How to Layer Skin Care Products For Best Results

Layering in Skin Care

Layering skincare is basically understanding which product to start with and what follows. You may have your hands on ample formulas, but only consistent and proper use can get you the desired results. Efficiently layering skincare products ensures that each product is optimally absorbed. The key is to start with the lightest products and progress to heavier ones, allowing each layer to penetrate the skin and work its magic. Once you figure out how to layer skincare, the rest is clockwork.

How to Layer Skincare for Morning Routine

We often forget that the skin has a mind of its own. It functions differently in the day and at night, which naturally changes the way we plan on layering skincare. A morning skincare routine is meant to set the tone for the day. The purpose of layering skincare in mornings is to keep your skin hydrated, oil-balanced, and protected from environmental aggressors. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to layer skincare products in the morning:

Cleanse

Your face tends to accumulate dust, dirt, and excessive sebum overnight. This is why layering skincare always begins with a cleanse. However, these oils or sebum also serve the purpose of protecting your skin barrier, hence you should always go for a gentle cleanse. Start layering skincare with a gel-based face wash to remove impurities without stripping off the moisture. A cleansed skin is also better at absorbing and lets you layer skin products better.

Toner

After patting your face dry, apply a generous amount of toner on your face and neck as the next layer. This step helps tighten your pores and restore the pH balance of your face as you layer skincare products (considering the tap water we wash with is slightly alkaline). A toner will also help you get to the minute impurities that a face wash might miss. If you don’t already have a toner, break out your micellar cleansing water for this step of layering skincare. Try the Garnier Vitamin C micellar cleansing water to let that glow kick in.

Serum

Hero of the regimen, serum is largely at the centre when you layer skincare products. These concentrated treatments help you target specific skin concerns, be it dullness, wrinkles, pigmentation, or dehydration. Drop a small amount of serum to your face and neck and massage till it’s fully absorbed. A vitamin C serum is perfect for layering skincare in mornings to get a radiant glow throughout the day.

Eye Cream

Light eye creams or gels are perfect for layering skincare in the mornings. The skin around your eyes is delicate and prone to early signs of ageing like wrinkles. It’s best to gently dab some eye cream while you layer skincare products to hydrate and protect this area. Make sure that your eye cream is weightless and gets easily absorbed.

Moisturiser

Polarising many feelings, moisturising is either the most loved or hated part of layering skincare. However, we don’t know how to layer skincare right without it. Moisturisers will help you lock in all the previous layers while working on your skin barrier. A good morning cream will also hydrate your skin while protecting it from environmental stressors. If you’re worried that the creams might dampen your glow, try using lightweight Vitamin C BB creams.

Sunscreen

Closing with sunscreens is the gospel truth when you layer skincare products. Even on cloudy days. Try getting into broad-spectrum UV creams or SPF creams to shield your skin from harmful UV rays, dodging lines, pigmentations, and spots.

How to Layer Skincare at Night-time

Sleeping well is a gateway to good skin. And just when you think that this can’t get better, your night-time routine kicks in. Layering skincare before bed should focus on repairing and rejuvenating your skin while you sleep. The blood flow to your skin increases at night and allows your skin to repair itself, with no external stressors to ward off. Learning how to layer skincare at night can be a total game changer for your skin. Here’s how to start:

Micellar Cleansing Water

We practise layering skincare to allow better absorption. This makes it only natural to begin with a clean skin. Make sure that you are getting rid of every last bit of makeup and impurities before layering skincare products. A micellar cleansing water works perfectly for this. If you’re big on waterproof makeup, try using a bi-phase micellar cleansing water, which removes makeup with its oil extracts.

Cleanser

When you’re often outdoors or go through a hectic commute, it’s wise to practise double cleansing. This means you first clean your face with an effective micellar cleansing water and then go on to use a lighter face wash to completely cleanse your pores. This is an important step of layering skincare before bed, since you don’t want impurities sitting on your skin through the night.

Scrub

While you don’t need to practise this every time you’re layering skincare, scrubs or exfoliators are a must at least once a week. Scrubs, while layering skincare, help you get rid of all the dead skin cells, and at times, white heads and black heads too. Try to use a scrub a few times every week depending on your skin type and sensitivity.

Toner and Essence

Just like you layer skincare products in the mornings, apply toners before going to bed too. These will act as an astringent while giving your skin a thin layer of hydration. You can also consider an essence when you layer skincare products at night. They are known for their lightweight textures and help you absorb the upcoming serums better.

Sheet Mask

A fun step of layering skincare, sheet masks are definitely a must for your night routine. Try getting them on 1-2 times a week to give your skin intense hydration, concentrated treatment, and an instant plump. Typically use them after toners and before serums when layering skincare products. Leave them on for 15-20 minutes, then remove and gently pat the remaining essence into your skin. Once the essence has been completely absorbed, move on to your regular serums or skip over to moisturisers.

Serums

At night, use powerful serums tailored to your skin concerns, be it dullness, anti-aging, or hydration. As you’re layering skincare at night, try using antioxidant rich night serums that battle oxidative stress and preserve different layers of our skin.

Masks and Moisturiser

Apply eye masks before bed to treat your under-eyes while layering skincare. Try looking for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to give your under-eyes intense hydration. Conclude layering skincare with a night cream to lock in all the products and get deep hydration while you sleep.

Mastering the art of layering skincare can transform your skin, making it healthier, radiant, and resilient. By understanding the proper order and benefits of each product, you can make the most of its ingredients, being patient, consistent, and attentive to your skin’s needs. Check out Garnier India’s Tips & How To’s to know everything there is about a healthy, glowing skin.