How to layer your Skin Care Products - The Night Routine

It is easy to get overwhelmed with the amount of skin care products available and especially in what order to apply them. But with this simple layering guide you can make sure to get the most out of your skin care routine 

1. Take the time to remove your Makeup and/or SPF with a deep cleanse.
   Double-Cleanse if possible with an oil-based Cleanser ie Cleansing Oil/Cleansing Balm  first and follow with a  water-based Cleanser ie Cream Cleanser.
   A Cleansing Oil clears the skins' surface, drawing out oil-based dirt such as oxidized sebum, old skin cells, daily build up from pollution and make-up, before advancing deeper into the pores with a Cleansing Cream which makes sure your skin gets really clean, balanced and comfortable and removes traces of the oil cleanser. It prevents skin dullness, allows the skin to breathe and repair and absorb moisturisers, retinols and serums much better.
   
   ​I explain Double Cleansing in more detail in my blog post
   https://www.gerlindenaturals.com/blog/double-cleansing-method.html including tips on how to apply these products best.
   A good Oil Cleanser and Cream is far more gentle and nourishing on your skin and suit ALL skin types. Your skin will definitely thank you.
   Use face cloths or flannels with your Cleansing Oil or Cream.
   Please NO makeup remover wipes, they mainly just move make up and dirt around and on top of it, they are not environmentally friendly either!
   A foaming Face Wash can be far too harsh and drying on your skin.
   Micellar Waters are for the "quick" cleanse.
    
2. Exfoliants or Clay Mask - be careful not to use too often as these products can irritate sensitive skin. Use once or twice a week max, for example my French Pink Clay Face Mask
    
3. Toner to remove cleansing routine residues and give your skin an additional moisture and anti-oxidant boost (choose product accordingly) - Soothing Toner Anti-oxidant rich with Aloe Vera, Green Tea and Pomegranate Extract
    
4. Acid Treatments - AHA, BHA, (Glycolic, Salicylic, Lactic Acid). Be careful not to mix products containing these acids in one routine, especially when you have sensitive skin.
    
5. Serum - a lightweight product containing for example Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides and Anti-Oxidants OR a Serum containing Glycolic/Salicylic/Lactic Acid, but if you do this skip Step 4!
    
6. Spot Treatment - To topically treat bad acne spots you can use benzoyl peroxide but please go easy! It can penetrate the pore and kill off the bacteria specific to acne, but I would suggest the acids in the step above. Sulfur is very commonly used too: just a word of warning –  both can be drying to the skin in high %.
   
   
7. Eye Cream or if you suffer from puffy eyes, use a Serum or Gel
    
8. Night Cream/Moisturiser - Whether or not you use a night-time moisturiser is dependent on what treatment you use. If your treatment is in your moisturiser, you don't need any more. If you are using a lovely night-time oil you may not want anything else.
    
9. Occlusive Face Oil or Face Balm to seal in all the ingredients and moisture you just have applied to your face.
   If you are new to Face Oils, start using them by mixing a few drops with your moisturiser - use for example my Revive Elixir with Cacay Oil containing natural Retinol.
   Some people might not like to go to sleep with heavier products on, so you could use a Sleep Mask instead.