If your skincare is not working the way you expect, it may be an issue of layering rather than the products you’re using. Skincare layering refers to the technique of applying multiple products in a specific order to maximize their effectiveness and minimize irritation.

Proper layering of your skincare products helps to improve the absorption of each product and overall health and appearance of your skin, but it can be confusing to know what to use in what order for best results. Following are the basics of skincare layering and give you my top tips on how to layer your skincare products effectively:

To start with, you need to better understand what you are prone to, even more than your skin type since most people don't know if they have oily dry or some type of combination skin, but they do know what they are prone to- such as being prone to breakouts, redness or sensitivity, without necessarily falling into an obvious category of oily dry or combination.

Taking into account what you are prone to will not only help you choose the right products for your skin and ensure that you are not using products that will irritate or dry out your skin, in many cases it will also help guide the order in which you should use them. Now that you have a better understanding of your skin, you can best layer your skincare products for optimal results.

Now for the order:

As a general rule of thumb, start by washing your face and gently patting it to remove excess water. Then use products which need a cotton pad or applicator to wipe them on or off. Next goes the lightest consistency products first, working your way up to the heaviest or thickest. Here are some specifics:

• It is best to start with a clean palette, which means start with a good cleanser. Cleansers are essential for removing dirt, pollution, oil, and makeup from the skin, and they help to prepare the skin for the products that you will be applying later. Look for a gentle cleanser that is suitable for your skin type.
• Next layer is toner, water or essence. These can help restore the skin's pH balance and remove any remaining impurities that the cleanser may have missed. They also help to prepare the skin for the next step. You can skip this step if you have dry skin, but may want to do it twice a day if you are prone to breakouts.
• After toning, it is time to apply serums and other actives. Serums are concentrated formulas that are designed to target specific skin concerns. For example, if you have acne-prone skin, you might choose a serum or active that contains salicylic acid or retinol.
• Next in the layering step is moisturizer. Moisturizers are essential for keeping the skin hydrated and healthy, and they help to lock in the benefits of the previous products that you have applied. If you are prone to very dry skin, you may decide to start here and let your skin “rest” before starting the rest of your layering routine, still ending with another layer of moisturizer. And, if you have very oily skin, you may decide to skip this step.
• Finally, you should apply sunscreen in the am. Sunscreen is essential for all skin types, no matter what you may be prone to, to protect the skin from harmful UV rays, and it should be used every day, regardless of whether you will be spending time in the sun. I apply a layer and then immediately reapply to help make sure I have adequate coverage.

When layering skincare products, it is important to give each product time to absorb before applying the next one. You should also be careful not to overload your skin with too many products. A simple routine that includes a cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer and sunscreen is often all you need.

Bottom Line:

Layering skincare products can be a great way to improve the overall health and appearance of your skin. By choosing the right products and applying them in the correct order, you can now maximize the effectiveness of your skincare routine. Remember to be patient and consistent, give your skin time to adjust and always wear sunscreen, your skin will thank you and you will reward you by looking radiant and beautiful over time.