The order in which you apply skincare products is almost as important as the formulas themselves. The right combination of products can make a real difference. And whether you're looking to boost hydration, minimize the visible signs of aging, or prevent breakouts, understanding how to layer skincare products can help you achieve the best results.
Basic Skincare Products and Their Roles
A solid skincare routine includes a few core products: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. In addition to the aforementioned products, toners, serums, and masks can help address a range of specific skin concerns. For now, here's a breakdown of the basics.
Cleanser
The foundation of any routine, cleanser removes dirt, oil, and makeup, ensuring your skin is clean and prepped for the next steps in your routine.
Moisturizer
Moisturizers hydrate the skin and help lock in moisture for a healthy skin barrier and soft, supple skin.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is essential for daily protection against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which contribute to premature aging, discoloration, and skin cancer.
Why Layering Skincare Products Matters
Intentional application helps ensure each ingredient absorbs into the skin, enhancing efficacy. Skincare products often contain active ingredients like Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, or Retinol, and proper layering helps these ingredients work as intended. It can also prevent pilling—those little beads or flakes that sometimes appear when products don't mesh well together.
The Concept of Layering: Thin to Thick
The general rule of thumb in skincare layering is to apply products from thinnest to thickest. The reason for this is simple: Thinner products, like toners and serums, need to absorb into the skin before heavier ones, like moisturizers, seal the skin with occlusive ingredients. In other words, applying a rich moisturizer before a lightweight serum can prevent the serum's ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Consider your products' consistency and texture. Apply products with a lighter or watery consistency first, and save heavier, oil-based products for last. It's a little like dressing in layers—first a light T-shirt (serum), then a cozy sweater (moisturizer), and finally a jacket (sunscreen in the morning or an overnight mask in the evening).
How to Layer Skincare Products Properly
A well-structured skincare routine follows a logical progression that helps ensure your skin receives each product's maximum benefits.
1. Cleanse
Start with a gentle cleanser for your skin type to remove impurities. For example, PCA SKIN Facial Wash is suitable for balanced, combination, and sensitive skin. This step is non-negotiable; your products can't penetrate the skin effectively if it's obstructed by dead skin, oil, and dirt.
2. Tone
After cleansing, apply your toner. Toners can help balance your skin's pH and remove any remaining traces of daily buildup. Depending on the formula, toners can also hydrate the skin, refine enlarged pores, or smooth skin texture by removing superficial dead skin cells.
3. Apply Serum
Serums are packed with highly concentrated active ingredients (e.g., Vitamin C serum) to target specific skin concerns, such as acne, dryness, pigmentation, or fine lines and wrinkles. Applying your favorite serum to clean, prepped skin allows these lightweight formulas' smaller molecules to absorb as intended.
4. Treat
If you're using targeted treatments like Retinol or acne spot treatments, apply these next.
5. Moisturize
Lock in hydration with a moisturizer for your skin type. This crucial step helps prevent moisture loss and seal in your skincare products' beneficial ingredients.
6. Apply Sunscreen (Morning Only)
Sunscreen is the final step in your morning routine. Always apply sunscreen last so it can form a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This also keeps it from being diluted or compromised by other products.
Recommendations for Different Skin Types
A skincare routine for oily skin will look different than a skincare routine for dry skin. Here are some general recommendations based on skin type and concerns.
Oily Skin
A skincare routine for oily skin should include a gentle cleanser like PCA SKIN Facial Wash Oily/Problem and a lightweight, noncomedogenic moisturizer. You may also benefit from an exfoliant-based toner or pore refining treatment to help control oil, minimize the appearance of pores, and prevent breakouts.
Dry Skin
A skincare routine for dry skin should consist of a gentle creamy cleanser and rich, hydrating moisturizer. Avoid using too many actives in one routine to prevent irritation. Opt for a hydrating serum like PCA SKIN Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum for smart, sustained hydration.
Mature Skin
If you're concerned with increasing dryness or the visible signs of skin aging, look for products with peptides, antioxidants, Retinol, and Vitamin C to help protect the skin from free radical damage and stimulate collagen production. Follow up with a moisturizer that hydrates and firms the skin, like PCA SKIN Collagen Hydrator.
Combination Skin
A skincare routine for combination skin may take a tailored approach to address different areas of your face. For example, use a lightweight moisturizer on oily areas (like the T-zone) and richer products on dry patches. You can also try a balancing toner suitable for combination skin, like PCA SKIN Nutrient Toner.
Your Transformation Begins with Science-Backed Skincare
When it comes down to it, properly layering your skincare products is simple yet essential to helping your skin reap each formula's maximum benefits. By following the general principle of thin to thick, noting the viscosity of each product, and applying formulas in the correct order, you'll optimize their effectiveness and avoid common skincare frustrations, like pilling or irritation.
Take time to establish a routine that works for your skin type and concerns, and remember consistency is key. Skincare isn't about the latest trend or miracle product—it's about developing habits that support healthy, radiant skin for the long term. Happy layering!
Author: Kaleigh Fasanella
Kaleigh Fasanella is a New Jersey-based beauty and wellness reporter with over a decade of experience writing for both digital outlets and brands. She previously worked at magazines like Allure and Teen Vogue before going freelance to write for a variety of publications. While she loves all aspects of beauty, she's especially passionate about skin care and helping others learn about and care for their skin.