How to Layer Skincare: Building a Great Skincare Routine

by GR0 Collaborator / Mar 01, 2020

In the modern world, the SENREVE woman is often overwhelmed with routines, rules, and products that tell her how to get the complexion she's always wanted. She's inundated with the latest offers and beauty "hacks," and is left asking herself, "Where do I begin to make sense of all of this?


At SENREVE, we value simplicity in all aspects of life, and building a proper skincare routine is no different. Whether you are new to a skincare regime or looking for personalization, we've got you covered with this guide on building a great skincare routine that works for all skin types. 


Why You Should Build a Skincare Routine 


Your skin is the largest organ in your body and is constantly exposed to germs and sunlight. Properly taking care of your skin is critical to keeping it in the best shape possible. Great skin is not a result of your genetics, but rather your daily habits. 


Caring for your skin is a very personal experience. Not only does it keep your skin bright, but your skincare routine can also act as a signal to your body, waking you up in the morning as you prepare for the day, and helping you relax and transition to bed in the evening. 


Finally, a good routine is important for maintaining your overall mental health. For those of us working from home, that routine helps keep work life separate from personal life and keeps us on track in a time of 'new normal.' 


Skincare in Three Simple Steps 


The good news is that your skincare routine does not have to be complex, or even expensive. Multi-step routines may be trendy, but according to the American Academy of Dermatology, they aren't truly necessary. In fact, for most people, there are only three simple steps needed to keep your face looking fresh and youthful: cleanse, tone and moisturize. 


Step 1: Cleanse 

This step may look a little different in the morning and the evening, depending on whether or not you wear makeup. 

In the morning, you'll want to start by cleansing your face using a cleanser designed for your skin type (more information on skin types below). 



  1. To start, wet your face with lukewarm water.
  2. Apply a small drop of cleanser to your fingertips and gently massage the cleanser around your face, using a circular motion.
  3. For a deeper clean, we recommend using a tool like the La Luer MIRA Facial System, which is a 4-in-1 device that offers a professional quality treatment to give you a deeper clean that reduces the appearance of blemishes, tones uneven skin, and combats fine lines and wrinkles. 

If you wear makeup, you'll want to ensure all of your makeup is removed using an oil-based cleanser or micellar water before completing the cleansing process. Use a cotton ball with a few drops of product, and be sure to remove the makeup against your hairline, on your neck, and on your eyes. From there, follow the cleansing routine as noted above. A professional-grade cleansing tool, such as La Luer’s system, is safe to use both in the morning and evening as well. 


Step 2: Tone 

Toner is a liquid that delivers a boost of hydration to your skin while helping to remove dead cells at the skin's surface. Toners come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They contain a variety of nutrients meant to nourish your skin, often producing strong anti-inflammatory and cleaning effects. In general, toner helps support your pores by sweeping out impurities and allowing your skin to absorb the rest of the products in your routine. 


To apply toner, dampen a cotton ball or cotton pad and spread the toner across your full face and down your neck. Toner should always go on after you cleanse and while your face is still damp, as this will help to more effectively deliver the benefits of the toner to your skin. 


Step 3: Moisturize

No skincare routine is complete without this step. A moisturizer helps hydrate the skin while locking in the benefits of the cleanser and toner. In the morning, we recommend a lighter weight moisturizer that contains an SPF of at least 30. In the evening, you can use a thicker, more hydrating cream to help rehydrate the skin through the night. 


For those with dry skin, we recommend finding a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid, which helps your skin appear more supple as it works to help your skin retain moisture. 


And that's it. In order to reap the benefits of this routine, you must be consistent. After a few weeks, your skin will look forward to its daily ritual and you'll notice it looks more vibrant and healthy.


Skincare Layering


We've discussed the simple and basic steps to kicking off your skincare routine. But for many of us, our ritual may involve other care products such as retinol, serum, spot treatment, eye cream, and even the occasional mask. 



The order you apply your products is important to making sure you reap the benefits of each. A good rule of thumb is that, in general, you should apply products from thinnest to thickest as the thinner products will have a more difficult time penetrating the surface of your skin when applied over thicker creams. 


For those with a more complex routine, here is what a typical layering process will look like: 


  1. Start with your cleanser and toner as noted in the three steps described above. 
  2. If you use a repairing or protective serum, this will go next, before applying your moisturizer. 
  3. For those that use an eye cream, layer it on after your serum by lighting patting it under your eyes.
  4. Spot treatment is the next step in the process. Use your ring finger to apply a small amount to problematic areas. 
  5. Now you are ready for the thickest product in the lineup - your moisturizer.
  6. Finish off the routine by adding a hydrating lip balm or lip treatment.

How to Choose the Cleanser Best for your Skin Type


Every face is different, and choosing the cleanser the best meets your unique needs can take your full skincare routine to the next level. In this section, we will talk about how to identify your skin type and what to look for in a product. 


Oily Skin 

You know your skin is oily if you have larger, more visible pores and you easily develop shine, especially in the t-zone, quickly after you cleanse. This is due to your skin producing more sebum, which is an oily, waxy substance that is meant to coat and protect the skin naturally. 

If you have oily skin, you will want to avoid cleansers that contain moisturizers, as over-hydrating can actually clog the skin instead of sweeping away impurities. Instead, look for a cleanser that controls oil by deep cleaning and purifying the pores. This will help regulate oil production without leaving your face feeling dry. Another option is to find a formula that balances the pH of the skin, as this can help improve breakouts that are commonly seen in individuals with more naturally oily skin. 


Dry Skin 

Dry skin can be easily identified by the feeling of tightness or appearance of flakiness, especially around the nose and between the eyebrows. Opposite to oily skin, dry skin is the result of lower production of sebum, but can also happen after too much exposure to the wind or sun. 


Those with dry skin should look for a cleanser that has both an oil and a gentle acid. This will help exfoliate and remove dead skin while also boosting moisture. We recommend avoiding heavy cleaners, as these can strip away the natural oils on the face and leave it feeling even tighter than before. 


Combination Skin

Combination skin is characterized by having both oily and dry zones at the same time, making skincare especially tricky and a bit more involved. For example, someone with combination skin may have an oily T-zone, but a dry chin or cheeks. Those with combination skin should lean towards cleansing the face with gentle products while applying spot treatments to the dry zones of the face. 


Normal Skin 

Those with normal skin are said to have no flaking, redness, or sheen, with only the occasional breakout. This usually means your skin is less picky in general, and a range of products are more likely to work well for you. 


Sensitive Skin 

Sensitive skin is characterized by skin that is often red and irritated, especially after cleansing. Those with sensitive skin should look for products that are mild and fragrant-free. They should also look for products that contain soothing agents, like aloe, to help alleviate redness and promote balance. 


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