Are you Making These Skincare Layering Mistakes?
Layering skincare products the right way yields multiple benefits thanks to a blend of ingredients that promote a healthy, radiant complexion.
Get it wrong, however, and you could end up with a slew of side effects: skin irritation, breakouts, dryness, or simply no effect at all.
Below, the biggest mistakes you might be making when it comes to layering products -- and how to fix them!
Starting with Thick Products
When it comes to your skincare routine, it's essential that you apply products in the correct order if you want to reap the benefits of each and every product (and their active ingredients!). It's the best way to ensure products absorb effectively.
As a general rule of thumb, always apply the thinnest products first (cleansers, toners, exfoliants, eye creams, serums) and the thickest products last (moisturizers, lotions, sunscreens, oils).
"It’s about cleansing the skin, treating the skin and then protecting the skin," says celebrity aesthetician Veronica Barton Schwartz. "I always tell my clients to go from more-watery to thicker, which comes down to absorption. If you apply a richer, thicker formula first, it would prevent thinner ones form penetrating."
After cleansing and toning, reach for a brightening antioxidant serum like Truly's Mary Jane Glow Serum. It's formulated with retinol, glycolic acid, and CBD to boost collagen, brighten skin, and even out skin tone. Use it daily in your pm routine.
Complete your skincare regimen with a moisturiser like Truly's Hyaluronic-Acid-Formulated Face Cream. This'll lock in moisture for hours of hydration.
Applying Skincare Products to Dry Skin
If you want your vitamin C serums and topical acne treatments to absorb into the skin and work their magic, start applying them to damp skin. Damp skin absorbs product better, allowing the product to work its best.
After taking a shower or washing your face, lightly pat your skin dry so it's still damp but not soaking wet. Apply your serum and moisturizer while your skin's still damp for enhanced penetration -- and a beautifully dewy finish!
Skipping Serum
Serums aren't there to look and sound fancy. They should be a fundamental part of your skincare routine, regardless of your skin type. Serums contain active ingredients that tackle skin issues such as dullness, dryness, blemishes, discoloration, and signs of aging. They penetrate the skin easily, infusing it with ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, and retinoids to actively address various skin concerns.
When selecting a serum, look for dermatologist-approved ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide.
If you're seeking anti-aging benefits, boost your skin's plumpness with Truly's Vegan Collagen Facial Serum. Containing retinol, vitamin C, and vegan collagen, this powerful serum will smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, leaving your complexion youthful and radiant for hours on end.
If your skin needs intense hydration, top up your skin's moisture with an extra large dose of hyaluronic acid, which can be found in Truly's Flower Child Face Cream.
Looking to treat acne? Make use of Truly's CBD Jelly Facial Serum which blends CBD, beta hydroxy acid, and vitamin A to diminish acne and keep breakouts at bay.
Cleansing with Makeup Remover Wipes
While they're super convenient for taking off makeup and refreshing the skin, DO NOT apply skincare products post makeup remover wipes. In order for products to penetrate effectively, clean your skin with a gentle cleanser before applying.
Makeup wipes just don't do a good enough job at removing dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. You'll need to enlist the help of an invigorating cleanser to do that. Proper cleansing allows products to truly penetrate rather than sit on top of the skin and do nothing. Don't make this common mistake.
Using Products Not Suited For Your Skin Type
The secret to every effective skincare regimen is using products designed for your skin's needs. Layering on the wrong products is a common skincare mistake -- but luckily, very fixable! Once you understand your skin type, you can choose the product that best caters for its needs and start seeing visible results.
"If you have oily skin, you'll find you have a thin layer of oil on your skin and that your pores are open and large, making you more prone to breakouts and acne," explains Cinzia Campigotto, skincare specialist and Founder of Beauti Skin Clinic. "Dry skin is often very dull, tight, and more prone to wrinkles. If you have combination skin, you can pat a piece of paper on your T-zone and see oil, whereas your skin may be dry on areas such as your cheeks."
Oily skin types should avoid rich butters and oils like shea butter and coconut oil, and opt for oil-free products instead. Those with dry skin should be using products enriched with hydrating ingredients and avoid astringent toners. If you have sensitive skin, look for products formulated with natural, soothing ingredients like hemp, aloe, and coconut oil. With aging skin, you want to look out for collagen and other youth-promoting ingredients, such as retinol and vitamin C.
Missing the SPF Stage
Every skincare layering regimen must include sunscreen. That one's non-negotiable. For the sake of your skin's health, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30-50 every day -- as the final step of your skincare routine.
Whether you are using chemical or physical sunscreen, it should always go on after your regular day cream or serum. You want it on top so that it blocks the UV rays from penetrating the skin and causing premature aging. Dermatologists recommend using a vitamin C product in addition to your sunscreen to make it work even harder.
Remember to re-apply throughout the day if you're spending prolonged periods outdoors. If you're only going out for a 15-minute walk with the dog, you can get away with applying SPF 15 once in the morning and again in the evening -- for each walk.
How you layer your skincare can make a huge impact on how your products perform. If you're not layering them properly, they won't be able to penetrate the skin and work their wonders. So start fixing your skincare layering mistakes, and start seeing improved results!
