How to layer skincare products
Achieving beautiful, healthy skin isn't just about using the right products; it's also about using them in the right order. If you've ever wondered about the benefits of layering different skincare products, we're here to guide you through the process. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the advantages of incorporating vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, alpha hydroxy acids, SPF, toners, and retinol into your daily skincare routine.
1. Vitamin C: The Brightening Boost
Vitamin C is a naturally occurring compound found in various fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli. It's a potent antioxidant, which means it helps protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals and environmental factors like UV rays and pollution.
Vitamin C can fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and age spots, leading to a more even skin tone and a brighter complexion. It stimulates the production of collagen, a protein essential for maintaining skin's elasticity and firmness. This helps reduce the appearance of sagging skin and fine lines. While not a substitute for sunscreen, vitamin C can boost the skin's natural defense against UV damage, providing extra protection.
How to Layer: Apply our Dew You Even Vitamin C Serum in the morning after cleansing and toning, but before moisturizing and SPF for maximum protection and brightening benefits.
Caution: Avoid using vitamin C simultaneously as niacinamide, retinol, exfoliating acids, and benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients can either cancel out the effects of vitamin c or increase skin sensitivity. Alternatively, you can use them at different times of the day, such as vitamin C in the morning and other actives in the evening.
2. Hyaluronic Acid: The Hydration Hero
Hyaluronic acid is your go-to for intense hydration. Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan, a long chain of sugar molecules that can hold a significant amount of water. In fact, it's known to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This property makes it an exceptional hydrating agent for the skin. Hyaluronic acid, often referred to as HA, is a naturally occurring substance in our bodies. When used as part of a skincare routine, hyaluronic acid can enhance the absorption of other products. By increasing skin moisture levels, it prepares the skin to make the most of subsequent treatments.
How to Layer: Use hyaluronic acid after cleansing and toning to help your skin absorb and retain moisture. Follow with other serums, moisturizer, and SPF. You can also find hyaluronic acid in our Dew You Even Vitamin C Serum and Kale & Seaweed Hydrate Mask.
3. Niacinamide: The Versatile Problem-Solver
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3 or nicotinamide, is a water-soluble vitamin that has garnered significant attention in the skincare world for its versatile and impressive range of benefits. It's naturally found in various foods and can also be synthesized for use in skincare products. Niacinamide reinforces the skin's natural barrier, which is essential for protecting it from environmental stressors, pollutants, and irritants. A strong barrier leads to healthier, more resilient skin.
Niacinamide helps regulate oil production and minimize the appearance of enlarged pores, making it an effective solution for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin. Niacinamide can fade dark spots, reduce hyperpigmentation, and even out skin tone, giving the skin a more radiant and youthful appearance. It plays well with other skincare ingredients and can be easily incorporated into your routine alongside other products.
How to Layer: Niacinamide can be applied morning and night after cleansing and toning. It pairs well with most other skincare ingredients. Stay tuned for a brand new product with this hero ingredient coming soon!
4. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): The Exfoliation Experts
Alpha Hydroxy Acids, commonly known as AHAs, are a group of naturally occurring, water-soluble acids found in various fruits, vegetables, and sugars, that have been a game-changer in the skincare industry. These compounds, which include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and citric acid, have earned their place on skincare shelves due to their wide array of benefits.
AHAs work to remove dead skin cells from the skin's surface, leaving behind a fresh and radiant complexion. By encouraging cell turnover, AHAs can minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, helping your skin look smoother and more youthful. AHAs can clean out pores, reducing their appearance and helping to prevent acne and blackheads. Exfoliated skin is more receptive to other skincare products and with regular use, AHAs can provide a more even skin texture, enhance skin elasticity, firm the skin, and fade dark spots and sun damage.
How to Layer: Use our Paprika & Papaya AHA Revitalizing Mask in your evening routine, after cleansing, but before other serums. Start with lower concentrations and gradually increase as your skin tolerates. AHA masks are typically used once or twice a week. Follow the instructions on the product and ensure you don't over-exfoliate, as this can lead to sensitivity and excess stripping of the skin barrier.
Caution: It's essential to use sunscreen when using AHAs, as they can increase sun sensitivity.
