Applying skincare in the correct order…..does it really matter?

Applying Skincare In The Correct Order
Yes, it really does matter the order you apply your skincare. If you apply skincare in the wrong order your skincare may not be able to work to give you optimal results.
There are 3 main reasons why the order you apply your skincare matters:
  1. They may not penetrate: rich products will form a barrier on the skin, preventing other products from getting through.
  2. They may be less effective: if certain products aren’t able to penetrate your skin properly, obviously you can’t get their full benefits. Also, certain ingredients are meant to be applied away from each other, using them together may deactivate them, or create a new, unwanted chemical reaction.
  3. You could harm your skin: applying products out of order may cause new skin concerns. e.g. if you apply your serums after your sunscreen you may be diluting coverage and reducing the protection.
The 3 main rules of thumb for layering skincare are:
  1. Thin to thick – apply thinnest product first and thickest product last.
  2. Apply water-based products before oil-based products.
  3. Always apply sunscreen last.
That all sounds a little confusing, but it is really simple. Here’s what a pretty standard skincare regime looks like:
Morning:
  • cleanser
  • toner
  • eye cream
  • serums
  • moisturiser
  • sunscreen
  • make up
Evening:
  • cleanse or scrub
  • toner
  • eye cream
  • retinol/vitamin A or exfoliating serums
  • peptide and growth factor serums
  • moisturiser or face oil

So layer up and reap the rewards!

Felicity West, RN