With the growing number of products on the market, it can be hard to figure out how/when to incorporate each product into your routine. The proper layering of skincare ingredients and timing of application is paramount to the overall effectiveness of your skincare routine. Here are few simple rules to follow to make sure you are maximizing the results of your products. 

Golden Rule: Start thin and build from there.

After you have cleansed and/or exfoliated your face, you want the next product in your routine to be the thinnest (and lightest).

1. Toner

If you use a toner (whether calming or acid based), it should go on directly after cleansing or exfoliating.

*If you are using Flash Forward Thermal Enzymatic Exfoliation Treatment (or any exfoliation treatment for that matter), we recommend alternating days between physical or chemical exfoliation and acid-based toners, as you can over-exfoliate and damage the moisture barrier of the skin. 

2. Lightweight water-based serums

Next you will want to layer on any water-based serums in your routine. Think Hyaluronic Acid, Peptide serums, or AHA / BHA serums.

3. Eye creams

Apply eye creams before your moisturizing cream or face oil.  

4. Spot Treatments

If you have any blemishes, now is the time to apply that salicylic acid or other spot treatment.

5. Face Moisturizer + Retinol Treatment

If you use a moisturizing cream, go ahead and slather it on. You might want to incorporate a retinol treatment as part of your nighttime routine after your moisturizer. This will help prevent the retinol from irritating sensitive skin.  Because retinol increases the risk of photosensitivity in skin, you should only apply it at night. 

6. Face Oils

This is where it can get confusing….. Face Oils (which can also be called serums), are technically one of the thickest products (from a molecular standpoint) that you will apply to your skin. If you put your face oil on before your water-based serums or moisturizers, then your water-based products will not be able to penetrate past the oil and will be rendered ineffective. This is why oil-based products should go on after your other skincare items, but before your sun protection.

Our Lightspeed Hydra Glow C Serum is an oil-based serum, and as such should be applied after other serums or moisturizers.

7. Sunscreen (daytime)

Apply your SPF after your oil-based products, and before your make-up. Bonus points for additionally layering a makeup with SPF and reapplying a mineral SPF powder throughout the day.