How To Layer Your Skincare Products For Maximum Benefit

Skincare routines have come a long way in recent years, moving away from the traditional 3-step routine of cleanse, tone and moisturise to include the addition of technologically advanced serums, eye creams, masks, peels, treatments, moisturisers and oils. Our dressing tables and bathroom cabinets are now overflowing with beautifully packaged skincare products, each with a different purpose and, hopefully, each providing you with visible results. The bad news is that if you aren’t layering your products correctly you probably aren’t getting the most out of them, but thankfully the good news is that some simple layering techniques will help you maximise their benefits and effectiveness, helping to improve the look and health of your skin. If you have ever wondered what the best way to layer your skincare is then our post this week is for you!

 

STEP ONE

Following cleansing and toning, start with your favourite serum (or serums!). A good rule to remember when it comes to skincare is to start with your thinnest products and make your way through to finish with your heaviest product. When it comes to serums it’s entirely possible to use more than one at a time, up to two or three, targeting different skin concerns. Serums are light and thin, easily absorbed deep into the layers of the skin and can make a visible difference to the appearance of the skin. Applied onto clean skin is when they are most potent and effective. If you apply them over your moisturising cream or a facial oi, the creams and oils can act as a barrier reducing their efficacy and you won’t get the best value from them.

So after using our favourite cleanser and toner (we love The Organic Pharmacy’s Peppermint Facial Wash (€45)) in the morning followed by a spritz of Sun Potion’s Solar Rose Water (€35) to balance and rejuvenate) we like to start layering our skincare with a serum that smooths and protects skin, such as Ilia Beauty's True Skin Radiant Priming Serum (€54), to diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while protecting skin from free radicals and getting it ready for your make up. While in the evening we love a nourishing oil-based serum like Nunaїa’s Nourishing Radiance Serum (€79) which not only restores dull and dry skin but also comes with a delightful calming ritual that is perfect to balance your mind and create a few moments of peace at the end of a busy day.

STEP TWO

STEP THREE

Once you have allowed your serum time to soak in, next you can add in eye creams and moisturisers. We love to use Evolve's Hyaluronic Eye Complex (€20) as the cooling rollerball massages the eye area and reduces the appearance of puffiness, dark circles and fine lines. As the name suggests it contains hyaluronic acid, which is known for its ability to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water to help lock in moisture, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and make skin look plumped up and smoother.

Next an organic moisturiser such as The Organic Pharmacy’s best-selling Double Rose Rejuvenating Facial Cream (€59) helps to lock in all the goodness of your serum with a nourishing layer of moisture while also helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, all without feeling heavy on the skin. Double Rose Rejuvenating Cream is clinically proven to significantly reduce the visibility of wrinkles by 38% and contains superfood ingredients such as Gotu Kola, Calendula and Bilberry to rejuvenate and firm skin. We also can’t get enough of Evolve’s Daily Renew Face Cream (€34) which contains a blend of pure organic oils and natural Hyaluronic Acid to restore normal to dry skin to glowing health.

STEP FOUR

We’re also huge fans of oils here on TCBE and have been known to skip moisturiser entirely in favour of a few drops of our preferred facial oil. The beauty of oils is that you can use them as a moisturiser in themselves, forgoing a cream altogether, or simply add a few drops of oil over your chosen cream to further lock in moisture and nourishment.

Olio E Osso’s Finishing Oil (€140) is the Rolls Royce of facial oils and is an ultra-rich and pure formulation containing all-natural, sustainably sourced and minimally processed oils. It is extremely high in antioxidants, phytosterols, Vitamins E, C, A, K, Omega 6 and 9. This oil can be used alone or layered over a cream and helps to fight free radicals while containing anti-aging properties. Calming enough to be used by the more sensitive among us, this oil will restore skin health and boost your natural glow. The bottle is long-lasting too as you only need a few drops to cover your entire visage.

Antipodes Divine Face Oil (€27) is another nutrient-rich face oil for fresh, healthy skin that contains 95% organic ingredients. The superior collagen-boosting action of avocado oil helps reduce the appearance of lines, age spots and scars. It also has high levels of Vitamin A and C and essential fatty acids, thanks to the Rosehip that it contains (which is also known for its ability to help reduce the appearance of scars and wrinkles).

STEP FIVE

If you’re layering your skincare in the morning don’t forget to add a mineral SPF between the layers below and your make up. For dry skin it’s hard to beat VIVE SANA’s Daily Protezione (€69) and Serum Crema (€89) for broad spectrum antioxidant protection, but if your skin veers more towards normal to combination than we love The Organic Pharmacy's Cellular Sun Protection Cream SPF30 for a lighter formulation that is easily absorbed, leaves no white residue and protects skin from premature ageing and sun damage. It’s also vegan, which is an added bonus.

 

So there you have it! Our guide to layering your natural and organic skincare in the correct way to maximise glow and improve skin condition and health, while ensuring that you are getting the best value out of the products that you buy. Of course, we always recommend that when it comes to skincare that you choose products that are cruelty-free, toxin-free and sustainably made and packaged where possible. Better quality skincare, made with nourishing ingredients are worth the investment in terms of your overall health (and your skin will love them too!).