How to Layer Your Skincare for Optimal Performance
Maggie Davis
A radiant complexion results from consistent care and using skincare products in the right order. Read on for suggestions on layering skincare and key steps to nourish your skin for a luminous glow.
TAILORING YOUR GLOW: A PERSONAL APPROACH
In my journey through skincare, I've come to deeply value the routine we call "Four Steps to Glow." For me, it’s more than just a routine; it's a commitment to nurturing the skin, our body's largest organ, to radiate its healthiest glow.
But here's the heart of my message: Skincare should be a reflection of self-love, not a burden. While these steps can transform your skin, they only truly work when they align with your lifestyle. It's essential, above all, to be genuine with yourself. If a multi-step routine feels overwhelming, it's okay to simplify.
Choose what resonates with you, what you can maintain, and what truly brings out the best in your skin.
layering your skincare for optimal results.
A simplified approach to layering products (on cleansed skin) is to apply from lightest to heaviest skincare. For example, toners are light and watery, balms have a thicker consistency.
When layering skincare, check out the key ingredients of your products and factor in what they pair well with and if they’re best used morning or evening.
Retinol (Vitamin A) - often used at night, especially if using prescription Vitamin A.
Vitamin C - often used in the morning; can also be used at night.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) - works well layered with virtually all other skin care ingredients, day and night.
AHAs (like glycolic acid) - up to 3 times per week; monthly is adequate. Helps increase skin cell turnover, promotes collagen production. Increases photosensitivity; wearing sunscreen is vitally important when using.
BHAs (like salicylic acid) - up to 3-4 times per week. Exfoliates, helps with breakouts, congestion, blackheads.
Four steps to glow skincare routine at-a-glance
Cleanse: preps the skin for the steps to follow. Vitally important at night.
Treat: Tailor this step based on your skin's needs, focusing on specialized concerns like uneven skin tone, aging, or hydration.
Moisturize: Provides hydration, protection, and radiance.
Sunscreen: For daytime routines, essential for anti-aging and skin health.
Remember, consistency is key, and skincare should align with your lifestyle.
Read on for a more in-depth look at layering skincare products for optimal results.
1. CLEANSE especially at night
Kick-start your regime by cleansing your face and neck. Nighttime cleansing preps your skin for treatments and moisturizers, ensuring they work efficiently while you sleep.
recommendED CLEANSERS
Calm Skin Cleansing Oil: A staple for your night routine, this oil ensures a deep cleanse without stripping your skin of its natural oils.
Do you want to do a double cleanse that also helps combat blemishes and blackheads? After using Cleansing Oil, I use COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser a few times a week.
TONERS - should you bother?
Yes, I think this step is worth the trouble. Depending on the toner, skin benefits include ph-balancing, hydration and more. I love incorporating toners in my daily routine - day and night! After cleansing, I spray my favorite our Hydro-Boost Toning Mist on a cotton round and gently wipe across my face, neck and chest. Not only is it hydrating, it smells like neroli blossoms, one of my all-time-favorite smells!
Other recommendED TONERS
For the past 20 years, I been using Eminence Organic Skin Care Stone Crop Hydrating Mist, primarily for the enjoyment of the scent and to set powder-based mineral makeup.
For a more targeted treatment, Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is an excellent addition to a skin care routine. I use this toner about three times a week at night to help unclog pores, exfoliate dead skin cells, and treat a pesky overactive oil gland I have on my forehead. Tip - avoid irritating skin and disrupting the skin barrier by using retinol on the same evening as a Beta hydroxy acid (BHA).
2. TREAT for specialized concerns
Post-cleansing, it's time to treat your skin. Serums typically have concentrated ingredients focused on specific results. Look for peptides, vitamins, antioxidants, etc. to maximize results. Depending on the season and your skin's needs, you can tailor this step. When deciding what serum goes first, the general rule is to apply by product consistency - thinnest to thickest.
Vitamin B Serum: Enriched with 5% Niacinamide, this serum tackles uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and adds that youthful glow. I always apply Vitamin B Serum after cleansing and toning.
Hydro Firming Eye Serum: A specialized treatment for the delicate eye area, packed with peptides and hydrating elements. A little goes a long way.
Azure Facial Oil: A lightweight oil, perfect for evening use. Absorbs quickly, helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and softening the skin. If my skin feels sensitive, this is my go-to product.
Brightening Facial Oil: Packing a double punch with two forms of the antioxidant Vitamin C, this oil brightens dull skin, moisturizes. Try layering it over the Vitamin B Serum for beautiful results.
3. MOISTURIZE for healthy skin
Layer a moisturizer over your serums to hydrate, protect, and enhance skin’s glow. A good moisturizer fights dryness, combats environmental stress, and maintains skin balance. Select a moisturizer tailored to your needs, like the changing of the seasons. You’ll find ingredients like peptides, hyaluronic acid, oils, antioxidants are often found in moisturizers.
Benefits of Face Moisturizer:
Hydration: A moisturizer replenishes the skin with essential hydration, ensuring it remains plump and resilient against external irritants.
Barrier Protection: It acts as a shield, protecting the skin from environmental factors like pollution and harsh weather conditions.
Enhances Skin Appearance: Regular moisturizing can reduce the appearance of fine lines and give the skin a radiant glow.
Balances Skin Texture: It helps to balance skin types, whether it's oily, dry, or combination, ensuring an even texture.
MOISTURIZERS WE Recommend
Grape Acai Firming Moisturizer: Perfect for mature or dry skin, its anti-aging ingredients tighten and hydrate, promoting an improved skin texture. I use this moisturizer on around my eyes and on my neck.
Vitamin Rich Marine Moisturizer: Suitable for a range of skin types, this moisturizer is packed with vitamins and antioxidants for a youthful glow.
Night Bright Eye Balm and Plump It Up Lip Balm: These balms are rich and thick, specifically formulated for the delicate areas of eyes and lips. Both products are one of my favorites and so many of my friends are absolutely crazy about them.
4. FACIAL MASK TREATMENTS
Lastly, indulge in a facial mask at least once a month. Depending on your skin’s current state, choose a mask that hydrates, moisturizes, brightens, or exfoliates.
FACIAL MASKS WE Recommend
Paxos Pumpkin Enzyme Mask: With glycolic acid, this mask exfoliates and brightens, leaving your skin firm and radiant.
Eminence Coconut Cream Masque - what I reach for when I want a moisturizing mask. Plus, I love how it smells of coconut.
Logically Skin Aquatide Soothing & Lifting Mask is my go-to sheet mask to plump and hydrate, especially on long international flights.
SUNSCREEN is the number one anti-aging, pro-health skin care product
Remember, always conclude your daytime routine with a protective layer of sunscreen.
Those who know me understand how committed I am to wearing sunscreen every day. Laden with myths and fear-mongering, this aspect of the skincare routine might be the most controversial. My advice is simple, choose a brand you will consistently use and can easily reapply.
Since you need to reapply most sunscreens after two hours, I believe that a sunscreen lasting 7-8 hours is ideal. There are only a few that fit this bill, and without a doubt, my top choice is the Evy Technology Daily Defence Face Mousse SPF 50, to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. See this Instagram post for more info on my love of this sunscreen! Here is a great TikTok review as well.
xoxo,
Maggie
Founder, Paxos Skin Care