FAN MAIL FRIDAYS: How to layer skin care products

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Happiest Friday, beshies!

I just came from the launch of Innisfree's new store in the south today, specifically in Festival Mall; more about that next week, but today, let's answer this question from Kimmie, which I'm sure is a concern for a lot of you as well!

Hi Martha,
I just want to ask how to properly layer skin care products? I'm planning to use Niacinamide Serum and Vitamin C facial oil. Which should go first? And how long should I wait to apply before the next product?
Kimmie

Hi Kimmie!

With all the skin care products nowadays including extensive routine suggestions, I understand how anyone can get confused when it comes to mixing and layering products!

Here's how I layer my skin care products:

For daytime, toner comes first. I normally use a salicylic acid- based toner first to remove deep- seated dirt and I need the layer of SA to manage impending breakouts. Next, I use a hydrating toner/essence to keep my skin soft, fight dryness, and for the skin to optimize succeeding skin care products; it's best to apply skin care on a balanced, hydrated face because it's more receptive. 

I sometimes put serum, but most of the time, I skip to moisturizer since the current moisturizer I use, Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream, has serum- like properties already. If you are using serum during daytime, know that it should be applied first before moisturizer because it needs to be sealed in for your skin to maximize its benefits.

Finally, sunscreen. Guys, SUNSCREEN SHOULD BE APPLIED LAST IN YOUR SKIN CARE ROUTINE. Because it's supposed to act like a layer of defense on your skin and applying products on top of it will dilute its efficacy; it's like creating holes on the layer, making it less effective and protective.

But does that mean applying makeup on top of it is not ideal? Well, yes, but I don't know anyone who goes to work with just skin care and a bare face on. You can minimize the risk by allowing sunscreen to set for about 5 minutes or using foundation with SPF, or finish off your beauty routine with a setting mist with SPF.

For night time, toner/essence come first again then serum. Next, moisturizers such as eye cream and facial oil/night cream follow to seal in the serum. Finally, spot treatment. Spot treatment should be applied last because it is supposed to concentrate on a certain area, not blended. Spot treatments normally have alcohol that can penetrate through skin care so don't worry about it "covering" your target area from the treatment; I do this all the time and it works every time.

How much time interval should you give before layering products on top of one another?

There's really no rule about this in general, but regarding moisturizer, some dermatologists suggest that washed skin should be treated with moisturizer thirty seconds after washing to restore balance and prevent the skin's natural pH from being disrupted; yes, it only takes 30 seconds to disrupt your skin!

As for me, I layer products right after the other; this of course depends on the consistency of each product; if almost all are emollient, I give each layer a minute before applying the next one.

That's all, Kimmie! Hope you liked this post.

Stay gorgeous, beshies and happy Friday!

**Got a burning question on beauty, makeup, skin care, fitness, blogging, career, relationships, marriage, or anything under the sun? Email me at martha.stabarbara@yahoo.com, message me via Contact Form, or shoot me a message at THE BEAUTY JUNKEE OFFICIAL FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.