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Today we are sharing a very requested post on how to layer skincare products including using multiple face creams at a time.

I can’t tell you the number of times I get asked about layering skincare products!

Last year, I had many readers saying they have multiple Good Science Beauty  face creams, but they weren’t sure if they could use more than one at a time? By the way, the this link for Good Science Beauty gives you 30% off all products, but you can also sign up for a subscription which is 25% off + my discount code! That is an awesome deal. 

We are going to cover all this today!

How to layer products in the right order plus using different face creams properly will help you get the most out of each product.

How To Layer Skincare Products Including Multiple Face Creams

While most of this article is personal experience, much of skincare layering all comes down to basic science.

Remember the science experiment you did as a kid with the oil and water? This always sticks out in my mind when it comes to skincare products because it is the same concept. 

You want to apply products in order of their density for maximum absorption into your skin.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram for fun videos, tips, and stories about skincare each week. For all FRE products, you can always use my discount code alexisroch at checkout. 

Begin your skincare routine with a clean face

Before you start layering products, always start with a clean face. Getting the most out of your skincare products starts with having clean skin that is prepared to absorb products. Always wash your skin with a cleanser first, then apply a toner if you use one. You don’t need to use a toner, but it can help make sure your skin is clean and ready for skincare application. I like to use a rosewater spray as a toner (more on that below).

Clean skin creates the best base for skincare.

Always start with the lightest texture

When you start to layer your skincare products, the best rule of thumb is to start with the lightest product. You can usually look at the texture of the products you are using to determine which is lightest. It can also be helpful to check the ingredients to look for water as the first ingredient. Water based products will be the lightest. 

What if you are using several products with the same texture?

Another common question is what if many of your products are the same texture and consistency? It won’t matter the order of serum application when they are the same texture. I recommend allowing them to dry a little before applying the next product to allow the skin to absorb each substance. This is my personal preference.

Next, work on layering thicker textures

After you have applied lighter textures which is usually all the serums, you will be working on thicker textures which is moisturizers. 

This might be the last part of your skincare routine unless you have a facial oil to apply. Oils will always be last due to their consistency.

What if you have multiple face creams?

Now to talk about face creams! I have had so many readers this last year mentioning they want to use multiple face creams, but they aren’t sure if this is a good idea.

One reader in particular told me she loves using the Good Science Beauty brightening face cream (use discount code chemistrycachet30 for all Good Science Beauty products!) and the hydrating face cream. How should she layer them?

When it comes to creams that do different jobs, you can just apply one at a time allowing them to soak in a little before applying the next one. There is no real scientific testing on this, but you can definitely get benefits from using several different creams when they have different tasks.

What to be cautious about

Something to be careful about when it comes to layering any products including face creams is to not use things that will irritate your skin too much. For instance, you don’t want to use a retinoid product with something like salicylic acid or AHA’s which might cause skin irritation.

Using one product to treat a skin issue is good enough so your skin doesn’t get overloaded. Since everyone has different skin types, this might be a trial and error. If you try a few different products together, but your skin turns really red, you might want to stop one of them.

Here is my current skincare routine

This is another question I get on Instagram at least a few times a week, so I wanted to share with you my current skincare routine including the order I apply my products.

My skincare needs right now are dry skin, treating texture and fine lines, brightening dullness, and skin nourishing.

Don’t forget to read this post on why I rotate skincare products.

Step one:

I wash my face with this face wash (code alexisroch) gets you buy one get one free right now for all FRÉ products), then spray rosewater toner.

Step two:

Every two days I use these face wipes. On days I use these wipes, I do not apply any serums (this just goes back to the skin irritation tip). On the days I don’t use those face wipes, I first apply a vitamin C serum (discount code is alexisroch). After that dries, I am using this anti-aging bakuchiol serum.

Step three:

Next, I am using a dark circle under eye cream. 

Step four:

I top everything with Good Science Beauty Hydrating Face Cream(discount code chemistrycachet30)right now. I love using this one in the winter months when my skin is dry. I also use the Skin Firming Cream (chemistrycachet30 at checkout) throughout the year.

Step five:

I also like to apply an overnight face cream. I like this hydrating overnight face cream (code chemistrycachet30) right now. I also like this tightening overnight face cream (code alexisroch for buy one get one free).

 

How many products can you or should you use at a time?

This is another very asked question from readers. I think this is really going to depend on your skin type plus what you are treating. I like to use about 4-5 products at a time. I don’t like to do more than that because I don’t want to irritate my skin. I also think your skin doesn’t need more than that. This is why I rotate different products throughout the year.

I personally treat dry skin, aging, and texture. If you are also treating things like acne, you might have one or two more products in the mix. 

Using good quality skincare products means you don’t really have to use a ton of products to take care of your skin! You can use a few of them at a time and still have healthy skin.

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