream. Gently apply your eye cream lotion to your eye area before layering your face moisturizer.
8. 8. Moisturize the skin barrier. Applying moisturizer is a critical step in both your night and morning routines. If you have dry skin and want to boost hydration, apply face oil to your skin before moisturizing. Facial oils are lightweight, noncomedogenic oils formulated to treat dryness. In the evening, applying your thickest night cream is the last step in your skincare routine, but use sunscreen after moisturizing in the morning.
9. 9. Apply SPF 30+. This is the final step in your morning skincare routine. Apply a chemical or mineral sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from free radicals and damage caused by UVA and UVB rays.

Individuals experience different levels of sensitivity to ingredients found in various skincare products. To prevent adverse reactions, consult a dermatologist before applying a new product to your skin. This article is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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