I see this a lot and use to ask this too: Whats the best way to layer all those face products?
I talked about it a bit in my IG stories and also saved it to my “Skin Care Routine” highlight. The rule of thumb is apply your products thinnest to thickest. However, if you have specific products recommended by your dermatologist then always consult with them first since they may recommend something different than what I recommend below. I usually also consult with my esthetician about all my products too.
So what does thinnest to thick mean?? I talked about it a little bit in my IG stories. But today on the blog, I’m sharing more of the deets. (If you are visual you can check out my IGTV video ).
Disclaimer: Before layering any products on your face make sure that you are cleansing your skin throughly (I double cleanse). You want to make sure that the products have a chance to penetrate on that nice clean canvas of yours.
Step 1: Tone
Step 1 is adding a toning. After washing your face you can choose to use a toner. Toners help to exfoliate and restore the PH balance of your skin. This step is optional because most good face washes typically have PH restoring properties, but you always want to check the ingredients. Your decision to use a toner may also depend on your skin type and what type of toner you are looking to add to your routine.
I use a specific toner for acne, the Effaclar Clarifying Solution Acne Toner by La Roche-Posay. This toner has a salicylic acid and glycolic acid which helps remove pore-clogging debris and smooth skin texture.
Step 2: Serums
Step 2, is layering on your serums. These products are packed with active antioxidants and other ingredients that target specific skin concerns. Both my derm and esthetician recommended that the magic number for serums is 3, but if needed can use 6 max. You want to layer according to what you want to target and treat. So if you want to target dark spots you will layer something like a viatmin C serum first then treat with a discoloration serum.
The serums I have been using lately are Vitamin C by Mad Hippie, Eight Greens Youth Serums by Eminence, and Bright Skin Licorice Root Booster-Serum.
The serums I use are specific to my skin concerns which are mainly skin hyperpigmentation and melasma. When choosing serums make sure you are choosing ones that target your specific skin concerns. It may be best to consult with your derm first if you are not sure what skin conditions you want to target.
Step 3: Eye Cream
Step 3 is eye cream and I can’t stress this enough. Y’all want to take the time to do this, your older older self will thank you. I wish I would of started this in my 20s. After my face serums, I use an eye serum followed by a eye moisturizer. The current products I am using and loving are Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic + Retinol Triple Correction Eye Serum and Neocutis LUMIÈRE® RICHE Extra Moisturizing Illuminating Eye Cream. Both are on the pricey side, but I am really loving this combo. I defiantly recommend trying out different brands and price points for eye creams.
Step 4: Moisturizers
Step 4 is all about sealing in the products you layer onto your skin while keeping your face nice and hydrated. Moisturizing your skin is important to help keep your skin complexion in balance. Believe it or not facial moisturizers help prevent further breakouts. When your skin is dry and irritated, it actually causes breakouts and acne. By adding a moisturizing to your skin, it lesses your chances of a break out occurring. Which I for the longest time always thought moisturizing was causing my breakouts because of the extra oil.
Moisturizers come in light creams, whipped creams, heavy creams, and serums. I have oily skin so I tend to lean towards products that are lighter and have a higher % of hyaluronic acid. I’m testing out this product right now Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine™ Oil-Free Moisture Cushion and may try out this one next The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 just to test out products from varying price points.
Step 5: Sunscreen (am only)/ Retinal (pm)
Step 5 has an am and pm. Suncreen is worn during the day and if you use a Retinal you will use it at night.
Sunscreen is also another product that I wish I would of worn daily in my 20s. The things I know now. The most important role of sunscreen is protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, which come in two forms – UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen will also save your skin from being damaged by free radicals, sun spots, hyperpigmentation and all signs of aging (aka wrinkles).
I prefer a mineral based sunscreen vs. a chemical based one for my face. Here is an article about the difference in sunscreens if you are wanting to know more. I recently purchased the EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 in the tinted formulat and I’m really impressed. Stay tuned on that.
*Spot Treatment*
I don’t mention this in my IG stories or the IG TV video but you can use spot treatments at night or right after you tone to address pimples or dark spots.
Hope this was helpful and now you can continue your face routine in confidence. If you loved this post make sure to check out some of these other posts.
Skin concerns?? See what I’m saying about the Dennis Gross Daily Peel
Ice Rolling-the best $18 face hack
Mind blowing Makeup Dupes! My Favorite Makeup, Save vs. Splurge
Until Next Time,
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