A great skincare routine begins with an understanding of the products you’re using, how to use them, and when. As summer winds down, layering light formulations is the most effective way to maximize the benefits of each product in your beauty regimen, both therapeutically and aesthetically.
The key to light layering is applying skincare products in the correct order. A good rule of thumb is to apply products by weight, from lightest to heaviest or thinnest to thickest.
Serums are lighter than moisturizers and the most concentrated, so they should be applied first -- after cleansing and toning. Moisturizers come next, to deliver long-lasting hydration. Sunscreen is the essential final step in a daytime skincare routine, to reduce risk of skin cancer and fight signs of aging all year long.
Step 1. Nourish the Skin
Lightweight facial serums are formulated to penetrate deeply into the skin and deliver high concentrations of powerful active ingredients at the cellular level. When applied after cleansing and toning, serums nourish the skin and boost the hydrating effects of moisturizers.
A dual-action formula like Serum Absolut Rehydrate provides benefits for multiple skin types by replenishing the lipid barrier to plump skin and prevent moisture loss, while improving hydration levels with hyaluronic acid and panthenol. Dry, rough skin feels hydrated, softer and healthier. Combination and oily skin types receive long-lasting moisture without feeling greasy.
From skin-clarifying to wrinkle-reducing, there are serums to benefit just about any skin concern. Dry skin types can benefit from hydrating serums, while anti-oxidant formulations can brighten and protect the skin. An oil-free hydrating serum can revitalize dull, dehydrated and compromised skin. Multiple serums can be layered to address different issues, followed by a moisturizer.
Step 2. Lock it in
While facial serums work to repair skin cells and combat free radicals, moisturizers hydrate skin and replenish the protective barrier to create a healthy, radiant glow. Using a moisturizer over serums helps lock in nutrients so skin gains the maximum benefit.
Force De Vie Pure Oxygen Lotion delivers nutrient-rich benefits in a powerful daily dose of oxygen, COQ10, Vitamin C, alpha lipoic acid and bio-Suisse extracts, to diminish the appearance of fine lines and create a dewy radiance. Free of toxic impurities, this lightweight edition of Luzern Labs' cult favorite Force De Vie Crème Luxe, is an ideal choice for daytime layering routines.
Step 3. Protect and Defend
Even though summer is winding down, it’s not time to shelve your SPF. The best skincare regimens include sunscreen all year long.
Sunscreen is your friend, especially in preventing sunburn and protecting skin from the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays. A natural, mineral-based protection powerhouse like La Defense Mineral Sunscreen shields skin from damaging UV rays for broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. As an added bonus, this hydrating SPF30 sunscreen helps shield skin against free radical damage.
For the ultimate in simple skincare, La Defense Urban Protect Mineral BB Cream SPF20 is packed with sunscreen, moisturizers and complexion-correcting pigments. This illuminating tinted moisturizer helps to diminish the appearance of pores, fine lines, and uneven skin tone while providing broad-spectrum UV protection.
As the first line of defense against the visible signs of skin aging, sunscreen is essential to daytime layering routines. Sun exposure is one of the main reasons for visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sunspots – but you should never skip SPF, even when the sky is cloudy.
Healthy skincare tip: Apply sun protection every day, all year round. Make the application of an SPF moisturizer or sunscreen a daily habit, just like brushing your teeth!
By Noelle Graf
