How to Layer Skincare Products (Without Sabotaging Your Skin)

You’ve stocked up on all the skincare favourites cleanser, toner, serum, moisturiser, maybe even a treatment or two. But if your skin still isn’t happy, it might not be what you’re using it’s how you’re layering it.

Layering skincare properly is essential if you want your products to actually work. When done right, your skin can absorb the good stuff in the right order. When done wrong? You might block absorption, reduce effectiveness or worse, trigger irritation or breakouts.

This guide will show you exactly how to layer your skincare products without sabotaging your skin.

Why Layering Matters

Skincare isn’t just about what you use it’s about when you use it.

Your skin has a limited absorption window. Layering products in the correct order ensures that:

• Active ingredients reach the skin where they’re most effective

• Heavy products don’t block lighter ones

• You avoid unnecessary irritation or product pilling

And if you’re using powerhouse ingredients like Silver Chitoderm®, you’ll want to make sure they’re given the spotlight—not buried under layers of oils and occlusives.

The Golden Rule: Light to Heavy

This is the cardinal rule of layering. Always apply products from thinnest to thickest in consistency.

That usually looks something like this:

1. Cleanser

2. Toner or mist (optional)

3. Serums (targeted treatments like Anti-Blemish & Scar Repair with Silver Chitoderm®)

4. Eye cream

5. Moisturiser

6. Oils (if using)

7. SPF (morning only)

Let’s break it down further.

Step-by-Step: The Right Way to Layer

1. Start With a Clean Canvas

Cleansing is your foundation. Whether you’re starting the day or winding down, always cleanse to remove dirt, oil, SPF, or makeup.

Use a gentle cleanser that supports your skin barrier, especially if you're blemish-prone or sensitive.

2. Apply Active Serums First

Think of serums as your skin’s problem-solvers. They’re lightweight and packed with ingredients that target issues like blemishes, pigmentation, or dehydration.

If you’re using a serum like 47 Skin’s Anti-Blemish & Scar Repair Serum, this should be your first step after cleansing. Silver Chitoderm® works best when it’s in direct contact with clean skin.

Always apply water-based serums before heavier treatments or moisturisers.

3. Treat Your Eyes Gently

Apply a small amount of eye cream next, tapping it in with your ring finger. It’s thinner than other moisturisers and needs to be absorbed early to avoid interference from heavier products.

4. Moisturise to Lock It All In

Moisturisers seal in all the layers underneath and help prevent water loss. Choose one suited to your skin type gel for oily, cream for dry, or a balanced hydrator if you’re somewhere in between.

Look for moisturisers that complement your active serum rather than compete with it.

5. Use Face Oils (Optional)

If your skin is feeling dry or you’re in a harsh climate, a few drops of facial oil can boost hydration. But remember: always apply oils last (before SPF). Oils are occlusive, meaning they create a barrier that can block other products from absorbing.

6. Finish With SPF (AM Only)

In the morning, the final step is SPF. Always. Even if it’s cloudy. Even if you’re indoors. It protects all your hard work underneath and prevents UV-induced pigmentation, scarring and premature ageing.

Common Layering Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

❌ Skipping Wait Time

Rushing your routine can cause pilling (when products ball up). Let each layer absorb for 30–60 seconds before applying the next.

❌ Mixing Incompatible Ingredients

Some actives don’t play well together (like Vitamin C and certain acids). When in doubt, alternate them morning and evening—or simplify.

❌ Using Too Many Products

More doesn’t mean better. Overloading your skin can cause irritation and sensitivity. Stick to 3–5 effective products.

How to Adjust for Morning vs Evening

While your layering logic stays the same, your product focus changes.

• Morning: Antioxidants + hydration + SPF

• Evening: Repair + moisture + targeted actives (like scar reduction)

This means your 47 Skin Anti-Blemish & Scar Repair Serum can work hard overnight, while your morning routine focuses on protection.

Final Thoughts

Layering your skincare the right way isn’t just about looking polished it’s about helping your skin actually benefit from every product you’ve invested in.

Stick to light-to-heavy, don’t rush between steps, and give active ingredients like Silver Chitoderm® a front-row seat in your routine.

Your skin will thank you with fewer breakouts, stronger barrier function and a clearer, calmer complexion.