How to layer your skin-care products for the best results? Layering the right way can make all the difference when it comes to getting the most out of your products.
How to Layer Your Skin-Care Products
The typical skincare routine involves layering your products like so: oil-based cleanser (make up remover), water-based cleanser, exfoliator, toner, serum, sheet mask, moisturizer, and SPF.
As important as simply using each product is applying each one in its proper order — aka layering. The idea is that in order for products to absorb most effectively, active ingredients to treat your skin concerns (which are typically found in toners & serums) go on earlier in the regimen, then you seal it all in with richer formulas.
Cleanse > Treat > Moisturize > Protect
If you have a few serums in your routine, a good rule of thumb is to slot it in based on its consistency. Go from more watery to thicker substances. If you applied a thicker, richer formula first, it could prevent thinner ones from penetrating.
The Final Step of Your Skin-Care Routine
If your skin is dry even after moisturiser, you may wish to add in a Face Oil. Face oil, should you choose to use it, should always go last. That's because oil is occlusive — meaning it creates a barrier. If you put oil on first, nothing can get through it. So you want to apply it last.
If you're using multiple active ingredients in your routine, you should always check if they can be safely paired (for our customers, you can drop us an Instagram DM or Whatsapp us at +65 87272171 if you have any questions).
While you can use some active ingredients together at the same time, we suggest waiting at least 30 minutes because the two ingredients may work best at different pH levels so using them together means they may not work as well. Example. If you are looking to combine Vitamin C and Retinol, apply Vitamin C after cleansing, wait 30 min then apply Retinol and wait another 30min before applying a moisturiser. It can be too long of a break between the steps, so we suggest using vitamin C in the morning (since it's an antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental stressors) and retinol in the evening.
Here are some ingredients in serums which you can layer SAFELY.
| Good Combinations | Bad Combinations |
|
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) + Retinol Hyaluronic Acid + Retinol Hyaluronic Acid + Benzoyl Peroxide Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid BHA/AHA + Niacinamide |
BHA + Retinol (Vitamin A) BHA + Benzoyl Peroxide Benzoyl Peroxide + Retinol AHA + Retinol BHA + Vitamin C |
Try to give a wait time of approx a minute between layers to maximize absorption. Doing so also helps lessen the chances that the formulas will pill and ball up on your face. Certain ingredients, like silicones, are more prone to pilling than others, so short wait time between layers can help prevent the problem.
Here is a great example of a full night time skincare routine for Combination-Acne Prone Skin.
Night Time Skin Care Routine
| First Cleanse |
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| Second Cleanse |
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| Exfoliant *alternate nights only |
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| Sheet Mask *whenever necessary |
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| Treatment Serum |
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| Eye Serum/Cream |
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| Moisturiser |
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