Layering Skincare 101
A well-crafted skincare routine is truly transformative beyond the surface.
Properly layering your skincare can make a world of difference in tackling various skin concerns, amplifying the benefits of active ingredients, and ensuring your skin looks and feels its best. Your skin is a natural barrier, and understanding the optimal way to enhance absorption and efficacy is key to unlocking the true potential of your complexion.
From the thinnest to the thickest textures, each layer should build upon the last to create a symphony of nourishment and rejuvenation for your skin. Additionally, morning and nighttime skincare routines cater to different needs. This will look a little different for everyone, however a good guide to follow is that your morning routine should start with cleansing and include protection from environmental stressors (think SPF!), while your nighttime wind down should include deep cleansing and star deeply nourishing and repairing formulas to aid in cellular turnover.
This doesn’t necessarily mean you need many more products though - it could be as simple as applying a thicker layer of your face oil and/or moisturizer in the evening, and using the same morning cleanser to double cleanse, helping to remove residue from the day, along with makeup.
Above all, it’s important to find what works for you and your uniquely beautiful skin! Remember, real skin has texture, pores, fine lines, breakouts, blackheads, acne, scars… love yourself with all of it. Be kind to yourself and your skin.
Ready to layer up? Here’s our easy guide for a comprehensive skincare layering technique…
1. Cleanse
The first step is always cleansing. Once you’ve done this, an easy rule of thumb to follow is to apply your products with the thinnest consistency to thickest, or from liquid to oil. Start by using a gentle cleanser such as our Balancing Vitamin Cleanser to remove impurities, excess oil and makeup from your face without stripping the skin. Cleansing prepares your skin by creating a clean canvas ready to absorb all the nutrients and active ingredients in the steps to follow.
2. Toners/Mists
After cleansing, you may like to invigorate your skin with a refreshing toner or mist. Not everyone uses toners, and you may not feel you need one if you follow your cleanser with a hydrating water-based serum (see next point). If you do choose to include a toner, these light-weight and watery formulations work to balance the skin's pH levels, tighten pores and provide an extra layer of hydration. Look for toners that contain hydrating and soothing ingredients like aloe vera, rose water and chamomile. Apply the toner with a cotton pad or simply mist it onto your face for a burst of micronutrients and hydration, and allow it to set in for a minute (or two) for full absorption.
3. Serums
Serums are the skincare superheroes, delivering potent active ingredients to target specific skin concerns. When selecting a serum, it all comes down to having the right scientific actives, in the right concentrations and forms to get real results. Our top 2 to look for in a serum are skincare powerhouses Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid, which you’ll find in our Pro-Collagen Vitamin Serum.
4. Face Oils
Facial oils are designed to mimic the natural lipid layer of the skin, and can help to improve and protect your skin’s natural barrier function. Opt for a highly-absorptive and non-comedogenic blend (meaning it won’t clog your precious pores) such as our Luminous Vitamin Oil. It’s rich in hero antioxidant and natural retinol alternative Bakuchiol, which is suitable for all skin types. Allow the oil 60 seconds after application to merge with your skin. You’ll be left with a beautifully illuminated complexion that feels nourished and balanced, without any oily residue. Depending on your skin type and the seasons, you may prefer to keep the oil just for your evening routine, if you find your skin is oily or combination.
5. Moisturizer
As the second last layer in the morning, and at the end of your evening routine, seal in your skincare with a moisturizer to deeply hydrate and replenish your skin. Try a thicker layer at night to provide extra rejuvenation while you get your beauty sleep. Formed from the emulsion of an oil, water plus wax or paste, moisturizers serve to prevent transepidermal water loss and increase overall hydration. Try our light-weight yet deeply nourishing Probiotic Vitamin Moisturiser, formulated with a science-backed strain of Lactobacillus probiotic to effectively support the skin’s microbiome and restore optimal skin pH, leaving your face soft, supple and glowing.
6. SPF
Round out your morning skincare routine by applying a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 - ideally SPF 50 though - to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and to prevent premature ageing. Look for a zinc-based broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Remember to reapply every two hours if you’ll be spending prolonged periods in direct sunlight, and after swimming or sweating!
Top tip: Remember your décolletage! The skin on our neck and chest is often overlooked in our morning and evening skincare rituals, however it’s just as delicate and in need of care and topical nourishment as your face. Applying your skincare to your décolletage can help prevent signs of aging and maintain healthy skin in the area.