How to properly layer your skin care products in the morning

From watching make up tutorials and buying skin care products they recommend, it is not easy to keep up with some of these skin care routines unless you are a guru. Add to that the fact that the people we look up to for this kind of information are always marketing different products every other day, it's no wonder that we're baffled wondering whether to keep up with these trends or stick to what we know.

 Even though a good number of women may know of skincare products they need to use, some do not understand when to use them. Here is a simple guide on how to properly layer your skin care products before leaving the house:

The first step is using a cleanser. This is basically meant to remove makeup, dead skin cells, dirt and any other skin pollutants that have settled on your face. A cleanser will help unclog your pores and help prevent acne breakouts. Never skip this routine. For those who have oily skin t is recommended that you cleanse twice a day while those with drier skin can do with once a day. If you're wondering when the sheet masks can be used, it is at this stage. Sheet masks also cleanse your skin.

Toners come immediately after cleansers because they basically remove any last traces of dirt and other impurities that may be stuck in your pores after washing your face. Adding toners to your skincare routine can be beneficial as it also improves your appearance and tightens your pores, goodbye aging skin. Toners are not heavy on your skin and most are filled with gentle and hydrating ingredients to pamper dry skin or chemical exfoliants to treat acne.

You have probably heard of serums and maybe even bought one or two but have no idea how they work. Serums essentially contain nutrients, hydrants and antioxidants that boost your skin's health. Serums are a must-have in your kit because they basically do most of the heavy work during your skincare routine. Vitamin C serums are best because they will protect your skin from inflammation and damage during the day while keeping it bright. Also you will notice dark spots start to disappear over time.

The area around the eyes are more fragile and are prone to fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles from constant movement and squinting. Eye creams generally aim to keep it hydrated. The key to applying skincare products is generally starting with those that are lighter before proceeding to the heavier ones. Thinner products won’t be able to penetrate the heavier ones once applied. Eye creams are thinner than say moisturizers and they will need go first to work on those lines and dark circles.

Although the skin repairs itself overnight, when the body is at rest, you can use spot treatments after applying a toner in the morning so you don’t irritate your skin. Always apply your spot treatment first before the moisturizer which creates a protective barrier over your skin that will be hard to penetrate. When you use your spot treatments properly, you will notice that even the dark spots will start to disappear with time.

This is the Holy Grail when it comes to skincare. Whether you have dry, oily or combination skin, a moisturizer is a must in your skincare kit. It will not only create a protective barrier over your skin but will also keep it looking healthy. Other than also hydrating your skin all day, moisturizers trap in all the other products you had applied which will make them more effective. Always consult and ask for lighter and gentle moisturizers that won’t leave your skin feeling heavy or greasy.

Face oils generally aim at keep your skin hydrated all day. This is to say they seal in all the ingredients and moisture you applied to your face to prevent them from evaporating as quickly. Face oils don’t do much in moisturizing your skin but when layered with other products, they increase their efficacy and leave your skin smooth and shiny. They will also aid your anti-aging routine and speed healing properties.

By now you are probably worried about the number of products that need to go on your face. Do not fret, sunscreen is only applied to act as a protective barrier from the outer elements. Unlike other products they don’t aim to penetrate your skin or improve your skin care routine efficacy, they only provide an outer armor, especially from the harsh UV rays.

Tip: All these skin care products should be used in small portions so your face doesn’t feel greasy or heavy all day from layering. Remember to always consult a dermatologist before trying new products on your skin.