How to layer natural skincare products for maximum moisture and radiant results

August 20, 2020 1 Comment

I read the funniest excerpt the other day:

Every time an influencer whispers, “I know a lot of you have been asking me about my beauty routine,” a dermatologist loses her wings.

Truth. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud :) When it comes to skincare sharing on “all the socials,” so much info is thrown around that conflicts with facts and science.

For example, have you ever wondered where a beauty oil should go in your skincare regimen? I’ll give you a hint . . .

. . . according to science, it should go last.

This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how often I have this conversation with my fellow natural beauty enthusiasts. The idea of “thinnest to thickest” just doesn’t always work. It’s much more important to know what’s actually in your products and then plan accordingly. There are plenty of oil based serums that may be classified as “light weight.” Not to mention, a cream containing properties that draw moisture to your skin may seem “thicker” than a runny rosehip oil.

The truth is, any product you are using that contains oils should always be last. Using an oil under other products is not the worst thing you could do, but you’re essentially blocking the rest of your routine from being in any way effective.

Why, you ask??

Because oils will always thrive on the top layers of your skin, while water thrives inside your skin. The oil locks in the water, creating a “moisture barrier” that reduces water loss a.k.a. evaporation of all those essential skin juices.

As we age, we need both water and oil to combat skin deterioration. But there is this misconception that you can use only oil to hydrate. You need water based products for hydration, but the problem is, too much water will evaporate if you use these products on their own. Hence, the reason why your oils go last, because they contain “emollient” and/or “occlusive” properties that work to seal in all that moisture!

Another trick when you are layering is to use a product under your oil that is “humectant’ rich. Humectants draw moisture up through the layers of your skin and attract it from the air. Examples include witch hazel, glycerin and aloe vera.

“So, how do I take all this information and apply it to my skincare routine?” (You ask.)

It’s really quite easy:

Splash some water on your face in the morning, or use a natural cleanser at night
Always, always pat your face dry with a clean, soft towel
Tone or mist on Rose Water Spray
Apply a few drops of Collagen Boosting Facial Serum to your face and spread in circular motions. This serum contains both glycerin and aloe vera, which if you recall, are both humectants that draw moisture to your skin.
Seal it all in with an oil!

For oily, breakout prone skin, I’d suggest our oil based Sea Buckthorn Facial Serum with Tea Tree Oil. For dry/aging/sensitive skin, Rosehip Oil really gets the job done. Prickly Pear is also a great option if you’re looking for an oil that is more lightweight than Rosehip or Seabuckthorn.

You see, there’s no need to spend countless hours scrolling through your Insta feed looking for the answers to all your skincare problems and feeling overwhelmed by too much information. Stick with the above clean and simple routine to enhance your natural beauty and actively protect your skin all while feeling good about what you’re putting on your face :)