How to Layer Your Skin Care Products
There’s a lot of products on the market when it comes to skin care and there’s definitely a science when it comes to layering those products for the most effective results. If you’ve been hap hazardly applying different products or need some guidance on what products are the best for your skin type and why, read below!
A daily routine, step-by-step
First, Cleanse
The first step of your skin care routine, morning and night, should be to cleanse your skin. Use water and a washcloth, or a subtle cleanser to remove any dirt, debris and makeup but avoid harsh exfoliators! Your daily cleanser should be gentle and leave your skin feeling soft and clean.
You’ll also want to spend some time reading the ingredients to ensure your cleanser is a good fit for your skin type. If you have dry skin, you’ll want to avoid cleansers with a high alcohol content. If your skin is oily, you’ll want something with a lower PH level. Sensitive skin needs something gentle and free of any fragrances and additives. You should also pay attention to the cleanser carrier—cream based cleansers are better for dry skin while gel or foamy cleansers are best for oily skin types. If you wear a lot of makeup, pick a cleanser that targets makeup removal or if you tend to sweat a lot from working out, try a product that’s targeted at degreasing your skin. We also recommend looking for a “natural” product, free of parabens and sulfates to ensure your skin doesn’t have any harsh reactions to the product.
Next up, Tone and Exfoliate
Toner used to be a mandatory step after cleansing. However, many medical grade skin care brands are now creating cleansers that are pH balancing and can effectively cleanse without needing to add a toner. However, those with oily skin or markedly clogged pores may be recommended to use a toner or a daily exfoliator. So in short, toners are not necessary but can be handy depending on your skin type. If cleansing is done thoroughly, serums and moisturizers could help to ensure those products better absorb into your skin. A daily light exfoliator may also allow serums and moisturizers to penetrate deeper into the skin and can be added in after the cleansing step. Popular active ingredients in exfoliants include alpha-hydroxy-acids like lactic acid or beta-hydroxy-acids such as salicylic acid.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, other ingredients to look for are clary sage, tea tree, witch hazel and willow bark. These ingredients are slightly astringent and have antibacterial properties, making them ideal to help balance skin and reduce oil. On the flipside, if you you have aging, dry or sensitive skin, it’s best to look for ingredients that will add extra hydration such as aloe vera, calendula, chamomile, lavender and rose. Great ingredients for everyone include aloe vera, cucumber and hyaluronic acid. These ingredients benefit your skin on a deeper level and help balance and maintain your skin’s pH levels.
Now time for Serum
Serum is different from your moisturizer. It has a thinner, water-like consistency that helps nutrients and active ingredients penetrate deeper into the lower layers of your skin. This is why you want to apply it before your moisturizer or other heavier products.
The most expensive serums aren't always the best, but they do tend to contain higher quality, more concentrated ingredients. When looking for the perfect serum to compliment your beauty routine, look out for products that contain antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and hydrating ingredients. Antioxidants such as pomegranate extract, vitamin C and grape seed extract help protect against sun damage and reduce the look of fine lines. Zinc, arnica, aloe vera and goldenseal neutralize redness and prevent damage from inflammation. If you’re in need of an extra boost in hydration, look for amino acids and essential fatty acids which strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier and help build strong cell membranes. These ingredients also protect against dryness and help combat fine lines by replenishing naturally occurring skin lipids and improving moisture retention.
Pro Tip: Let your serum fully absorb into your skin before moving onto the next step!
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Moisturizer is a very important step in your beauty routine and it shouldn’t be forgotten about! Not only does moisturizer form a protective barrier between your skin and the environment, it also provides the necessary hydration to stop your skin from looking dry and flaky, creating a smooth layer for your makeup to sit on. If your skin type is more dry, look for a richer product that contains ingredients such as shea butter, tea extracts, oils, vitamin B3 and glutathione. If your skin is oily, choose an oil-free, lightweight product with salicylic acid, and glycerin. My number one tip for choosing a moisturizer is to choose a product with hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid will also help you prevent and improve fine lines and wrinkles by providing the skin with an extra boost of hydration. Hyaluronic acid is an all-around superstar as it holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water and acts like a moisture magnet by drawing water to itself.
Moisturizer also helps to protect your skin from sun damage, which is why I insist that your moisturizer should include SPF. If you can’t find a moisturizer you love that contains SPF find a lightweight sunscreen that you can apply everyday before you leave the house. I really really love award winning Alumier Sheer Hydration!
Now time for Eye Cream
Eye cream is often neglected but is a must for proper skin care. As early as our late 20's, we start to see aging related changes around the eyes, such as lost volume, wrinkles, and dehydrated skin around the eyes. Eye cream is generally used to protect the delicate area around your eyes and to enhance and prevent against fine lines and wrinkles. I recommend choosing an eye cream with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin A derived retinol. Vitamin A derived retinol is a key wrinkle fighting ingredient. It helps encourage cell turnover to reveal fresher, smoother looking skin. If your skin is on the sensitive side, opt for a hydrating eye cream with neuropeptides instead of retinol. This ingredient works in a similar way to retinol but is less irritating to the skin.
As you can see, there are so many customized steps to skin care and the ideal products are different for every individual. No one's skin is 100% the same. Our skin can be unpredictable which is why it's ideal to see a skin care specialist to guide you in the right direction. One of the things I love doing is creating custom skin care packages for my clients. Ask me to take a look at your skin next time your in the clinic. I am also available for virtual consult and to help you order and ship your products online directly to your door! I’d be happy to recommend some products for you to try!
