Layering your skin & body care products: Is it really necessary?

Let's be honest - when walking through the skin care aisles, the sheer number of products and options can be intimidating and overwhelming. Thankfully, it doesn't have to be! If you don't know where to start, or wondering what to apply in what order, this blog will cover it all! 

While the term "skin care" is usually used for facial products, layering for your body care regimen is just as important. Thankfully, the order for layering is relatively the same for both your face and your body. 

 But what exactly does "layering" mean? The main concept behind layering is to apply products in a specific order to allow optimal absorption and interaction with the skin. The order of application is usually based on the product's consistency, with lighter products applied first and heavier products applied last. 

Start Clean: Before you layer any product on your face or body, it is absolutely essential that you start on a clean canvas. That means removing dirt, oil, or makeup. If you're looking for vegan cleansers that are soft on skin, try our collection here. 

*Pro tip: Exfoliating is very helpful in removing old, dead skin cells. It is good to exfoliate no more than 3x a week to ensure old skin is removed and your products are able to really be absorbed into the skin. We have an amazing collection of exfoliants here.

Rule of thumb: When layering your products, it's best to remember to start with the thinnest, most water-like products first then working your way up to the thickest, which allows each product to absorb properly into the skin.

Design by Maya Chastain

 

Incorporate serums: Serums are highly concentrated formulas that target specific skincare concerns. They are highly concentrated with ingredients that can absorb deeply into the skin. Apply serums after toner, but before moisturizer to combat concerns like aging skin, hydration, or brightening skin. 

Don't forget to moisturize!: Moisturizers are necessary for providing hydration and sealing in all the previous layers of skincare products. Make sure you choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type and concerns. Apply it after serums to create a protective barrier. Of course we have an amazing selection of our own in-house moisturizers along with other brands we know and trust. Check out our moisturizing collection here. 

Protect with sunscreen: The final step in your routine should be applying sunscreen, mostly during the daytime. Sunscreen can help the skin from harmful UV rays and helps to prevent premature aging and skin damage. 

Seems simple enough right? Well, like everything else in life, there are a few things to consider.

Skin Irritants: Using a multitude of products in a routine increases the likelihood of inflammatory responses. Each product has a variety of active ingredients and combining them with other ingredients could cause an adverse reaction that leads to irritation, redness or even breakouts. If you have sensitive skin, this can be even more troubling. 

Skin overload: Layering products can overwhelm skin if using a lot of new products and prohibit skin from benefiting.  This could lead to product buildup, clogged pores, and troubled skin. 

Well, how can I layer products the right way?

Layering products is necessary. No one product can deliver everything our skin desires for it to thrive. To make sure your routine is effective, try to start small.

I know, I know. Some of the professionals swear by a 10-step product routine, but starting with a 2- or 3- step routine will give you a better idea of which products work best for you. If you first started with a cleanser, exfoliating product, toner, serum, moisturizer, eye cream, oil, and sunscreen, you wouldn't be able to identify which products are working or alternatively, which product is causing you to breakout - or maybe its a combination of products that are leading to a breakout. 

The foundational elements in any skincare or body care regimen is:

1. Cleanser

2. Moisturizer

3. Sunscreen

You can build from there over the next weeks when you recognize which products work for you and what your skincare concerns are.