When it comes to skincare, how you apply your products matters just as much as what you use. Layering correctly not only keeps your skin barrier strong and healthy but also helps each ingredient perform at its best,giving you visible, long-term results.
Let’s break it down simply, step by step.
Start with a Clean Canvas
Every great routine begins with cleansing. A gentle double cleanse creates the perfect foundation for absorption and barrier protection.
Start with an oil-based cleanser like our Soother Pre-Cleanse to melt away makeup, SPF, and daily build-up. Follow with a pH-balanced cleanser such as our Soother Cleanser to lift impurities without stripping the skin.
This ensures your skin is clean, balanced, and ready to soak up all the goodness that follows.
Avoid Over-Exfoliating
More isn’t better when it comes to exfoliation. Overdoing scrubs or acids can disrupt your barrier and cause inflammation and sensitivity. Limit exfoliation to 1–2 times a week, using gentle enzymes or low-level acids to encourage renewal while maintaining barrier protection.
Hydration Is Everything
Hydrated skin is balanced, healthy skin. After cleansing, apply a hyaluronic acid product like our Hydration Booster to slightly damp skin. Hyaluronic acid doesn’t create water in the skin, it draws it in. So the more water present on the surface, the more hydrated your skin will feel.
Morning Skincare Layering Routine
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Cleanse:
Start fresh with a gentle cleanser like Soother Cleanser to remove overnight buildup and prep the skin.
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Hyaluronic Acid:
Apply our Hydration Booster to damp skin to lock in moisture and plumpness.
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Vitamin C:
Once touch-dry, mix our Vitamin C Powder into the Reverser Treatment to brighten and protect the skin while supporting collagen and reducing pigmentation.
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Ceramides:
Finish with a ceramide-rich treatment, such as the Soother Treatment, to seal in hydration and strengthen your barrier.
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SPF:
Always your final morning step. Choose a sunscreen with added blue-light protection to defend against UV and digital exposure.
Quick Tip: Always layer from thinnest to thickest, watery serums first, rich creams and oils last.
Evening Skincare Layering Routine
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Double Cleanse:
Start with Soother Pre-Cleanse, followed by your preferred Fresh Face Skin cleanser to fully remove makeup, SPF, and daily build-up.
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Hyaluronic Acid:
Apply our Hydration Booster to damp skin to hydrate and prep for actives.
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Retinol:
Once your skin is dry and hydrated, apply retinol 1–3 nights per week. Retinol accelerates cell turnover, refines texture, and supports repair. Start slow and increase gradually as tolerated.
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Ceramides:
Finish with Soother Treatment to restore balance, seal in moisture, and support overnight barrier recovery.
Amelia’s Top Tips for Safe Skincare Layering
- Simplify: Choose products with multiple active ingredients designed to work together. This reduces irritation risk and maintains ingredient harmony.
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Retinol & Vitamin C:
- Vitamin C (AM): Brightens, protects, and targets pigmentation.
- Retinol (PM): Renews, repairs, and supports skin healing.
- Hydration + Lipids: Ceramides, essential fatty acids, and humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid are key for keeping your barrier strong and resilient.
Start slow with both actives and always prioritise hydration and barrier repair if any irritation occurs.
Why Ceramides Go Last
Ceramides are lipids that lock in moisture and reinforce your barrier. They form a protective layer over the skin, preventing water loss and sealing in all your serums underneath. Always finish with ceramides to protect and strengthen your skin.
The Bottom Line
Layering skincare is about building your foundation, cleanse, hydrate, treat, and protect. Stay consistent, listen to your skin, and focus on long-term balance and barrier support.
Healthy skin isn’t about more steps, it’s about the right ones for you.
