Most of us will have sorted out some kind of skincare regimen involving a degree of product layering that brings together the essentials. But are you 100% sure that the products you’re slathering on are the right ones for you? As well as needing to consider the ingredients you want to target particular skin concerns, you also have to make sure you apply them in the correct order. We might not have the ultimate combo for everyone, but if you tweak your routine using some of these suggestions, you may notice an improvement.
Skin type: Dry
Everyone with dry skin knows a hydrating product is a must-have, making a serum containing hyaluronic acid ideal. You’ve no doubt heard that hyaluronic acid is a water-loving humectant that holds 1000 times its weight in water, but what does that mean for you? Well, a hyaluronic acid serum will retain water within the skin and have a plumping effect. The rule of thumb is to apply your lighter products (serum) first, followed by your thickest (moisturiser, SPF). Hydration relates to water, while moisture concerns oil, so for those with dry skin, an oil-based moisturiser will help seal it all in.
Your combo:
Jeunora Hydrating Booster Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $41, and Lancôme Hydra Zen Neurocalm Moisturising Cream, $121.
Skin type: Oily
It’s a common misconception for those with an oily complexion to assume that adding more moisture will make it even oilier. In fact, this isn’t the case. Oily skin can be caused by a number of factors (like genetics, heat and humidity) that result in the sebaceous glands overproducing sebum. It may seem counterintuitive, but to combat this, supplying the skin with high-quality moisture can be the best way forward. Products containing salicylic acid will help clear excess sebum from your pores and reduce oiliness. For those with this skin type, we recommend layering a lightweight, water-based moisturiser with your serum of choice. Finding the right combination could be a case of trial and error, but once you’ve found your winning formula, you won’t look back.
Your combo:
Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA & AHA Salicylic Serum, $78, and La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat, $37.
Skin type: Sensitive
Those with sensitive skin need to be a bit more careful with the ‘trial and error’ approach to product layering, and sometimes enlisting a specialist to devise a combo for you is the best idea. Active ingredients like vitamin C and A should be introduced slowly to see what works or, more aptly, what doesn’t.
Your combo:
Ren Clean Skincare Evercalm Redness Relief Serum, $107, and CeraVe Moisturising Lotion, $15.
