Step-By-Step Skincare Routine: A Guide on Layering Skincare Products

Importance of Layering Skincare Products Correctly

Before we dive deep into how to layer skincare, let’s learn about the importance of abiding by the rules of skincare layering. Depending on the purpose, texture, and formula, the absorption time of individual products varies from one another. Some products might need you to wait for five minutes, while some can take 20 minutes before moving to the next step in your regimen. So, if your skincare routine (both daytime and nighttime) includes multiple steps, following a proper order to apply skincare products will let you derive the ultimate benefits from the products used.

Wondering how to layer skincare or how long to wait to allow each product to seep into your skin and then layer another one? Remember this! You must focus first on the products with the thinnest consistency and gradually move to the ones that have thicker textures. It means you need to apply liquid-based products first and then creamy ones. Proper skincare layering also ensures that all the key ingredients are absorbed properly and deliver optimal benefits.

Pro tip: Assess your skin type and give attention to your skin concerns and demands before choosing any product.

Correct Order To Apply Skincare Products

Serum, moisturiser, sunscreen, or eye serum, what to apply first? Here’s everything you need to know about skincare layering.

Morning Skincare Routine Order

Learning how to layer skincare products in the proper manner can give you superior protection from sun damage and external aggressors.

Step 1: Cleanser

Start your morning skincare routine by cleansing your face with a gentle face wash. You can go for oil-based or water-based cleansers as per your skin type.

We recommend you opt for L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Daily Foaming Face Cleanser which gently exfoliates impurities and removes dullness to let flaunt even and glowing skin.

Step 2: Toner

Toner helps to refresh your skin without stripping away its natural moisture. It means, if you have sensitive skin, you can use toner without causing excessive dryness. Many people tend to skip toner and if you too have avoided toner for a long time and managed to maintain healthy skin, you can jump to the next step of skincare layering to get maximum hydration.

Step 3: Essence

In order to apply skincare products effectively, essences are vital. A face essence boosts the skin’s absorption power and allows other skincare products to show their effectiveness. It is more like a primer and helps to prep your skin. You can choose an essence to increase the hydration level of your skin or look for products that both provide hydration and tackle age-related skin concerns.

We recommend you use the L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Crystal Micro-Essence.

Step 4: Serum

Learning how to layer skincare products gets tricky with face serums. Apply face serum after you tone your skin and use essence. These lightweight products contain active ingredients and help hydrate skin, make it even-toned, reduce dark spots, etc.

We recommend you use the L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Skin Brightening Serum which helps reduce five years of dark spots in four weeks.

Step 5: Eye Serum

Your under-eye area deserves the best care. Take care of your under-eye area by applying an eye serum both in the morning and at night. However, if you want to keep your AM order to apply skincare products minimal, shift this step before bedtime.

We recommend using the L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Eye Serum (helps fade away -49% of dark circles in just 2 weeks) or L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Eye Serum (offers intense hydration and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles).

Step 6: Moisturiser

Next, we move to skin moisturization. Face cream is a staple when it comes to skincare layering. If you skip eye cream during the day, you can apply moisturiser or day cream after face serum and seal the moisture within your skin.

We recommend you use the L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Day Cream with SPF 17 which gives protection from the sun all the while reducing dark spots and brightening your skin.

Step 7: Sunscreen

If your day cream doesn’t offer sun protection, you can trust sunscreen to lower the risk of skin cancer and signs of ageing. Remember, sunscreen should be the penultimate step in the order to apply skincare products.

We recommend you use the L'Oreal Paris UV Defender Serum Protector Bright and Clear.

Pro tip: Make sure key ingredients such as antioxidants get the chance to penetrate the basal layer and moisturisers close the skincare routine.

Night-Time Skincare Routine Order

Night-time allows your skin to absorb nutrients better and repair the damage that occurs during the day. Hence, you must know the correct order to apply skincare products to take the best care of your skin while you catch up on your beauty sleep.

Step 1: Double Cleansing (Makeup removal + cleansing)

Remove dirt, dust, oil, and makeup trapped in your skin with makeup remover. You can opt for a no-rinsing micellar water and follow it up with a face wash for deep cleansing.

Step 2: Toner + Essence

Hydrate and nourish your skin with face toner and essence. If you have included both toner and essence in your skincare routine, apply toner first and follow it up with essence.

Step 3: Face serum

For optimal hydration and to address specific skin concerns, use a targeted face serum at night.

Step 4: Eye serum

One cannot skip an eye serum while learning how to layer skincare products for a nighttime regimen. Once you have hydrated your skin with toner and/or essence, move on to protecting your under-eye area from dark circles, and wrinkles by using eye serum at night.

Step 5: Night Cream

The last step of your night-time skincare layering should end with a night cream. This skincare product helps to soothe skin and ensure you get an even-toned skin complexion.

We recommend you use the L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Glowing Night Cream that helps combat dullness and gives you visibly glowing skin.

Learning how to layer skincare correctly is imperative to deliver the required nourishment to the skin and prepare it to absorb the essential nutrients for healthy and happy skin. Follow the correct skincare ritual and let your skin receive the maximum advantage from the dedicated products. In search of professional assistance to create your skincare routine? Navigate the L'Oreal Paris Skin Genius tool to analyse your skin like an expert and create personalised skincare routines.