I was actually thinking about this the other day as I stared at my bottle of The Ordinary Salicylic Acid confused as to if I should be applying it before or after my serum. Before I knew it, I was knee deep in researching this topic and decided to put together a little guide to layering your skincare.
The sequence of applying your skincare products is actually just as important as actually choosing the right products. I mean, if you’re spending $100 on a bottle of expensive serum, it’s important to apply it properly. It’s quite simple actually and so many people have stated simply: go thinnest to thickest product. I think this is a very practical trip to remember but one tends to forget which would be.
Correct Way to Layering Skincare
- Cleanse: Very very very obvious here I know, but I mean actually properly cleanse your skin. Not wipe down with a face wipe (plz no). Pick your fave face cleanser and grab your Clarisonic for this first step. Follow with an exfoliation routine if you have one.
- Toner: My fave! Toners are almost water like in consistency and removes any leftover makeup and daily gunk residue from your face and neck. Pick the one that serves your purpose, soak a cotton pad and swipe it across your skin post cleansing. It’ll really help the next products get absorbed in your skin.
- Serum: This is a super potent and very thin product. Serums should go right after you have toned and cleansed your skin for maximum effect. One of my all time faves is the Ole Henriksen Vitamin C.
- Spot Treatment: This is how I solved my little acid application question. I used to add this at the very END of the entire skincare process but turns out, it should be applied in the beginning of this process! Dab it right after your serum.
- Eye Cream: Simple and to the point, this should be applied before your moisturizer. One of my favourite products that literally brings my face to life at 7am (even beats out coffee).
- Moisturizer: Undeniably this is the thickest product in your skincare arsenal and should be the last one. Lather this on to really lock in the hydration and all the other benefits.
And that is pretty much it! Quick little guide on how to apply and layer your skincare that will push your products soooo much further!
