Layered Anti-Aging Skincare
Your skin is a canvas and your skincare products are the paint. The order in which you apply them makes all the difference in how well they perform.
Start with a cleanser to remove dirt and oil that can block pores. Then, apply a serum that boosts collagen and smoothes fine lines.
1. Cleanse
If you want to give your skincare routine a serious upgrade, it is important to start with a clean canvas. Cleansing removes impurities and allows your serums and moisturizers to penetrate the skin effectively. A cleanser should be formulated for your skin type. A cleanser should also include a toner to remove any residues and to restore balance.
Many professionals recommend applying skincare products in an order based on their consistency starting with lighter formulas like serums and ending with heavier creams. This will allow the products to absorb without interfering with one another and ensure that the most active ingredients reach the deepest layers of the skin for maximum results.
Serums are light liquids that can contain a host of beneficial active ingredients. Some of the most popular serums include Vitamin C, retinol, and niacinamide. Some serums are designed to target specific concerns such as hydration, brightening, or anti-aging. For instance, the Sisleya L’Integral Anti-Age Radiance & Anti-Dark Spot Serum is formulated with Lansium extract and Hexylresorcinol to reduce dark spots and leave the complexion with a more even skin tone.
2. Tone
Layering your skincare products can help boost their effectiveness. But if it’s not done correctly you could be hindering their absorption or missing out on key benefits altogether. This is why cleansing is the first step in any routine, followed by toning to prep skin for the rest of your layering regimen.
The right toner can remove any residue lingering dpl skin rejuvenation on skin after cleansing and restore the skin’s pH balance, making it more receptive for further treatment. A great toner can also hydrate dry skin and boost the penetration of other products, helping them work more effectively.
If you have specific anti-aging or skin blemish concerns you may want to include serums in your layering routine as well. Vitamin C serum is a great option for treating visible sun damage and preventing wrinkles, while hyaluronic acid serum helps keep skin plump and hydrated.
You can also use spot treatments as part of your layering routine to treat blemishes. These come in cream, gel and serum formulas and can be used to reduce the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.
3. Moisturize
Adding moisturizer to the skin can help hydrate and lock in any other anti-aging products used. Moisturizers can also mask tiny lines and creases that appear when skin is dry.
When layering, you should always apply a light lotion or cream first before applying more active ingredients. This helps the lighter products absorb better and prevents “occlusion” where thicker products form a barrier that stops other ingredients from penetrating, says Kherata.
For those with oily skin, it’s helpful to use a serum that contains an exfoliant before your light lotion or cream. This will remove dirt and debris that may have accumulated and can cause the skin to look dull.
Once you’ve applied your skin treatments, you can finish your regimen with a heavy moisturizer like Simple Body’s anti-aging Beauty Balm. This product features jojoba oil, a natural humectant that draws water into the skin to hydrate and reduce fine lines. It also has Life Plankton, a blue microalgae known to promote cellular turnover and smooth the appearance of fine lines.
4. Sunscreen
Every month, it seems like there is a new must-have product in the skin care world. But the most important skincare item to use for anti-aging and sun protection is sunscreen.
Regular sunscreen application prevents many signs of aging, including fine lines, dark spots and uneven pigmentation, as well as reduces the risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen should be applied and reapplied throughout the day in order to protect the skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays.
In addition, some sun protection products contain antioxidants that help to further prevent and reverse the damage caused by the sun. These antioxidants may also help to reduce the redness and inflammation caused by a sunburn.
For a quick skincare routine, try using a facial moisturizer with built-in sunscreen for a daily protective boost. Image Skincare offers a number of facial moisturizers with sunscreen that offer hydration and a mix of beneficial anti-aging ingredients. You can also choose a serum with SPF in it to further protect the skin from UV damage. Speak with your aesthetician about what the best option is for you.
5. Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is thinner than the rest of your face and ages more quickly because it lacks oil glands. Many regular facial creams dpl skin rejuvenation treatment or moisturizers may irritate this delicate area, so eye cream is specifically formulated to help reduce dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines and wrinkles.
Look for ingredients such as retinol, hyaluronic acid, and peptides to minimize fine lines and wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles. These ingredients promote skin cell turnover, hydrate the complexion, and stimulate collagen synthesis. Additionally, antioxidants protect the delicate eye area from environmental stressors and free radical damage.
Use the same product layering strategy as you would with your other skincare products, applying the lightest first (typically an eye serum) and working up to the heaviest product in your lineup (usually a moisturizer). Avoid tugging or rubbing at the skin near your eyes as this can lead to fine lines and puffiness. Instead, gently tap or dab your eye cream on using the ring finger, which has the lightest touch. Then, wait for the product to absorb into your skin before continuing your morning routine.
