Much like a finely crafted recipe, layering skincare products is all about timing and texture. When done correctly, it can transform your routine from a simple ritual into a self-care masterpiece. The order in which you layer your skincare products is key, ensuring that your skin absorbs every nourishing ingredient to its fullest potential. Skincare products layering might seem straightforward, but there’s a method to this glow-inducing magic.
The Core Rule: Thinnest to Thickest
At its essence, skincare layering follows the simple rule: apply your skincare products from the thinnest to the thickest. This sequence allows serums, toners, and moisturizers to penetrate deeply before being sealed in by richer creams and oils (1). If in doubt, remember this guideline and you'll be layering like a pro.
Tip: Apply on Damp Skin
For the ultimate glow, try applying your skincare products to slightly damp skin. Like a sponge, damp skin is more receptive, absorbing serums and moisturizers with ease (2). This is a classic trick in the skincare world, ensuring every drop of your skincare products does its job. After cleansing, pat your face with a towel, but leave a hint of moisture.
Your Morning Routine:
The morning routine is all about protection and hydration. It sets the tone for how your skin will handle the day’s elements, from sunlight to pollution. Here’s a sample routine to apply your skincare products that you can use as a step-by-step guide:
1. Cleanse with Refresh or Revive:
Begin with a clean slate using Refresh or Revive. These cleansers are your go-to for removing the night’s buildup, preparing your skin for what comes next.
2. Tone Pads:
There is a reason Tone is one of our top sellers. Our multi-acid pads for a more even skin tone, smoother texture, and radiant glow. They're your ultimate glow-boosters and also give a helping hand to your other products, making them sink in better! Start using them 2-3 times a week to let your skin acclimate (4). Think of them as a gentle nudge towards clearer skin, gradually making them a regular in your routine.
3. Antioxidant Serum: Illuminate or iS Clinical Pro Heal:
Your next step is an antioxidant serum like Illuminate or iS Clinical Pro Heal. These serums act as your skin’s armor, shielding it from environmental stressors. Antioxidants like Vitamin C and E are known to protect the skin from free radicals and UV damage, which can accelerate aging (5). A few drops go a long way in building that protective layer against daily damage.
4. Serums: Glow or Restore
Layering in a hydrating serum like Glow or Restore is like giving your skin a glass of water. Hyaluronic acid, often found in these types of serums, attracts moisture to the skin, helping it stay hydrated and plump (6). Gently pat it in, and don’t forget about your neck and chest.
5. Moisturizer: Brighten or Quench:
Now, lock in all the hydration with a moisturizer. Choose Brighten for a lightweight feel that fades sun damage or Quench if your skin craves an extra dose of nourishment. This step seals in the moisture and keeps your skin soft throughout the day (7).
6. Eye Cream:
The delicate skin around the eyes needs its own attention. Lightly dab on iS Clinical’s Youth Eye or Obagi’s Elastiderm to hydrate and protect this sensitive area, creating a smooth base for makeup (or just an awake look) (8).
7. Sunscreen (SPF): Essential 1, Essential 2, or Essential 3
The final layer is the most crucial: sunscreen. Our Essential sunscreens create a barrier against UV rays, the number one cause of premature aging. It’s the step that ties everything together, keeping your skin safe throughout the day (9).
Your Evening Routine:
Nighttime is when your skin goes into repair mode, making it the perfect opportunity to use skincare products that support renewal. Here’s how to end your day on the right note:
1.Oil Cleanser: Remove:
Begin with Remove, an oil cleanser that breaks down makeup, sunscreen, and the day’s buildup. Oil cleansers dissolve impurities without stripping your skin’s natural oils, setting the stage for a deeper cleanse (10).
2. Cleanse with Refresh or Revive:
Follow up with a gentle cleanser like Refresh or Revive to wash away any lingering debris. Double cleansing has long been a staple in skincare routines for its ability to give you that true, clean slate feeling (11). Click here to learn more about double cleansing.
3. Serums: Glow or Restore:
After cleansing, it’s time to replenish with Glow or Restore serums. These products flood your skin with hydration, helping repair the skin barrier and locking in moisture for a supple, dewy finish (12).
4. Retinol: Obagi Retivance
Next comes Retivance, a retinol-based product that’s a powerhouse in promoting cell turnover and smoothing the skin. Retinol has been shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation over time (13). Start with a few times a week and build up as your skin becomes more tolerant.
5. Moisturizer: Quench or Brighten
Seal in all the previous layers with Quench or Brighten. This final step locks in moisture and ensures that your skin wakes up feeling soft and nourished. (14).
Tips for Customizing Your Routine
1.Start Slow: Introduce new products like Tone or Retivance gradually, 2-3 times a week, to allow your skin to adapt (15).
2. Listen to Your Skin: Feel free to tweak your routine based on how your skin feels. Dry or sensitive? Opt for more hydrating products and scale back on actives like retinol.
3. Patch Test: Always patch test new products to ensure compatibility with your skin and minimize the risk of irritation (16).
Layering skincare products is less about following strict rules and more about understanding your skin's needs. By applying products from thinnest to thickest and taking the time to massage them into slightly damp skin, you're setting the stage for a complexion that looks and feels its best. Have questions about your skincare products routine? Schedule a consultation with our Aestehtic Provider here.
References
1. Lortscher, D. (2021). How to Layer Your Skincare Products Like a Pro. [Curology]( https://curology.com/ ).
2. Jaliman, D. (2023). Why Applying Skincare to Damp Skin Works Wonders. [Allure]( https://www.allure.com/ ).
3. Cleveland Clinic. (2022). How to Properly Cleanse Your Face. [clevelandclinic.org]( https://my.clevelandclinic.org/ ).
4. Bowe, W. (2018). The Importance of Using a Toner. [Dermatology Times]( https://www.dermatologytimes.com/ ).
5. Lin, J.Y., & Fisher, D.E. (2007). Antioxidants in Dermatology. [Dermatologic Therapy]( https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/ ).
6. Rouleau, R. (2020). Why You Need a Hydrating Serum. [Renee Rouleau Skincare]( https://www.reneerouleau.com/ ).
7. Harper, A. (2021). Moisturizers: What They Do and Why You Need One. [Byrdie]( https://www.byrdie.com/ ).
8. American Academy of Ophthalmology. (n.d.). Do Eye Creams Really Work? [aao.org]( https://www.aao.org/ ).
9. Mayo Clinic. (2023). Why Sunscreen is a Must for Healthy Skin. [mayoclinic.org]( https://www.mayoclinic.org/ ).
10. Zeichner, J. (2021). Benefits of Oil Cleansing for the Skin. [Healthline]( https://www.healthline.com/ ).
11. Hirsh, R. (2019). The Power of Double Cleansing. [Dermstore]( https://www.dermstore.com/ ).
12. Davis,K. (2022). Serums and Their Benefits for Your Skin. [Verywell Health]( https://www.verywellhealth.com/ ).
13. Dr. Baumann, L. (2007). Retinol in Dermatology. [Journal of Dermatology]( https://www.journalofdermatology.com/ ).
14. American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Choosing a Moisturizer That Works. [aad.org]( https://www.aad.org/ ).
15. Carroll, A. (2023). How to Introduce New Skincare Products. [Harper's Bazaar]( https://www.harpersbazaar.com/ ).
16. Levy, R. (2022). The Importance of Patch Testing Skincare Products. [Self]( https://www.self.com/ ).