Here's How To Layer Your Skincare Products!

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Navigating the world of skincare can be overwhelming, with countless products promising radiant, youthful skin. However, one crucial aspect often overlooked is the order in which these products are applied. Correctly layering your skincare products ensures that each one performs optimally, allowing you to achieve the best results. In this guide, we’ll explore why the skincare routine order matters and provide a step-by-step guide on how to layer skin care products effectively.

Why Does Skincare Routine Order Matter?

The sequence in which you apply your skincare products is essential for several reasons. Here’s why layering skincare matters:

Absorption & Efficacy: Different skincare products have varying consistencies and ingredients. Applying products in the correct order allows them to penetrate the skin effectively. For instance, lighter products like serums should be applied before heavier creams to ensure they’re absorbed properly.
Maximising Benefits: Each skincare product serves a unique purpose. Proper skincare layering ensures that each product can perform its specific function without interference. For example, applying a moisturiser before a serum can create a barrier that prevents the serum from penetrating the skin.
Preventing Irritation: Certain active ingredients can cause irritation if not used properly. By layering skin products in the right order, you can minimise potential irritation and enhance the overall effectiveness of your skincare routine.
Sun Protection: Suncare should always be the final step in your daytime routine. Proper layering of skin ensures that your sunscreen can form an even barrier to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Understanding the importance of the order in which you apply your skincare products sets the stage for a more effective and efficient skincare routine. Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide for layering skincare products.

Step-by-Step Guide On How To Layer Skincare Products

Step 1: Cleanser

Start with a clean slate. Use a gentle face wash suited to your skin type to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. This step is crucial as it prepares your skin to absorb the subsequent products effectively. Cleansing should be done both in the morning and at night to maintain clear, healthy skin.

Key Ingredients

1. Rose extract: Helps minimise redness and soothe irritation.
2. Glycerin: Hydrates the outer layer of the skin.

How To Apply

Take a pea-sized amount of the cleanser on your palms and massage it all over your face. Use gentle circular motions to get rid of the dirt, dust and impurities effectively. Wash your face thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry gently.
Step 2: Toner

Toners help to balance your skin’s pH, remove any leftover impurities, and prep your skin for the following steps. Go for a hydrating toner that nourishes the skin and leaves it looking visibly radiant, healthy and luminous.

Key Ingredients

1. Hyaluronic Acid: Boosts the skin’s ability to retain moisture, enhancing elasticity and promoting a plumper, more youthful appearance.

How To Apply

Pour a few drops of the toner into your palms or onto a cotton pad. Gently pat the formula onto the face, neck and décolleté until absorbed.
Step 3: Essence

Face essences are lightweight, hydrating products that enhance the skin’s moisture levels and improve the absorption of the following products. They often contain active ingredients that can brighten and smooth the skin.

Key Ingredients

1. Salicylic Acid: Gently exfoliates the skin, unclogs pores, and helps reduce acne and blemishes.
2. Vitamin C: Brightens the complexion, evens out skin tone, and protects against environmental damage with its antioxidant properties.

How To Apply

Use your fingers to gently pat the essence into your skin. Focus on dabbing rather than rubbing to boost absorption.
Step 4: Serum

Serums are concentrated treatments that target specific skin concerns, such as wrinkles, dark spots, or acne. Layering serums correctly helps to soak in the active ingredients and achieve maximum benefits with ease.

Key Ingredients

1. Hyaluronic Acid: Deeply hydrates the skin by retaining moisture, making it appear plump and smooth.
2. Niacinamide: Strengthens the skin barrier, reduces redness, and minimises the appearance of pores.
3. Ferulic Acid: Neutralises free radical damage to protect the skin from future ageing.

How To Apply

Apply a few drops of your antioxidant serum and gently press it into your skin. Allow it to absorb fully before moving on to the next step.
Step 5: Eye Cream

The delicate skin around your eyes requires special attention. Eye care products are formulated to address issues like under-eye puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines.

Key Ingredients

1. Caffeine: Helps reduce puffiness and dark circles while energising tired-looking skin.
2. Hyaluronic Acid: Attracts and retains moisture to keep skin hydrated, plump, and supple.
3. Shea Butter: Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, it deeply nourishes and soothes dry, irritated skin.

How To Apply

Use your ring finger to apply a small amount of the lifting eye cream, gently tapping it around the orbital bone.
Step 6: Moisturiser

Moisturisers help to lock in hydration and protect the skin barrier. Choose a day cream suited to your skin type, lightweight gel formulas for oily skin and rich hydrating face creams for dry skin.

Key Ingredients

1. Moringa Extracts: Rich in antioxidants, they help purify the skin and protect it from environmental damage.
2. Linseed Extract: Helps improve skin texture and boosts hydration, leaving skin soft and smooth.
3. Hyaluronic Acid: Provides intense hydration by attracting moisture, keeping skin plump and elastic.
4. Salicylic Acid: Gently exfoliates and unclogs pores, making it effective for treating acne and blemishes.

How To Apply

Apply a dime-sized amount evenly over the face and neck using upward motions.
Step 7: Sunscreen (AM Only)

Sunscreen is a non-negotiable step in your morning routine. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 as the final step. Sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays, preventing premature ageing and reducing the risk of skin cancer.

Key Ingredients

1. Edelweiss Flower: Known for its antioxidant properties, it helps strengthen the skin barrier and protect against environmental aggressors.
2. Moringa Seed Extract: Detoxifies the skin by removing impurities and shields it from pollution damage.
3. Rosa Gallica: Soothes and softens the skin while providing a natural glow and calming benefits.

How To Apply

Apply a generous amount across your face, ears, neck, and back of your neck. Reapply every 2-3 hours if exposed to the sun.

Creating an effective skincare routine order involves more than just choosing the right products. By following this step-by-step guide on skincare layering, you can ensure that each product works its best, helping you achieve healthier, more radiant skin. Remember, consistency is key, and with time and patience, you’ll see the benefits of a well-layered skincare routine.

Now that you know how to layer skin care products correctly, browse through a wide range of Lancôme skincare products and add them to your regular skincare regimen to pamper your skin with the love and care it needs. Additionally, if you’re not sure which skincare products will suit you the most, do not fear, as we are here. All you need to do is head to Lancôme’s E-Skin Expert tool to find your personalised skincare solution in three simple steps. Also, explore our skincare beauty magazine guide to learn about skincare tips, tricks and more.