ORDER OF SKINCARE PRODUCTS: HOW TO LAYER FOR MAXIMUM BENEFITS
Correctly layering products is one of the most important skills you can master in a skincare routine. When you get the order of skincare products right, you ensure your serums, toners, moisturizers, and other essentials can do their jobs. In this article, we explain the art of proper skincare product layering, which can lead to better hydration, clearer skin, and long-term skin health.
Why Does the Order of Skincare Products Matter?
The order of skincare products matters because it can impact absorption, effectiveness, and skin sensitivity. For example, applying oil before a water-based serum can block serum absorption because the oil forms a barrier against the serum. Conversely, applying a spot treatment after moisturizer can reduce the former’s effectiveness because it’s not in direct contact with the skin.
Layering skincare products properly can also help prevent irritation. Using salicylic acid toner for the first time? Moisturizing afterward will not only seal in moisture but can also protect against any potential irritation caused by the ingredient.
General Rules for Layering Skincare Products
Apply Products From Lightest to Heaviest Formulas
When doing skincare product layering, the order of skincare products typically goes like this: lightweight, thinner formulas before heavier and thicker formulas. For example, toner is usually applied before serum and serum usually comes before cream. But, as you’ll see later, there are exceptions to this rule for other types of products.
Let Each Layer Dry Before Moving to the Next Step
Give each skincare product 30 seconds to a minute to dry and absorb into the skin. However, certain products, such as toner, serum, and moisturizer should be applied to slightly damp skin.
How to Layer Skincare Products
Step 1: Cleanser
The order for skincare routine products always starts with cleanser. Use a gentle formula — one that won’t dry out your skin but will remove dirt, oil, and impurities — so your face becomes a clean canvas for other skincare. If you have makeup on, especially hard-to-remove kinds like waterproof mascara or long-lasting eyeliner, double cleanse with a makeup remover during this step.
Thayers currently offers three cleansers: a Blemish Clearing Cleanser that fights and prevents acne, a Hydrating Milky Cleanser that can also remove makeup, and a pH Balancing Cleanser made with moisture-attracting glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
Step 2: Toner
Toners prep the skin for additional products by removing oil, leaving skin feeling refreshed. They can also serve other functions, from exfoliating to hydrating. As the #1 toner brand, we’ve created tons of toners to suit different needs: varieties that reduce pores, clear acne, absorb oil, and strengthen the skin barrier. While most of our toners are meant to be applied with a cotton pad, we also offer toner mists you can spritz on during your routine — or throughout the day to hydrate your skin or refresh your makeup.
Step 3: Acne Spot Treatment
Step 4: Serum
Serums are formulas with high concentrations of skin-enhancing ingredients. Targeted treatments, serums pack a punch and should be applied early in your routine and to the entire face for deep penetration. When it comes to general skincare products order, they go after toner and acne spot treatment but before eye cream and moisturizer. Thayers Double Action Acne Serum fights acne, fades post-acne marks, and maintains the skin’s moisture barrier.
Step 5: Eye Cream
Another exception to the lighter-products-go-first rule: eye creams before moisturizer! Eye creams are formulated with special ingredients that enhance and nourish the eye area. Therefore, they should be applied before moisturizer so they have direct contact with the skin. Because eye-area skin is delicate and thin, make sure you apply eye cream in a gentle patting motion.
Step 6: Moisturizer
Step 7: Sunscreen (Morning Only)
Now, if you’re doing your skincare routine in the morning, sunscreen should always be your last step in your order of skincare products. Sunscreens protect your skin from UV damage and sunburn, and they slow down premature aging. They’re also essential if you apply any products beforehand that make your skin more sensitive to the sun, such as retinoids.
Skincare Product Layering FAQs
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Can I Layer Facial Oils Over Moisturizer?
You can — and should — layer facial oil over moisturizer. Facial oil should go on top of moisturizer because facial oil is thicker than moisturizer. As the last layer, facial oil can also act as a protective layer for moisturizer in this scenario. On a related note, avoid applying oils before water-based products. When oils are applied first, water-based products might have more difficulty properly absorbing into the skin. -
Should I Wait Before Applying Makeup After Skincare?
You should wait before applying makeup after skincare or sunscreen. Give your moisturizer or sunscreen, whichever comes last, 5 to 10 minutes to absorb into your skin before getting glam to ensure smoother makeup application. -
Can I Use Multiple Serums in One Routine?
Yes, you can use multiple serums in one routine but proceed with caution. First, ensure your serums are compatible with each other. Serums with salicylic acid, for example, can be combined with serums containing niacinamide or hyaluronic acid. To avoid irritation, serums with salicylic acid should never be combined with serums containing retinoids or AHA. Secondly, you should layer serums from thin to thick or alternate the days you use each one. -
How Do I Know If I’m Overloading My Skin With Too Many Products?
You will know that you are overloading your skin with too many products when you experience redness, irritation, or clogged pores. Other signs include itchy or bumpy skin. If you’re rebuilding your skincare routine, start with the basics, like cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen, and then slowly reintroduce new products.