You probably know the classic CTM(Cleanser, Toner, Moisturizer) order of layering skincare products but skincareverse has come a long way since then and it’s never too late to start learning about it. With all these various kinds of face serums, face oils, essences, and creams it at times gets difficult to wrap our head around it and most of the time we end up skipping the products that we once bought with all our heart. Don’t worry! Although Skincare has to be science-backed, skincare layering is no rocket science, we will understand how to layer our skincare products to make the most of it.
Let us Understand the Concept and Basis of Layering
The crux of skincare layering would be thinnest to thickest. Now, the skincareverse has flooded with all these molecules, the concoction of molecules, and whatnot. If you possibly don’t want to get the FOMO, and you don’t have to get the FOMO, please allow me to decode what I meant by thinnest to thickest while I try to explain the order of application too.
Cleanser has to be the first step for obvious reasons of having a clean canvas for the further layering of products by getting rid of any dirt, makeup or products already settled onto your skin, you can do that with any Natural Face Wash of your choice and move ahead with further layering.
Toners are to be applied next in the order as it is the thinnest in consistency and are mostly ultra-light, toners like Calendula toners help your skin hydrate, protect, and prepare your skin for further skincare regimen, they help balance your skin’s pH and may or may not have been altered by your cleanser and in the process helps in absorbing the products optimally.
Treatment refers to any spot treatment you might be using, like spot treatment for inflammatory or cystic acne, hyperpigmentation, etc. Any spot corrector cream that you might be using goes right after toners.
Serums are relatively lighter than moisturizers but heavier than toners so it makes perfect sense to apply them in between the two. Pick the serum that addresses your skincare needs the best, if you have oily/acne-prone skin pick a salicylic acid serum, if you are focusing on an anti-aging serum pick a Vitamin C serum/anti-oxidant serum in the morning and retinoid serum in night.
Eye Creams are usually designed to replenish the TEWL(Transepidermal Water Loss) along with an active ingredient as the skin under our eyes is thin and needs that extra splash of hydration and moisturization. Different eye creams address different concerns like under-eye dark circles or undereye wrinkles
Moisturizers are usually the thickets and thus they go on top of all these lighter products. Moisturizers apart from hydrating and moisturizing your skin also help strengthen your skin’s barrier and seal in the products applied so far protecting them from wearing out and aiding in their optimal absorption. Now since our skin is unique our choice of moisturizers should be unique too. If you are a dry skin type look for moisturizers formulated with Ceramides, Glycerin, and Shea Butter for intense hydration and repair, if you are an oily skin type go for a non-comedogenic moisturizer that is water-based and has ingredients like hyaluronic acid and lightweight in texture.
Face Oils even in low quantity add that radiant, dewy glow if used consistently. Face oils work as a sealant and the added boost of moisturization, it’s advised to use it after moisturizer because oils can trespass through moisturizers but vice-versa is not true. It is advised for people with dry/dehydrated skin as it helps soothe, strengthen, and protect the skin barrier by working as a sealant.
Sunscreens are a non-negotiable part of your morning skincare routine as they protect our skin from harmful UV rays thus preventing photo-damage and in the long run a potential anti-aging product too. Sunscreen could be either physical, chemical, or Hybrid.
Physical Sunscreens: Sunscreens formulated with ingredients like Titanium Dioxide and zinc Oxide are Physical Sunscreens, they start working immediately after application, are usually creamy in texture, are considered safer for people with sensitive skin, during pregnancy, and are recommended for athletes. They are also called Mineral Sunscreens.
Chemical Sunscreens: Oxibenzone, and octinoxate are usually the choice of filters in chemical sunscreens, they are either transparent or have a watery consistency, they rarely leave white casts and start acting after 20 minutes of application. They are mostly sweat and water-resistant too.
Hybrid Sunscreens: Blended sunscreens are an amalgamation of both physical and chemical filters, and they are gaining recognition commercially as they offer the best of both worlds. It is both fast-acting and long-lasting. They offer dual action of UV blocking by both reflecting the UV rays from their physical component and absorbing the UV rays and intercepting them by their chemical component.
If you are someone who likes to keep their skincare routine minimalistic yet effective, it is best to follow the classic CTM with a slight change of adding “S” (CTMS) for the Sunscreen in their morning skincare regimen along with the Anti Aging Serum. A simple skincare regimen can be effective too if you are consistent with the routine and trust the process. In case you want to add any more steps to it, consult your dermatologist to figure out which active/acid would serve best according to your unique skincare needs.