Layering skincare is a minefield. When you've got 10 different products that do 10 different things, it's easy to get confused when it comes to applying them in the right order — and the plot only thickens when you've got different kinds of the same product. Doubling up on moisturising can solve a bunch of skincare issues, especially for dry skin, since it'll maximise hydration. Also, adding an extra layer of moisturiser can go a long way in keeping the skin soft and hydrated in colder weather.
And believe it or not, there is actually a correct way to use different moisturisers simultaneously; fans of double moisturising will know. We're here to break it down for you. Consider this your one-stop guide on the right way to layer moisturisers for maximum skin hydration.
- 01. Skin prep
- 02. Lightweight first
- 03. Follow up with a thicker one
- 04. Be careful of the ingredients
- 05. Don't forget sunscreen
01. Skin prep
Let this be a refresher for your skincare routine; start with a facial cleanser, tone your skin, and then apply a serum. Prepping your skin in this order will ensure that when it's time for double moisturisation, your skin is ready to soak in all the goodness of the moisturiser.
02. Lightweight first
Lightweight formulas always need to go on your skin first since they get absorbed quicker and work more effectively. This means layering a gel-based or an emollient product first. We recommend using the Pond's Super Light Gel Oil Free Moisturiser With Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin E first since its lightweight formula will absorb into your skin with ease, allowing you to reap all the hydrating benefits of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.
03. Follow up with a thicker one
Next up, you'll need to use a thicker moisturiser to lock in the benefits of the lightweight one. Using a heavy-duty moisturiser may sound intimidating, but it means that it'll have a slightly thicker consistency and take slightly longer to absorb into the skin. Opt for a moisturiser like the Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream Moisturiser. It contains the goodness of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E and also has aloe vera, which will help prevent the appearance of fine lines. It contains a special Active HydraMesh Technology that will lock in moisture for 48 hours, and well, we're here for it.
04. Be careful of the ingredients
When it comes to layering, you should be good with using the steps mentioned above, but always make sure that the ingredient pairings won't react with each other. For instance, your PM routine may consist of a retinol cream, but pairing it with a vitamin C-infused cream might irritate your skin. Similarly, retinol and salicylic acid will up the sensitivity in your skin and dry it out. Always check if your ingredient pairings are okay to use before application and if you need both in your routine? Incorporate one in your AM routine and one in your PM routine.
05. Don't forget sunscreen
No matter what the weather, don't forget to end your skincare routine with sunscreen, especially if neither of your moisturisers has SPF. Sunscreens have a much thicker consistency than regular moisturisers and hence need to be applied as the last step in your skincare routine. Our go-to is the Lakmé Sun Expert SPF 50 PA+++ Ultra Matte Lotion Sunscreen for total sun protection. It’s a non-greasy formula that will absorb quickly and won’t leave behind an annoying white cast.
Written by Nishtha Bhalla on Sep 08, 2021
Nishtha is a freelance writer who loves all things beauty, fashion, culture, and lifestyle. With content covering a variety of topics, she brings a holistic, nuanced perspective to her writing. In her free time, she can be found watching reruns of The Office, reading anything she can get her hands on, and experimenting with astrology.