Layering your Skincare to Stay Hydrated in the Winter Months
Maintaining a skincare routine comprised of products that are suited to your skin type is essential to keeping your complexion smooth, clear and even. But did you know that you should be applying your skincare products in a specific order to experience the full benefits of their ingredients?
Every person has their own unique skin needs and the only way to address the concerns we have is to create a personalised skincare regime. The classic cleanse, tone and moisturise routine is easy to remember, but what happens when we want to use two separate serums designed to target two completely different issues? Which should we be applying first and why?
Skincare can very easily start to feel too complex but it doesn't have to.
Skincare Layering 101
Most people don't need a multi-step routine into the double figures but to ensure this list applies to everyone, here is the order in which all products should ideally be applied:
1. Cleansing is Key
Before applying any other skincare products, it is vital to remove your makeup and properly wash your face - yes, even if you aren't wearing any cosmetics. To ensure that the ingredients in your favourite skincare products are properly absorbed, your skin needs to be clean.
Remove your makeup with a cleansing oil and follow with a creamy, gentle cleanser. Plus, if you want to use a face mask, after cleansing is the ideal time.
2. A Toning Treat
If you haven't used a toner in a while, the good news is that those awful, skin-irritating alcohol based formulations are (mostly) a thing of the past. For maximum hydration, look for a toner infused with soothing ingredients designed to balance the skin's pH levels.
3. It's Serum Time
Serums are formulated with concentrated antioxidants, nutrients and hydrators, which means they often do a lot of the heavy lifting in every skincare routine. All skin types will benefit from moisture, so incorporating a serum that contains hydrating hyaluronic acid is always a good idea. This point is especially true for anyone using anti-ageing or acne treatments, which can be irritating and drying.
4. Some TLC for the Eyes
Lighter formulations can't penetrate through thicker formulations. So, as eye creams are generally formulated to be lighter than general moisturisers, they should always be applied first. A simple, hydrating eye cream is ideal for the delicate under-eye area.
5. Acne Treatments
Most acne treatment should be applied in the evening, as the body works hard to repair itself when we're asleep. All treatments should be applied before your moisturiser to ensure the potent ingredients can get to work. Although it can be tempting to avoid putting a moisturiser over a spot treatment, it can actually help to seal the treatment in and prevent it from moving around on the face.
6. An Additional Layer of Hydration
Moisturisers help to protect your skin barrier, which is ultimately responsible for keeping your complexion happy and healthy. A gentle moisturiser with hyaluronic acid is an ideal addition to your morning routine. In the evening, your moisturiser of choice should be packed with lipids, proteins and hyaluronic acid which are all good things that are naturally produced by the body.
7. Retinol
Retinol helps to increase skin cell turnover, resulting in smoother and fresher looking skin. Additionally, retinoids also prompt cellular exfoliation and collagen production, which will brighten, prevent breakouts, smooth scarring, and diminish the appearance of pigmentation.
8. Facial Oil
Facial oils help to seal in the moisture and beneficial ingredients you have just applied, preventing them from evaporating quickly. So, this final step can make all the difference to your complexion, especially during the cold winter months.
If you want to learn more about your unique skin needs, simply contact the clinic today to book a one-on-one consultation with Dr Alannah
