Are you ready to take your skincare game to the next level? At Ivy Clinic, we’re passionate about helping you achieve the best results by understanding how to layer your skincare products correctly. By following a specific order, each product can work its magic, allowing you to enjoy healthier, more radiant skin every day. Here’s a simple, effective guide to layering your skincare for optimal results.
1. Cleanse: Start with a Fresh Canvas
Every good skincare routine begins with a thorough cleanse. A gentle cleanser (foam, milk or gel depending on your skin type) removes impurities, excess oil, and any makeup residue, giving your skin a fresh, clean canvas. By starting with a cleanser, you’re setting up your skin for better absorption of the products that follow. Try cleansing both morning and night to keep your skin free from dirt and pollutants, ensuring it stays clear and vibrant.
Expert Tip: A cleansing pad helps remove stubborn makeup.
2. Eye Cream: Care for the Delicate Eye Area
The skin around your eyes is delicate and requires special attention. A hydrating or active eye cream helps to keep this area smooth and nourished, minimising the appearance of fine lines and dark circles. When applying, use your ring finger and gently pat the cream along your orbital bone to avoid tugging or stretching the skin. This step is especially important if your goal is to maintain a youthful, well-rested appearance.
Expert Recommendation:
AM: C firming eye cream (helps protect from sun, anti-ageing/firming) or Moisturiser eye
PM: Ultimate eye cream (anti-ageing, plumping) or Moisturiser eye cream
3. Corrective Serums: Target Specific Skin Concerns
Once your skin is clean, it’s ready for corrective serums. These concentrated formulas contain powerful active ingredients like Vitamin C, Vitamin A, or peptides, specifically designed to target individual skin concerns such as fine lines, pigmentation, or dullness. Applying these serums at this stage means they can penetrate deeply, helping to correct and rejuvenate your skin from within. Remember, a little goes a long way – a few drops are often all you need.
A good moisturiser is the key to keeping your skin hydrated, soft, and protected. Lighter lotions or creams during the day; richer at night for extra nourishment & rejuvenation overnight. A combination moisturiser/sunscreen can make it easy during the day, or a tint for a glowy, makeup-free look. Moisturisers act as a barrier, sealing in the active ingredients from your serums and keeping moisture locked into your skin.
Expert Tip: use a nourishing mask overnight (like Replenishing or Energising mask) a few times a week for an extra boost, instead of your moisturiser.
5. Protect: Never Skip the SPF!
The final step in your morning skincare routine is your SPF, a must-have to shield your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30+ every day, rain or shine, is crucial for preventing premature ageing and protecting against skin cancer. It’s often the most overlooked step, but it’s truly essential for long-term skin health. Apply generously to your face and neck, and reapply if you’re spending extended time outdoors.
Expert Advice: use a generous amount, reapply every 2-3 hours as required. Try a combination a moisturiser/sunscreen for ease of use.
Key Tips for Skincare Layering Success
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Let Each Product Absorb: Give each product a moment to absorb before moving on to the next step. This can prevent pilling (when products ball up on your skin) and ensure each layer works effectively.
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Less is More: Don’t overload your skin! Using too much product can lead to irritation. Stick to a pea-sized amount for most serums and a small dab for eye cream.
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Stay Consistent: For real results, consistency is key. Stick to your layering routine morning and night, and you’ll start to notice the difference.
Layering your skincare products correctly doesn’t just make for a more luxurious routine; it enhances the performance of each product and maximises the benefits for your skin. By following these simple steps, you’re giving each product the chance to shine – and setting yourself up for a healthy, radiant complexion.
