The beauty market is changing every day, with new exciting products emerging all the time! Keeping an overview of all emerging skincare innovations, and knowing which ones to use is a confusing job. Thankfully, you don’t necessarily have to choose just a few products. The Japanese concept of layering describes the correct order in which to use your products, in order for them to work most effectively together and give you the complexion you’ve always dreamt of.

A basic requirement for an effective skincare routine is knowing which products to use in which order. You wouldn’t moisturise and then wash your face after all! The basic tenet to remember with skincare layering is to use lighter products before heavier ones. That means to start your routine with lightweight, transparent products and then move on to products that have a thicker, more milky consistency. Clear products are usually water-based, which means they are quickly absorbed into the deeper layers of your skin. As an example, using a thick day cream first would protect the skin but not enable other products to be absorbed.

When applying multiple products, it’s best to wait a while between putting each product on your skin. This time could range from a few seconds to a few minutes. We recommend making a cup of coffee and enjoying the individual steps of your skincare routine as self-care before a hectic day.

So, here’s what you should do, step-by-step, for the perfect skincare routine...

1. Cleansing
Proper cleansing is the first and most important step. Make-up residue, environmental pollutants, dirt and skin oil are removed, and your skin feels fresh again. You should cleanse your skin twice a day, both in the morning and evening. In the mornings, it’s best to simply use water and a light cleansing gel. This forms the basis of your skincare routine and prepares your skin for the next steps.

1 to 2 times a week you should also treat yourself to a skin peeling and a face mask. Choose one with potent natural ingredients to nourish your skin and give you a beautiful glow. Applying a skin peel and mask will help remove dead skin cells and deeply cleanse your pores. Apply the mask after exfoliating for best effects. When exfoliating and masking, it’s important to first cleanse the skin, and afterward apply a toner.

2. Toner
Face sprays, mists, tonics or toners all have the same effect on your skin. Toners remove make-up residue and any cleanser you may not have washed off; they ensure your skin is fresh and balance the pH level for further product application. Toners are used for their clarifying, anti-inflammatory and mattifying qualities and offer a perfect transition between proper cleansing and caring for your skin.

3. Serums
Serums have a light texture and consistency. The highly concentrated ingredients found in serums, such as Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol are absorbed quickly by the skin. The skin is pampered with nourishing ingredients and hydration. Vitamin C, for example, is suitable for all skin types and helps replenish the skin with nutrients.

4. Eye Creams
No matter your age, whether you’re looking to treat or prevent fine lines, eye creams are a must! We usually recommend using an eye cream regularly from your mid-20s onwards to ensure your skin looks fresh, signs of aging are reduced, and dark circles are minimised

5. Lotions & Gels
Lotions and gels are usually water-based and provide the skin with an extra surge of moisture. Due to their light texture, they are absorbed very quickly without leaving any residue. Gels can either be used in addition to face cream or as an alternative on hot and sticky summer days.

6. Skin Cream
What type of skin cream is ideal for you depends on your age and type of skin. Day and night creams are rich in texture and protect your skin from harmful environmental influences. When choosing a skin cream, pay attention to SPF. Ideally, your skin cream will also work to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

7. Sun Protection
Even if your skin cream already includes SPF, we would recommend applying additional sun protection in summer. It’s best to apply SPF at the end of your skincare routine, before putting on any makeup. Sunscreen is essential in preventing premature signs of aging and reducing the risk of skin cancer.

8. Primer
The use of primer is either the last step of your skincare routine or the first step of your makeup application. Primers create a more even skin texture and ensure that makeup will last and stay in place all day.

Skincare layering involves a lot more time and energy than simply applying face cream in the morning, but the effects can be amazing and many people love taking the time for themselves. Give it a try and see the effects a layering skincare routine may have on your skin! If you’re not familiar with using multiple products, we’d recommend using skincare products from one range or one brand as the ingredients were created to be used together.