Are you layering skincare products in the wrong order? We break down the best way to apply

Photography by Peter Stigter
Photography by Peter Stigter

Have you ever heard the saying, “Prevention is better than a cure?” Well your complexion craves a great deal of that. In order to keep that glow, banish acne and start minimizing any signs of aging, you need to form a healthy barrier of products to expedite the recovery process. Just as your office requires a team of dedicated staff with specialized roles, so does your skincare regime. Whether you can commit to a pared-down 4-step skincare routine, or you’re curious about testing out a Korean 10-step process, the products involved will contribute to a healthy cell turnover rate and a restored pH balance. One thing that remains the same is the importance of properly layering skincare products.

You might think that sequencing your products is a no-brainer, but there are often missteps along the way. From he said/she said, to mother knows best and beauty’s top trends, our over-saturated notion of a healthy complexion has become overwhelming. So to ensure that your products are penetrating, that you’re building up a moisture barrier, and beating time at it’s own game, we’re getting to the bottom of your single-file line skincare regime.

We chatted with Victoria Radford, Founder of RADFORD, Partner in Manhattan Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Dendy E. Engelman and Dr. Dennis Gross MD, Founder of Dennis Gross Dermatology for their skincare secrets, and we’re about to bestow a bundle of beauty benefits onto you. A healthy skincare routine consists of several specific steps, with little-to-no wait time in between, despite what you might have heard. Taking a “coffee break” in between products is not working any miracles, and as Dr. Engelman pointed out, “Most of the current formulations[…]are made for layering, so you don’t have to wait for long between steps. After your serum has been absorbed into the skin, it is okay to apply the next step.” Of course, there is one exception to that rule as Radford pointed out—“If you are treating a blemish or highly acne-prone skin, you can should a product with an active ingredient such as salicylic acid and let it set on the skin a minute or two before you put on your cream.” As you can see, “Skincare routines will vary depending on each individual’s needs, but there is a right order for your basics,” noted Dr. Gross. Radford added that, “Skin regimens are as unique as each individual, which is why it is so important to seek personalized skincare advice.”

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