Ultimate guide to skincare layering

Ultimate guide to skincare layering

How to layer skincare?

Having an extensive skincare routine is great but do you actually know what is the best way to layer it? Skincare layering doesn’t have to be a science, however there are rules to follow if you want to achieve the best results possible.

We know Vitamin C is the holy grail for pigmentation and brightening, while Hyaluronic Acid is the number one ingredient for perfect hydration and apparently everyone needs retinol. We also know we have to cleanse and moisturiser, but what is the correct way to do it?

Below is the ultimate guide to skincare layering and all the little extra tips and tricks to get you glowing ASAP!

Step 1

Skincare layering starts with cleansing, which probably sounds like the easiest step in the routine, however if done right can improve your skin immensely. Good rule of thumb is to double cleanse to get all the makeup, SPF and dirt off properly. Your first cleanse should ideally be an oil-based cleanser to melt down any makeup and SPF from your first face. Then you should follow with a cream/foam or any water-based cleanser of your choice.

Hot tip: Cleanse your face for 60 seconds each time to allow time for ingredients in the cleanser to do their work.

Cleanse & Clarify Dual Action AHA Cleanser & Mask

Step 2

If you are doing a wash off or sheet/hydrogel mask or performing LED light treatment therapy this should be your step two. For LED treatment, always use this on dry clean skin. When using wash off masks, apply and wait the recommended time, then rinse your face with lukewarm water. For sheet/hydrogel masks – apply on cleansed skin, wait the recommended time and then follow layer on your serums.

Hot tip: For a cooling sensation and eye de-puffing pop your hydrogel masks in the fridge before use.

Radiance &Renewal AHA Instant Clarity Refining Mask

Lightmax Supercharged LED Mask 2.0

Hydra-Bright Gold Eye Mask Brightening & Hydrating Hydrogel Eye Mask

Hydra Lift Golden Facial Treatment Mask

Step 3

Step 3 is for your eye cream. It is good to layer it before your serum, to allow full benefits for the undereye area.

  1. For dark circles, use Sooth & Smooth Hyaluronic Brightening Eye Complex
  2. For puffiness, use Depuff & Define Contouring Eye Rescue

Step 4

Next step in the skincare layering ritual is the serum/treatment. This is the ‘active’ part of your skincare routine. The step where you can pack on your actives, your hydrators and really boost your skincare game. First choose what concerns you want to tackle:

  1. For pigmentation, use Brighten & Perfect 10% Vitamin C Corrective Serum
  2. For radiance, use Lift & Lustre Golden Elixir Antioxidant Serum
  3. For hydration, use Rest & Revive Restorative Placenta & Stem Cell Night Serum

Step 5

Next step in the skincare layering and one of the important ones (yes, even if you have oily skin) is moisturising!

For Daytime skincare layering – rain or shine, never skip sunscreen!

MZ Skin founder Dr Maryam Zamani explains that “UVA exposure happens regardless of the weather and is responsible for ageing. UVB is what causes burning. Even on cloudy days, 80% of the dangerous rays penetrate through clouds.” Choose from the below depending on if you like a little bit of tint or if you prefer no colour:

  1. Hydrate & Nourish Age Defence Retinol Day Moisturiser SPF 30
  2. Tint & Protect Skin Perfecting SPF 30 Tinted Moisturiser

For Nighttime moisturiser step use:

  1. Replenish & Restore Placenta & Stem Cell Night Recovery Mask

Step 6

Finally last step in your routine at nighttime should be a facial oil, great addition for dry skin people! MZ Skin Retinol Booster is a 2% encapsulated (non-irritating) serum in an oil form. Which is also the reason why we recommend using it after your moisturiser at nighttime as a last step in your skincare layering ritual. However, your very last step can be any facial oil.

If you wish to learn more about how to perfect your skincare regime, book a free virtual consultation here.