If you are one of those people who love Korean films, you have probably seen them put 10 different skincare products on their faces before going to bed. This is what they call “skincare layering” in the beauty world. This was adopted by different beauty gurus and celebrities due to its popularity.
By layering your products, you are ensuring that each one can penetrate the skin and work its magic. Layering also helps to customize your skincare routine according to your needs. You’ve probably seen tons of Celebrity skincare routines but what is the right way to layer your skincare? Which goes first and which should be used in the AM or PM?
This blog post will give you the complete morning and evening skincare layering guide. Read on to know if you’re doing it right!
How To Layer Morning Skincare
AM skincare is all about prevention. It involves using products that protect your skin from the sun and environmental pollutants.
Layer 1: Use a gentle cleanser
The best way to start your day is with a fresh clean face. With that, the first on our layering list is a facial cleanser.
There are two types of facial cleansers – oil-based and water-based. Start with an oil-based cleanser then wash your face again with a water-based cleanser. It is important to double cleanse your skin because the first cleanse will help you remove the top layers of dirt, makeup, and excess oil while the second cleanse will penetrate the pores deeper and help smoothen and deeply exfoliate the skin.
Layer 2: Toner to Balance the Skin’s pH
Toner helps to remove any remaining dirt or makeup and it also helps to balance the pH levels of the skin. Start by applying your toner to a cotton ball or pad and swipe in an upward motion. Avoid toners with a high level of alcohol to prevent irritation.
Layer 3: Vitamin C Serum
There are many different types of vitamin C serum, and each type has its own set of benefits. Some serums are made with antioxidants that can help to protect your skin against sun damage. Others are formulated with ingredients that can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
No matter what your specific needs may be, there is a vitamin C serum out there that can help to improve the appearance of your skin.
Layer 4: Acne Treatment
If you have a blemish or acne on your face, an acne spot treatment cream is a quick fix to dry it. There are a few things to keep in mind when using an acne cream on your face. It is important to make sure that you are not using too much of the product, as this can cause your skin to become irritated.
Skip this step if you don’t have spots or if you want to wait for it to dry out without touching the area.
Layer 5: Eye Cream
The skin around the eyes is very sensitive and prone to skin damage. Because the area is very thin, it is very easy to develop early signs of aging, wrinkles, dark spots, puffiness, and fine lines.
Applying an eye cream with caffeine or vitamin A may help brighten the skin and make it look more rested. Don’t skip this step, especially if you often sleep late at night.
Layer 6: Light Moisturizer
One of the best ways to start your day is by moisturizing your skin. By doing so, you’ll give your skin the hydration it needs to look and feel its best.
If your skin is well-hydrated, it will look healthier and more radiant. This is because hydrated skin reflects light better than dry skin, which can give you a youthful appearance.
Layer 7: Don’t Skip SPF
Sunscreen is absolutely essential since the goal of morning skincare is to protect the skin. Sunscreen can help block UV lights and prevent the early signs of aging. When choosing a good sunscreen, the American Cancer Society recommends using one with an SPF30 or higher. Using sunscreen may also lower the risk of skin cancer.
Layer 8: Makeup
Apply your makeup and start your day!
Now that we’ve covered the morning skincare layering guide, let’s now discuss how to layer your evening skincare.
How To Layer Evening Skincare
PM skincare, on the other hand, is all about repair. It involves using products that help reverse the signs of aging and skin damage. Since it is not advisable to use skincare products that make the skin sensitive to light during the day, we will incorporate these types of products (exfoliants and peels) into your evening routine.
Layer 1: Micellar Water/Makeup Remover (Anything but makeup wipes)
You may be tempted to use makeup wipes to clean your face in the evening, but makeup wipes actually don’t wipe off grime, sweat, and dirt. They leave out residues that might cause acne and bacteria and may contain chemicals that can disrupt the skin’s pH (Read more about it here).
Instead, use an oil based make up cleanser or a gentle micellar water.
Layer 2: Double Cleanse
Celebrities like Kim Kardasian and Hailey Bieber are fans of double cleansing.
Double cleansing is the process of using an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen, followed by a water-based cleanser to cleanse the skin. This two-step process is especially important if you wear heavy or long-wearing makeup, as it can be difficult to remove completely with a single wipe.
The oil-based cleanser breaks down the makeup and sunscreen, while the water-based cleanser helps to remove any remaining dirt or oil. By using two different types of cleansers, you're getting your face clean and removing all the built-up gunk that's been sitting on your skin all day.
Layer 3: Toner
One reason why toner is so important is that it helps to maintain your skin's natural pH level, which can be disrupted by using certain skincare products and even by not washing your face properly at night. Maintaining this level of acidity in your skin is vital for keeping it healthy and preventing outbreaks of problem skin.
Layer 4: Exfoliate with Acids
Acids have long been used in skincare because they can help enhance your skin's health by removing dead cells and allowing new ones to grow. This is key because it allows the active ingredients in your skincare products to penetrate the skin more effectively, which means better and faster results.
For starters, try using a glycolic acid to help exfoliate dead skin cells for a brighter complexion. You may also try salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid.
Note: Skin purging may happen if you are using a high concentrated amount. Read more about skin purging and the skin’s adjustment period here.
Layer 5: Antioxidant Serum
Skin layering is all about moisturization and hydration, that is why serums and essence are an important part of this routine.
Serums that contain vitamin C are a great way to boost your skin’s overall health. Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen, which is necessary for healthy skin while essences help restore the natural pH balance of your skin, which can be disrupted by pollution, sun exposure, and other environmental factors.
Layer 6: Acne Spot Treatment
One of the best ways to treat acne is with a spot treatment. Spot treatments are formulated to treat the blemishes that are associated with acne. They contain ingredients that can help to unclog the pores, reduce inflammation, and kill bacteria.
There are many different spot treatments available, so you can find one that is suited to your skin type. If you have oily skin, you may want to choose a product that contains salicylic acid. If you have dry skin, you may want to choose a product that contains benzoyl peroxide.
Layer 7: Face Mask or Hydrating Serum
These two are often overlooked but they actually are one of the greatest steps in skin layering. Nothing is too hydrating when it comes to layering.
Your skin repairs itself while you sleep, so it’s important to use products that will help it regenerate. A hydrating face mask will help your skin retain moisture, while a serum will help boost collagen production. Both products are essential for keeping your skin healthy and youthful looking.
So, if you want to wake up with beautiful, hydrated skin, be sure to use a hydrating face mask and serum at night.
Layer 8: Eye Cream
It can take anywhere from 2-8 hours for a skincare product to fully absorb into the skin, so it's best to apply your eye cream before bed. During those 8 hours, your skin is also repairing itself and regenerating, which means that whatever you put on your skin will be able to absorb better than it would during the day.
Try it and see how you’ll wake up with brighter under eye!
Layer 9: Night Cream
A night cream with Vitamin C and Vitamin E can help provide a radiant glow to the skin, while protecting from harmful free radicals.
In addition, applying a night cream before bedtime will also help you sleep better at night because it helps replenish the skin's natural oils that are lost during the day.
Your night cream should be applied in a thin layer and gently massaged over face and neck.
Layer 10: Lip Mask
Lip masks can help to improve the appearance of your lips. Using a lip mask at night allows the ingredients to be absorbed by your lips overnight, which can make them look healthier and smoother.
We recommend this lip balm from M3 naturals.
Sources:
https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/choose-the-right-sunscreen.html
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/order-of-skin-care#night-routine