5. SPF: The Skin Protector
Sunscreen is your ultimate defense against premature aging, sunspots, and skin cancer. Always use broad-spectrum SPF in the morning. This is especially important if you are using products containing AHA’s or retinols as these can increase UV sensitivity in the skin.
How to Layer: Apply our Sol & Shine Mineral Outdoor Protective Cream as the final step in your morning routine, after moisturizer and before makeup. Reapply every two hours when outdoors.
Caution: Opt for mineral based sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Almost all chemical sun blocks are currently being heavily scrutinized and even pulled from the market due to their hormone disrupting and immune compromizing effects.
6. Toners: The pH Balancers
A toner is a water-based liquid or gel formulated with various active ingredients designed to be applied after cleansing and before the application of other skincare products. Toners offer several benefits such as restoring your skin's natural pH balance, which can be disrupted by harsh cleansers, removing any remaining traces of makeup, dirt, and impurities that your cleanser might have missed, providing an extra layer of hydration to the skin, and preparing the skin for better absorption.
How to Layer: Use either our Yarrow & Goldenseal Calming Toner or Kombucha & Willow Bark Clarifying Toner after cleansing and before serums.
7. Retinol: The Anti-Aging Star
Tretinoids are a family of compounds that includes tretinoin (retinoic acid or retinol) and are a class of synthetic and naturally occurring compounds derived from vitamin A. These compounds have been extensively studied and have proven to be one of the most effective and well-researched skincare ingredients.
Retinol is renowned for its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It stimulates collagen production, making the skin firmer and smoother and reversing some signs of photoaging caused by sun exposure, such as rough texture and uneven pigmentation. Retinol is not only corrective but also preventive, making it a valuable asset in long-term skincare routines.
How to Layer: Apply our Golden Radiance Firming Face Oil or Calendula & Carrot Rescue Balm in your evening routine, after cleansing, toning, and serums.
Caution: Retinol comes in varying forms and strengths, and many synthetic retinols can be sensitizing for the skin, which is why we recommend opting for plant retinols in the form of rosehip oil, carrot oil, bakuchiol, seabuckthorn berry, alfalfa, and green tea. If you are using a prescription retinol, start with a lower concentration and gradually increase use. Retinol can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, so sunscreen is crucial during the day, and can be drying, so it's essential to use a good moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
8. Vitamin E: A Skin Nourisher and Protector
Vitamin E, also known as tocopherol, is a fat-soluble vitamin with powerful antioxidant properties. It's naturally found in certain fatty foods such as olives, avocados, almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds.
Vitamin E is known for its moisturizing properties. It helps keep the skin hydrated, reducing dryness, flakiness, and dullness, and is a potent antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radicals, which can cause premature aging, fine lines, and wrinkles. Vitamin E has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated or sensitive skin, making it a valuable ingredient for those with skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. It promotes skin healing, reduces the appearance of scars, and is often used for post-surgery or wound care.
How to layer: Vitamin E can be found in various skincare products, including creams, serums, and oils. You can apply these products directly to your skin as part of your daily skincare routine. If you are using any oils in your skincare routine, chances are they contain vitamin E naturally. Our top vitamin E containing products include Hemp & Camellia Balancing Face Oil, Cosmic Essence Calming Face Oil, Neptune Cloud Calming Mask, Oat & Yucca Cream Mask, and Lavender & Marshmallow Root Body Butter.
A Few Additional Tips:
Patch test: Before incorporating new products into your routine, patch test to ensure your skin doesn't react negatively. Even with all natural products it is possible to have an allergic reaction.
Start slow: Introduce new products gradually to allow your skin to adapt and minimize irritation. It takes in general around 30 days for skin cells to renew, so be patient and consistent with your routine.
Listen to your skin: Everyone's skin is unique. Adjust your routine based on your skin's needs and sensitivities.
By understanding how and when to layer these essential skincare products, you can tailor a regimen that meets your skin's unique requirements. With patience and consistency, you'll unveil healthier, more radiant skin, and a complexion that reflects the care you invest in it. Remember, always consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional for personalized guidance and recommendations.