Hi, I’m Elaine, your Talking Skincare host for Layer Layers Everywhere!
Welcome to Reviva’s first webinar of 2024. If you like what you see, be sure to visit Reviva’s YouTube page to see previous monthly webinars.
Now to today’s topic… Layering skin care! Reviva has long been an advocate for layering skin care. Layering allows the application of multiple products in a specific order to maximize their benefits while targeting specific skin concerns.
Layering involves applying multiple products in a specific order. The objective is to optimize the absorption of each product’s active ingredients and ensure that your skin reaps the most benefits. The layering process adheres to the concept of ‘thinnest to thickest consistency’.
Each skin care application should start with cleansing and toning, with the occasional exfoliation too. Layering then starts with lightweight products, think serums, followed by richer and thicker products, such as moisturizers. This order prevents ingredients “blocking” where thicker products could form a barrier and inhibit the absorption of key ingredients from lighter products.
A benefit of layering skincare is the enhanced absorption of ingredients. Each product layer adds key ingredients that can enhance or amplify prior layers. Take for example, Vitamin C, you can use a product with a super high percentage of C, or you can opt to layer two or three products that each have different forms of vitamin C.
In option one, there’s a higher potential for irritation, not to mention your skin has a finite ability to absorb a single ingredient. In option two, each product offers different, complementary forms of Vitamin C that each provide unique skin benefits. More importantly, each product likely also offers additional beneficial ingredients, such as antioxidants, emollients, or peptides.
As an example, you could combine Reviva’s Vitamin C Serum, featuring three different types of Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, to quickly infuse your complexion with antioxidants and a humectant. Next, layer on our Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C Ester, DMAE Crème that features multiple antioxidants, firming ingredients, and peptides. Followed by a layer of our Calming Renewal Serum and its blend of natural oils that are rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, moisture, and emollients.
This layering: serum, moisturizer, face oil includes at least five forms of Vitamin C, while flooding your complexion with skin-friendly fatty acids, antioxidants, peptides, and more.
To start layering, you need to understand the different types of skincare products and their order of application. The basic steps of skincare layering include cleansing, toning, treating, and moisturizing. Cleansing removes dirt, makeup, and other impurities from your skin.
Toning helps to balance your skin’s pH levels and prepares it for treatment. Treating involves using products that target specific skin concerns, such as serums, masks, and eye creams. Moisturizing provides hydration and seals in the other products.
Here’s a breakdown of how to layer your skincare products:
Cleansing
It’s probably no surprise that cleansing is the first step, but it is also one of the more crucial steps in any skincare routine. It prepares the skin for all the other products you’ll be applying by removing dirt, oil, and makeup. This cleansing step ensures that subsequent products penetrate more effectively.
Toners
After cleansing, a toner can be applied. Toners help to balance the skin’s pH and remove any residual impurities, creating a clean slate for the following products. But toners can do more than just cleanse and pH balance the skin. They can also be formulated with key ingredients that target specific concerns like elastin & collagen or glycolic acid to kickstart your exfoliation.
Exfoliation
Your cleansing process will likely include light or mild exfoliation. However, regular dedicated exfoliation will help to better remove dead skin cells and unclog pores; this leads to a smoother and more glowing complexion. Properly exfoliated skin also receives and absorbs products better. For most, using a mask one to three times a week is good.
Spot Treatments
If you’re dealing with skin concerns like acne or dark spots, spot treatments should be applied right after cleansing and toning. These products target small areas of the skin and may contain a variety of key ingredients that address the issue you’re treating.
Serums
Serums are concentrated formulations designed to target specific skin issues like aging, hydration, or pigmentation with key ingredients that target these issues. When layering multiple serums apply the thinnest first and the next dense one and so on. You may need to provide time between serums to allow for absorption if you’re using multiple.
Moisturizers
Moisturizers are next. These deliver moisture and lock in the benefits of the previously applied products. If your moisturizer contains similar key ingredients as your serum, it reinforces the actions of the serum, ensuring your skin receives a healthy dose of these key ingredients. This layered application leads to amplified results and improvements in your complexion.
Eye Treatments
Eye creams are another important step of a layered skincare routine. The skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate, requiring specialized treatment. Using an eye cream with similar or complementary key ingredients as your other products can help address eye area concerns like crow’s feet, dark circles, and more.
Face Oils
Face oils provide additional moisture and hydration to your skin. They’re generally applied after your moisturizer to create a barrier that “locks in” the previous products. However, with some face oils that are light in density, if you provide ample time for absorption, you can use them as a serum too.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is the final, non-negotiable step in any morning skincare routine. It protects the skin from harmful UV rays, which prevents premature aging and skin damage. Even if your other products contain SPF, a dedicated sunscreen ensures adequate protection.
As mentioned, layering skincare products with the same key ingredient can make a significant difference when targeting specific skin concerns. However, when layering the same key ingredient, it’s important to know the level of concentration in each product you’re applying.
Overloading the skin with high concentrations of a particular ingredient, even when layering, can still lead to irritation. This is why Reviva often combines different “types” of the same ingredients in our products – so that when layered – their cumulative benefits are gentle and effective.
Since everyone’s skin is unique, the art of layering skincare products lies in first understanding what your skin needs. By carefully selecting and layering products based on your skin’s needs and your skincare goals, you can create a tailored skincare routine that addresses your concerns and enhances your overall skin quality.
Thank you for tuning into Talking Skincare with Reviva Labs. If you want to learn more, join us at 3pm Eastern Time via Instagram LIVE.
And remember, you can always schedule a free 15-minute virtual skincare consultation by visiting our website revivalabs.com. And don’t forget to sign up for future Talking Skincare webinars.
Until our next webinar: Prevention is better than repair – take care of your skin and considering layering your skincare!
Thanks. Goodbye.
