anti-aging radiant skin

what is skincare layering and does it work?

Jul 1, 2023

Layering isn’t about more steps—it’s about the right products in the right order so every ingredient can do its job. When applied correctly, each step supports the next for healthier, glowing skin.

Why It Works

  • Better absorption → Thinner, water-based serums go first; richer creams/oils seal everything in.
  • Targeted results → Address hydration, brightness, clarity, and barrier support without overwhelm.
  • Stronger barrier → Consistency keeps skin balanced, resilient, and less reactive.

The ästhetik Order (AM & PM)

  1. Cleanse
    Start fresh with a gentle match for your skin:
    • Reset Cleansing Oil (melts makeup & SPF)
    • Milk & Honey Cleanser (soothing, sensitive)
    • Ocean Cleanser (daily hydration)
    • Clarity Cleanser (acne-prone/balancing)
    • Refresh Exfoliating Cleanser (glow + renewal; 2–4x/week)
  2. Serum (apply to slightly damp skin)
    • Vitamin C Serum (AM brightening + antioxidant defense)
    • Hyaluronic Serum (AM/PM hydration + plumping)
    • Liquid Gold Serum (PM hero for multi-correctional hydration + barrier support; fragrance-free)
    • Retinol Serum (PM only; repair & renewal)
  3. Moisturize
    • Milk & Honey Moisturizer (soothing, barrier support)
    • Ocean Moisturizer (lightweight hydration)
    • Clarity Moisturizer (balancing for breakout-prone skin)
    • Renewal Night Cream (restorative PM option)
  4. Protect (AM only)
    Finish with Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30+. Non-negotiable for skin health and glow.
  5. Targeted Extras
    Radiant Eye Gel (brightness + hydration)

Quick Pro Tips

  • Apply thinnest → thickest.
  • Give each layer ~60 seconds to settle.
  • Introduce new actives slowly; consistency wins.

How to Customize

Breakout-prone

Clarity Cleanser / Refresh Exfoliating Cleanser (2-4x/week) → Retinol Serum → Clarity Moisturizer → Organic Mineral SPF 50 (AM)

Keep textures lightweight & non-comedogenic.

Dry or Dehydrated

Ocean Cleanser → Vitamin C Serum → Liquid Gold Serum (PM) → Ocean Moisturizer(AM) / Renewal Night Cream (PM)

Layer humectants, then seal at night for lasting comfort.

Sensitive

Milk & Honey Cleanser → Hyaluronic Serum → Milk & Honey Moisturizer → Liquid Gold Serum (PM) → Organic Mineral SPF 50 (AM)

Patch test new actives; prioritize fragrance-free, barrier-supportive layers.

What to Watch For (Compatibility & Tolerance)

  • Alternate strong actives (retinoids, exfoliating acids) on different nights.
  • Too many layers can dilute results or stress the barrier—start simple, build thoughtfully.
  • Listen to your skin: more isn’t always better.

Shop the ästhetik routine

FAQs

What’s the most important rule of layering?
Go from thinnest to thickest textures and give each layer a brief moment to absorb.
Can I use vitamin C and niacinamide together?
Yes—modern formulas play well together and can brighten while supporting the barrier.
Where do spot treatments go?
After serums and before moisturizer, so they stay concentrated on the target area.
Do I need both an oil and a moisturizer?
Only if you’re very dry. Oils seal; moisturizers hydrate + support the barrier.

Note: ästhetik’s Liquid Gold Serum is an excellent add-on or alternate to your moisturizer. It’s formulated with jojoba oil, which closely resembles your skin’s natural sebum and is non-comedogenic—so it nourishes without clogging pores like some heavier oils can.

Written by

Alexis Pfropper is a licensed esthetician and co-founder of ästhetik spa and ästhetik skincare, with over a decade of experience in advanced treatments and clean beauty.

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