All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through links in this article.
(Just ask anyone who’s struggled to stuff a too-thick sweater under a denim jacket.)
Of course, this isn’t a new phenomenon.
The layering of products resulting in a multistep skin-care routine is at the core of traditionalKorean beauty.
But a major shift took place in the mid-1990s.
It needed to become cool, and then it needed to export that cool.
Meanwhile, Americans were primed and ready for the multistep skin-care revolution, thanks to brands likeClinique.
Today, the typical routine has settled somewhere in between, to about four or five steps.
How to Layer Your Skin-Care Products
You’re going to want to screenshot this.
As important as simply using each product is applying each one in its proper order aka layering.
“I always say to go from more watery to thicker substances,” says Jhin.
But because this is life, there are, of course, exceptions to the rule.
That’s because oil is occlusive meaning it creates a barrier.
“Oil can get through moisturizer, serums, and lotions,” says Jhin.
“But it doesn’t [work] the other way around.
If you put oil on, nothing can get through it.
So you want to apply it last.”
Theres an exception tothatexception.
But sunscreen is a shield," says Jhin.
“You want it on the top because it’s blocking the rays from penetrating the skin.”
And seriously, no exceptions.
(We mean it this time.)
If you’re using multiple active ingredients in your routine, you should always (always!)
consult a dermatologist to be sure they can be safely paired.
Jhin cautions that this pairing can cause irritation.
So consider using vitamin C in the morning andAHAsin the evening.
The acne avenger strikes again.
(It’s the same phenomenon that occurs on a well-worn sweater.)
Jhin also advises being careful not to apply too much product, as that can also cause pilling.
Next up isAHC Aqualuronic Toner, followed byTata Harper Hydrating Floral Essence.
Her treatment steps begin withAHC Aqualuronic Emulsion, which she follows withSkinCeuticals C E Ferulicantioxidant serum.
(At night, she’ll swap out the latter for a retinol, she adds.)
Though that formula has SPF, she still tops it all off withEltaMD UV Daily Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 40.
And…that’s it.Phew!
Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40on her desk.
And she never forgetsRoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream.
However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
