How to Layer Your Skincare Like a Pro

June 27, 2023 Oona Oglesby

Everyone’s skincare routine is different, and while each of us has specific skincare needs depending on our skin type, choosing the right products is only half the story. Because, no matter which products you use, the order in which you use your products–aka layering–is crucial, and if you are doing it wrong, you could be diminishing the efficacy of your skincare products. Whether your routine is three steps, or a full ten-step K beauty routine, the foundation to achieving any kind of result is to apply them in the correct order. The main rule to follow when it comes to layering skincare products is to apply them from lightest to heaviest and the general order is cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, and SPF. But it doesn’t end there. Read on for our guide on how to layer your skincare like a pro.

Why Is Layering Your Skincare Important?

Different skincare products are formulated with different ingredients and usually fall into two categories: oil- or water-based. Oil-based skincare products are formulated with a higher concentration of oils or oil-based ingredients and work to lock in moisture and create a protective barrier. Oil-based products can include facial oils, oil-based cleansers, and oil-based moisturizers. Water-based skincare products have a higher water content in their formulation. These products are used to hydrate: in other words, deliver or draw water into the skin. Examples of water-based products include toners, essences, serums, and gel-based moisturizers.

When it comes to layering, the sequence matters. You wouldn't put on moisturizer or SPF before cleansing, because then you’d be washing off the product you just applied. Similarly, if you apply an oil based product before a water-based product it would create a barrier preventing the latter from effectively reaching your skin. Applying your skincare products in the right order allows each product to do its job and enhances the overall benefits for your skin.

What Are the Most Common Mistakes People Make When Layering Skincare Products?

When it comes to layering skincare products, there are a few common mistakes that can hinder the effectiveness of your routine. In addition to the sequence in which you layer your products (follow the general rule of layering products from thinnest to thickest consistency), many of us move too quickly, preventing each product from having enough time to absorb before moving on to the next step.

How Long Should You Wait Between Product Applications?

The waiting time between applying each skincare product can vary depending on the product itself and its specific instructions. However, as a general guideline, it is recommended to wait about one to two minutes between applying each product. This allows sufficient time for the previous product to be absorbed into the skin before moving on to the next step. Another unfavorable result of not giving your products time to absorb is pilling. If your product isn’t fully set, when you go to massage the next product in, the two can combine and roll up into small, lint-like balls.

The Best Way to Layer Your Skincare

Cleanse

The first step in any skincare routine? Cleansing, of course! Cleansers, whether they be gentle foaming formulations or creamy balms, play a pivotal role in every skincare routine, removing impurities, excess oil, and dirt. For those who require a deeper clean, the practice of double cleansing is an excellent option. This two-step process involves an initial cleanse with an oil-based product to dissolve makeup and impurities, followed by a water-based cleanser to purify and invigorate the skin.

2. Exfoliate

Exfoliation always comes after cleansing and before applying other skincare products in your skincare routine. Cleansing washes away dirt, makeup, and other skin impurities. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to acne and also helps other products penetrate more effectively. The frequency of exfoliation depends on your skin type and the type of exfoliant you're using, but most experts recommend a couple of times a week.

3. Tone

Loaded with beneficial ingredients like acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories, toners and mists provide a boost to any skincare routine. These products should be used right after cleansing, as damp skin is more permeable than dry skin. Toners also work to help recalibrate the skin’s pH balance after exposure to chlorine or minerals in tap water during cleansing and can remove any debris your cleanser might have missed.

4. Serums

Serums are always applied after cleansing and toning and before your moisturizer. Designed to deliver high concentrations of specific active ingredients to the skin, serums are light, easily absorbed oil- or water-based liquids and only a few drops are required to treat your whole face. You can also layer multiple serums, but remember to start with the lightest and most active, for example, apply a brightening Vitamin C serum first, then follow with a moisturizing Squalane serum.

5. Moisturizers

Moisturizers do more than add hydration and lock in moisture, they also seal in your toners and serums, which can make both more effective. Once the previous steps in your skincare routine have been absorbed, apply either a water- or oil-based moisturizer to prevent transepidermal water loss and keep the skin smooth and supple. And don't forget about the delicate skin around your eyes and lips. Incorporating targeted eye creams and lip treatments in your routine can help hydrate, protect, and nourish these areas, ensuring a comprehensive approach to skincare layering.

6. SPF

You may have heard people say that if you don’t wear sunscreen you shouldn’t bother having a skincare routine at all, which is why SPF should always be the ultimate step in your skincare layering routine. Whether you use a moisturizer or foundation infused with sun protection or simply a no-fuss, broad spectrum mineral sunscreen, this (along with cleansing) is a non-negotiable.

How to Layer Your Skincare for Your Skin Type

We know we set out the skincare layering rules above, but sometimes rules are made to be broken as, depending on your skin types, there may be instances where switching up the order of application has its own particular benefits. For example, if you have sensitive skin, applying a moisturizer before an active ingredient like Retinol can work as a mild barrier, reducing the likelihood of irritation, while still allowing the active to do its work. If you have oily skin and are using multiple water-based serums in your routine, always use an acid-containing serum first to allow it to work before adding a hydrating serum on top.