Raise your hand if you’ve ever been personally victimized by skincare product layering?!
You’ve probably thought on more than one occasion: Do I apply face oil once or twice a day? Does a hydrating serum go on before or after my rose water toner? And when the heck should I incorporate a retinol cream?
Having a solid routine isn’t all that effective if you’re not allowing your favorite products to penetrate your skin at the best times, so knowing when to apply them is key. To help tackle this skincare layering SOS, we’re providing a simple guide for proper product layering, as well as a few MOZ product recommendations that can be incorporated into your A.M. and P.M. routines.
Cleanser (Morning and Night)
Cleansing your face is the first step in any skincare routine, whether it be morning or night! Lather your face with your go-to cleanser and rinse with lukewarm water. Pat (never rub) your face until dry.
Hydrating Mist or Toner (Morning and/or Night)
Many neglect this step as they fear toners will strip their skin of essential oils. If facial toners contain harsh and harmful chemicals, they can certainly irritate your face. However, mists or toners that contain nourishing and soothing properties will leave your skin feeling hydrated and moisturized.
And remember, too much moisture is never a bad thing. It works well for every skin type and who doesn’t love a good hydration situation?! To help keep skin clean and soft, tighten pores, reduce redness, and more, try our toner made with organic Moroccan rose water.
Our formula is free of parabens, GMOs, phthalates, mineral oil, petrolatum, fragrances, and artificial colors! It can also be sprayed directly onto skin or used with a cotton pad.
Hydrating Serum (Morning and/or Night)
The great thing about hydrating serums is that they can be used at any time of day! In the morning, we recommend using a serum that is antioxidant-based such as vitamin C. It helps to protect against daily pollutants and works to brighten, lighten, and tighten skin over time. In the evening, opt for a serum that contains hyaluronic acid, as it keeps your skin moisturized while you catch some z’s. Check out our rejuvenating and restoring serums!
Eye Cream (Morning and Night)
Remember: The skin around your eyes is thin and delicate and can easily be irritated, so choosing a cream that’s fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin is key. This area is also prone to showing signs of aging, so be on the lookout for eye products that can help reduce the appearance of fines lines, wrinkles, darkness, and puffiness!
Treatment (Night)
Treatments, whether they’re for active acne, dark spots, or acne scars, work best at night because that’s when our skin repairs itself. For active acne, treatments that contain salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are best. The former helps to dissolve oil and skin cells while the latter destroys acne-causing bacteria. Take that clogged pores and crusty pimples!
To reduce the appearance of dark spots and acne scars, treatments with niacinamide are recommended, as they help to brighten facial marks over time.
Cleansing and Hydrating Mask (Night)
Oh sheet, did someone say mask time?!
Whether you’re a fan of sheet, clay, or mud masks, these cleansing and hydrating heroes work hard to rid your skin of impurities. Sheet masks contain vitamins and minerals to help give your skin a lil’ boost in hydration, leaving behind a brighter and smoother complexion.
If you prefer getting down and dirty, clay and/or mud masks work just as well to remove debris and other toxins, while keeping oil and acne under control. Searching for a new pore-cleansing confidant (or two)? Try our Dead Sea Mud Mask or Charcoal Peel Off Mask, which conveniently come in a kit!
Moisturizer (Morning and Night)
Write this down. Memorize it. Tattoo it somewhere. Moisturizer is your best friend. We repeat. Moisturizer is your best friend!
Moisturizers are key because they help seal in all the products you’ve used. In the A.M., opt for moisturizers that are light and gentle and that contain SPF if you don’t plan on adding a separate sunscreen. At night, you ideally want your moisturizer to rejuvenate your skin. We recommend using anti-aging night products such as our retinol cream to help hydrate, soften, and nourish. Whether you have oily, sensitive, dry, combination, or acne-prone skin, never skip out on moisturizing!
Face Oil (Morning and/or Night)
If you’re looking for an extra dose of radiance, try incorporating a face oil into your routine. And although oils aren’t all that moisturizing on their own, they can help to further smooth and soften skin when layered over other products. But remember that oils, due to their lipophilic properties, can penetrate serums, treatments, and moisturizers, but these products can’t do the same to oils. Therefore, applying oils last is always the way to glow.
Sunscreen (Morning)
Sunscreen is a crucial part of a morning skincare routine. Sun protecting products are also not meant to penetrate products like oils do. Their purpose is to protect more than anything else so make sure you’re choosing a sunscreen that ideally contains SPF 30 or higher. And never apply other products after sunscreen, as they can reduce its effectiveness!
Rule of Thumb
If you’re ever doubting your product order, remember this simple phrase: thick to thin is ineffective for my skin. Whether it’s a simple 3-step morning regimen or an 8-step at-home facial weekend ritual, applying your products from the thinnest to the thickest will yield the best results!