As a beginner in your skincare journey, it is crucial to know how to layer your products in the right order to maximize its benefits. Even after having all the best products to treat acne, blackheads, to help with anti-aging or hyperpigmentation, if you are not including it in your skincare routine in the proper order, the results of the products will not be effective. So here is the correct order to layer your skincare products.
STEP 1: CLEANSERS
The first and most important first step in any skin care is to cleanse the skin using a good cleanser to remove dirt and build ups from the skin and to also cleanse your makeup at the end of the day. You can just go with your regular facial cleanser or you can do a double cleansing which is best advised for people that wear makeup.
For double cleansing there are two main types of cleansers:
· Oil-based cleansers which help to remove oil-based impurities and excess sebum on the skin and,
· Water-based cleansers, which are generally foaming cleansers, to remove water-soluble impurities like sweat and dirt.
To double cleanse:
· First apply an oil-based cleanser to the palm of your hand and gently massage into your skin to help break down makeup sebum.
· Rinse off with lukewarm water.
· Instead of drying off with a towel, apply a water-based cleanser and gently massage into your skin.
· Then rinse off with water, but if it is a water-based cleanser with an active ingredient (e.g salicylic acid), allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes before washing off.
· Pat dry with a towel or allow it to air dry.
Double cleansing is not at all compulsory. Washing your face once thoroughly with a good cleanser can also get the job done as well.
How to cleanse well once with a good cleanser
· Apply your preferred cleanser on clean palms and gently massage it into your skin.
· Continue to massage in for at least 60 seconds.
· Rinse off with water, but if your cleanser contains an active ingredient (e.g salicylic acid), allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes before washing off.
STEP 2: TONERS
These are layered second once your face is fully dried, Toners help to replenish the skin through hydration and remove dead cells and dirt left behind after cleansing. They are various types of toners out there so it is best to select the right toner for your skin type.
To use a toner after cleansing, dampen a cotton ball with your toner and gently wipe it all your face.
STEP 3: SERUMS
Be it vitamin C serums, niacinamide serums, serums with glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, retinol, azelaic acids. These serums are layer as the third step of your skincare routine.
Tips to remember when applying serums
· First allow your toner from the previous application properly absorb into the skin before going in with it your serums
· If you are using a dropper bottle, avoid the dropper coming into contact with the face, it is best applied on the palm then pat on to the face.
STEP 4: MOISTURIZERS
Depending on your skin type be it an oily skin, dry skin, or a combination of both, there are different types of moisturizers, so find a moisturizer that works best with your skin type and layer it after applying your serums ( give the serums at least 10-20 minutes to properly absorb into the skin).
STEP 5: SUNSCREEN
Sunscreens are the last of your skincare routine before proceeding to wear makeup (optional). After you’ve layered your skincare products accordingly, you seal it up with a sunscreen to protect against skin aging and cancer.
Tips to know when using sunscreen
· It is best advised to select a sunscreen between SPF 30 – SPF 50 for maximum sun protection.
· Should be re-applied every 2 hours.
· Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going under the sun.
These are only a few skincare products, but these are the most basic skincare products you should have in your routine as a beginner and laying your products will help you achieve results.