If you only apply one cream to your face and call it a day, you may be missing out on some significant skincare benefits. Layering is a technique that intensifies the function of certain skincare products by fully activating their ingredients. When layering, you want to apply the lightest products first and finish with the heaviest ones. As everyone’s skin is different, it’s important to adjust your routine to meet your unique skincare needs.

1. Start with a Makeup Remover

Even if you don’t wear a ton of makeup, washing around the delicate eye area with a designated cleanser can help prevent skin damage. Each night before bed, apply an eye makeup remover like the Ultra Gentle Make Up Remover by Dr. Sylvia Skin Care to remove stubborn eye makeup, oils, and grime.

2. Wash with a Cleanser

Once your eye makeup has been removed, move onto your favorite cleanser. Remove oil, dirt, and any excess makeup with a sensitive skin cleanser like the Gentle Foaming Wash. This leaves your skin feeling clean and fresh and clears your pores for better penetration of other products.

3. Move On To a Toner

The next step in the layering process is a toner. Most toners get a bad rap for being too harsh on the skin. Today, there are much gentler options out there. The Gentle Soothing Toner by Dr. Sylvia Skin Care is an excellent option. This toner for sensitive skin helps to remove any remaining residue while tightening pores and delivering essential nutrients to the skin.

4. Nourish with a Serum
Serums are rich, potent skin treatments that act as a multivitamin for your skin. You can use a basic serum to cover your whole face but opt for a specialized anti-wrinkle eye cream like the Elastifirm Eye Serum by Dr. Sylvia Skin Care for your eye area. Always apply your serum before your moisturizer. If you swap these steps, the serum will not be able to penetrate the moisturizer layer.

5. Hydrate with a Moisturizer

A quality skin moisturizer is essential for all skin types. Options like the Botanical Hydration Gel from Dr. Sylvia Skin Care help to hydrate the skin post-cleanser for skin that feels soft and nourished. Your moisturizer also acts as a barrier to help lock in other skincare products you’ve used to retain their full benefits.

6. Protect with a Sunscreen

One of the final products you’ll want to apply is a protective sunscreen. Wait about 10 minutes for your other skincare products to dry before applying a sunscreen for sensitive skin, like the Oil Free Sun Protection SPF 30. As some serums contain active ingredients that can make your skin more photosensitive, the best sunscreen is suitable for those with easily-damaged skin. If you suffer from certain skincare conditions, such as acne or rosacea, you’ll want to seek products to help treat and prevent flare-ups. For more information about any of the products mentioned, contact our Harvard trained doctor and skin specialist in Singapore, Dr. Sylvia Ramirez at the Cutis Aesthetic Clinic.