A well-structured skincare routine is key to achieving healthy, glowing skin, but the order in which you apply your products can significantly impact their effectiveness. Layering your skincare products correctly ensures that each product works optimally and your skin reaps the full benefits. Dr Tom Goyer, a skincare expert in Sydney, shares his step-by-step guide on how to layer your skincare products for maximum effectiveness. Let’s explore the right order and tips to get the most out of your skincare routine.
Why Does the Order of Skincare Products Matter?
Applying your skincare products in the correct order is essential for achieving the desired results. Layering correctly ensures that the active ingredients penetrate the skin properly and that each product complements the other, enhancing overall skin health.
The general rule of thumb is to apply products from the thinnest to the thickest consistency. This allows lighter, water-based products to penetrate the skin without being blocked by thicker, oil-based ones.
Morning Skincare Routine
Your morning skincare routine should focus on protecting your skin from environmental stressors like UV rays, pollution, and free radicals.
1. Cleanser
Start with a gentle cleanser to remove any oil, sweat, or debris that may have accumulated on your skin overnight. A clean base is essential for the rest of your products to work effectively.
- Tip: Choose a cleanser suited to your skin type (gel for oily, cream for dry, and gentle foaming for combination skin).
2. Toner
Toners help balance the skin’s pH, remove any leftover impurities, and prepare the skin for the next steps. They can also provide a boost of hydration or target specific concerns like acne or dullness.
- Tip: Opt for alcohol-free toners that contain soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or rose water.
3. Antioxidant Serum
Antioxidant serums, such as those containing vitamin C or E, protect the skin from free radical damage caused by UV rays and pollution. They also help brighten the complexion and reduce signs of aging.
- Tip: Apply 3-4 drops of an antioxidant serum to your face and neck. Let it absorb fully before moving to the next step.
4. Eye Cream
The skin around the eyes is delicate and prone to dryness and fine lines. An eye cream can hydrate, brighten, and address concerns like puffiness or dark circles.
- Tip: Gently tap a small amount of eye cream around the orbital bone using your ring finger.
5. Moisturiser
Moisturisers help lock in hydration and create a protective barrier on the skin. Even if you have oily skin, moisturising is crucial to maintaining a balanced skin barrier.
- Tip: Use a lightweight, gel-based moisturiser for oily skin and a richer cream for dry skin.
6. Sunscreen
Sunscreen is the most crucial step in any morning skincare routine. It protects against UVA and UVB rays that cause premature aging, sunburn, and skin cancer.
- Tip: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 as the final step of your morning routine. Reapply every two hours if you’re outdoors.
Night Skincare Routine
The night routine focuses on repairing and rejuvenating the skin while you sleep.
1. Cleanser
Double cleansing is ideal for the night routine to remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities accumulated throughout the day. Start with an oil-based cleanser to dissolve makeup and follow with a gentle water-based cleanser to clean the skin.
- Tip: Massage the oil cleanser into dry skin, then add water to emulsify and rinse. Follow with a water-based cleanser suited to your skin type.
2. Exfoliator (2-3 times a week)
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, promotes cell turnover, and enhances the absorption of subsequent products. Chemical exfoliants like AHAs (glycolic acid) and BHAs (salicylic acid) are effective for different skin concerns.
- Tip: Use exfoliators 2-3 times a week, depending on your skin’s tolerance. Avoid physical exfoliants with harsh beads that can cause micro-tears.
3. Toner
Reapply a hydrating or calming toner to prep the skin and maintain its moisture balance after cleansing and exfoliation.
- Tip: Pat the toner into the skin rather than wiping it to minimise irritation.
4. Treatment Serum
Nighttime is the best time to use targeted treatments like retinoids, peptides, or hydrating serums. Retinoids boost collagen production, reduce fine lines, and improve skin texture.
- Tip: Start with a low concentration of retinoids and build up gradually to prevent irritation. Follow up with hydrating serums to avoid dryness.
5. Eye Cream
Nighttime eye creams often contain more potent ingredients like retinol or peptides to combat fine lines and wrinkles.
- Tip: Apply a small amount of eye cream gently around the eyes, avoiding direct contact with the eyelids.
6. Moisturiser or Night Cream
A night cream or a richer moisturiser helps seal in all the products applied earlier and provides intense hydration throughout the night.
- Tip: Look for night creams with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides that support skin repair and regeneration.
7. Facial Oil (Optional)
Facial oils can provide extra nourishment and lock in moisture for dry or mature skin types. They are particularly beneficial during colder months.
- Tip: Apply a few drops of facial oil as the last step of your routine to seal in hydration and provide a dewy finish.
Additional Tips for Layering Skincare Products
- Patch Test New Products: Always patch test new products to ensure they don’t cause irritation or allergic reactions.
- Wait Between Layers: Allow each product to absorb fully (30 seconds to 1 minute) before applying the next one to ensure maximum effectiveness.
- Listen to Your Skin: Customise your routine based on how your skin reacts. Not all skin types can handle multiple layers, so simplify if needed.
- Avoid Overlapping Actives: Be cautious when layering potent ingredients like retinoids, AHAs, and vitamin C. Overusing them can lead to irritation.
- Use Gentle Patting Motions: Instead of rubbing products in, use gentle patting motions to apply them. This helps prevent irritation and ensures better absorption.
Layering your skincare products correctly can significantly impact your skin’s health and appearance. By following this step-by-step guide from Dr Tom Goyer, you can maximise the effectiveness of each product and achieve your skin goals. For personalised skincare advice and product recommendations, Dr Tom Goyer is here to help. For more information and expert insights, visit Dr Tom Goyer’s blog.