Ever feel disappointed when that skincare treat you have been saving for isn’t working miracles on your skin? It could be as simple as the way you are applying your skincare and the order you are layering on your products.
Having a regimented skincare order may seem a little extra but it can turn be the difference between dull, tired-looking skin and the beautiful, glowing complexion you have always desired.
Julia Marinkovich, COSRX UK Representative shares her top tips on the secret to skin layering
AM to PM Beauty Step by Step Guide
It is important to apply skincare on a freshly cleansed face to ensure no oils or dirt disrupt the absorption pattern of products. Julia says that “by applying skincare onto a slightly damp face the pores will be more receptive to absorption, meaning the active ingredients will penetrate deeper within the pores enhancing the effectiveness of your products”. A thorough cleanse and tone is the perfect to achieve a clean base. “
BUILD IT UP
Start light with your products and build up in order of their density. Set aside the serum and ampoules and apply them to a freshly cleansed and toned face. If these are applied after heavier creams the active ingredients within them become less effective as they struggle to get through the barrier formed by thicker moisturisers.
TAKE A BREATHER
“Most of us will know the feeling of rushing our skincare regime, layering products quickly on top of one another and being left with the feeling of pilling. To avoid this happening give each step time to settle and absorb before applying the next product. Incorporate your skincare into your morning and evening routine with enough time to allow the products to work without hastily going through the motions.”
DON’T OVER DO THE ACIDS
Acids are a great way to target skin concerns and are highly active, on the downside too many acids can cause irritation so it is important to find the right acid for your skin type and stick to it. Julia recommends that “AHA’s and BHA’s are safe combination of acids to use together. An AHA will remove any dead skin cells or flakiness giving you a clean base to build your skincare upon whereas BHA’s work to break down debris within the pores preventing pimples”. AHA’s are most commonly in the form of glycolic or lactic acid and BHA’s are often in salicylic acids.”
Lock it In
“A thicker moisturiser can be the key to any layering beauty regime” Julia Explains. “A moisturiser will seal the active ingredients from previous products so that your skin can reap the rewards of your layered skincare”.
