How To Layer your Skinceuticals Products

By Kali (Lead Medical Aesthetician, Brandon MB)

If you really want to see results with your skincare, it’s not only important to use the right products, but also to use them properly in your routine. A basic understanding of the order of skincare products is to begin with thinner products, and layer until you reach thicker, cream-based textures. To utilize your products effectively, follow our guide to understand the correct order of how to layer your Skinceuticals products.

Reshare

1. Cleanse
Before applying any skincare, always start with a clean slate. Begin your skincare routine with a cleanser to remove makeup, oil and dirt that has built up throughout the day. Ensuring you cleanse your skin properly provides a blank canvas for the skincare products to come. If makeup, dirt and excess oil remain, the products that follow are less likely to be effectively absorbed.
Cleansing should take place in the morning, evening and after excessive sweating. As a general approach, apply facial cleanser to damp skin, massage the product into your skin, and wash off with warm water.

2. Tone
Facial toners should always be the second step in your skincare routine. Apply a small amount onto a cotton round and smooth over face, neck and chest to remove any leftover residue, balance and prime skin for the next steps.

3. Antioxidants (Morning) and Retinol (Night)

Using an antioxidant daily helps protect against environmental aggressors and free radicals that can destroy DNA, cell membranes and structures, and can lead to skin cancer and premature aging. Common Antioxidants include Vitamins A, C and E. Vitamin C serums should be used daily in the morning, by applying a few drops to face, neck and decollete.
There are many benefits to using a pure retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, in your nighttime routine. This powerhouse product increases cell turnover, boosts collagen and regulates oil production. Sunlight decreases the efficacy of retinol and therefore it should only be used at night. Apply a pea size amount of retinol to clean, dry skin, avoiding the eye area. Allow product to absorb into the skin before continuing with other skincare products.

4. Additional Serums (Optional)
Facial serums are thin, lightweight products formulated with higher concentrations of active ingredients. The primary ingredient in the serum will dictate the benefits it provides skin. In addition to antioxidants, facial serums can boost hydration, calm skin, or treat acne.

5. Eye Cream
The skin around the eyes is thinner than the rest of the face, requiring tailored skincare products. Introducing an eye cream to your routine can help protect and care for this delicate area. Apply a small amount of cream and gently pat into the skin with your ring finger, avoiding contact with the eye.

6. Moisturize
Applying an effective facial moisturizer is a key step in any skincare routine. Moisturizers deliver hydration, while also creating a barrier and sealing in the ingredients previously applied, ensuring they penetrate the skin. Moisturizing is important for all skin types – dry, normal, combination, oily and sensitive. It is important to use a moisturizer best suited for your skin and concerns. Apply to face, neck and decollete twice daily.

7. Protect (Morning)
The last step in your morning skincare routine should always be sunscreen. Wearing it every day is the single best thing you can do to care for your skin. UV radiation is present every day, and through all seasons. While UVB is at higher levels during the summer months, UVA is strong all-year round. It can penetrate through dark clouds and glass, meaning that our skin can still sustain damage even on overcast days or inside. UVA rays are responsible for sun damage, skin cancer and premature aging. Small amounts of sun exposure add up over time, which is why it’s best to develop a habit of applying a dime size amount to face, neck and chest each and every day.

PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS