How to layer your skincare routine

New to skincare? An avid fan of skincare but still confused of which order to layer products? Have absolutely no idea where to start? We’re here to help guide you through the correct way to layer your AM and PM skincare routine.

Your skincare can be as simple or as complex as you like. Don’t feel it is necessary to follow all the steps below, it all comes down to you and what you’re trying to achieve in your skincare. Whether you’re using three products or six products in your routine, the general rule is to always start with the thinnest product and finish with the thickest. Also, if you’re introducing new ingredients into your routine, it’s best to add them in slowly and build up your skin tolerance to avoid irritation. If you’re unsure on which ingredients you should and shouldn’t be layering together, don’t worry as we’re also going to write a blog post all about this very soon so keep an eye out. 

AM routine

Let’s take a look at how you should be layering your morning skincare routine.

Step 1: Cleanser 

The first step in any skincare routine should be cleansing your skin, this removes any dirt and grime, whilst preparing your skin for the products you’re about to layer over the top. There are numerous cleansers that suit individual skin types and concerns - a full list is available here. They’re all natural, gentle and use high quality ingredients so they don’t damage your skin barrier or strip its natural oils too. 

Step 2: Serums 

Serums can be used both in the morning and the evening. You will probably have your individual skin concerns, this is where you would use a targeted serum or combine a few serums to address this, whether it’s to help with acne, ageing, dehydration or so on. However, it’s important to note that not all serums will work well together, some may cause irritation, but you’ll also find there are some that can even work better together (more on this in the next blog post). Evolve Hyaluronic Serum 200 is one of our must haves as hyaluronic acid is extremely hydrating and works instantly - it’s not like other products that can take weeks before you notice any difference. 

Step 3: Moisturiser 

Follow up by applying a moisturiser to keep skin healthy and hydrated. The UpCircle Face Moisturiser is a sustainable saviour as it uses repurposed ingredients to nourish the skin and it’s even suitable for all skin types.

Step 4: Facial Oil

Facial oils are usually saved for evening use, however there are some oils that are created purposely for use in the morning, such as Neighbourhood Botanicals The Daily Glow. It’s one of our favourites to use in our AM skincare as it has Vitamin C and is packed with antioxidants which brightens and protects complexion. It also leaves skin feeling smooth and provides a natural looking glow.

Step 5: Sunscreen 

The final step in any AM skincare routine is SPF. It shields you and your skin from UVA and UVB rays which can be damaging without this layer of protection. Evolve Climate Veil Tinted SPF20 provides a glowy yet non-greasy finish to your morning skincare routine and keeps you protected from the sun.

PM routine

Now let’s move onto how you should be layering your skincare routine in the evening. 

Step 1: Cleanser 

Similar to your AM routine, the first step in your evening routine should be cleansing. It’s advised that you double cleanse, especially if you’ve been wearing makeup and sunscreen throughout the day. The first cleanse is to remove the products you’ve been wearing all day and the second cleanse is to thoroughly cleanse skin, washing away any leftover dirt and environmental pollutants. Neighbourhood Botanicals Face Off Cleanser easily melts away makeup and SPF whilst nourishing skin with essential fatty acids and vitamins.

Step 2: Face Mask (once or twice a week)

Who doesn’t love a good face mask as part of their self-care evening ritual once or twice a week? The Five Dot Botanics Pure Rewind Restorative Mask is one of our favourites, it even has lavender oil which not only soothes and calms skin, but the scent also helps you relax so it’s perfect to help you unwind at the end of the day.

Step 3: Toner 

A gentle chemical exfoliation that’s suitable for all skin types, such as the Evolve Liquid Radiance Toner helps your skin to look more radiant and refines texture. It contains Willow Bark which is a natural source of salicylic acid and fruit AHAs so it’s best to use in the evening but remember to use SPF the following day as these products can make skin more sensitive to the sun. 

Step 4: Serums 

Again, this would be when you apply your targeted serum depending on your skin concerns. 

Step 5: Moisturiser 

As a second to last step, apply moisturiser to lock in hydration.

Step 6: Facial oil