How to Layer Serums in Your Skincare Regime

Serums are one of the best-kept secrets in skincare — it’s amazing how a few drops of a potent serum can achieve such a distinct improvement in the way your skin looks and feels. From anti-ageing to hydration, lightening, and general glow, serums are designed to deliver a high concentration of essential ingredients to target different skincare needs. 

With how diverse serums can be in their offering, it can be difficult to find a single serum that does everything, which is where serum layering comes in.

By layering different serums, you can combine different lotions and potions to tick all the boxes for your skin care requirements.

If you’re wondering how to layer serums in your skincare routine, here’s everything you need to know about applying them together.

How to layer serums during your skincare routine

The idea behind layering serums is to achieve synergistic effects from the application of ingredients that complement each other. 

Here are some of the basic steps to keep in mind when layering serums as part of your skincare routine: 

• Serums should be applied to the skin after cleansing and toning products, and before moisturisers and creams to allow the ingredients to be absorbed more effectively by the skin. 

• Layer serums in increasing order or consistency. Serums with a thinner or watery consistency (such as hyaluronic acid serum) should be applied before a more viscous serum or cream.

• Give it a minute or two between layering serums to let the skin absorb the first layer before applying the next. This helps to prevent different serums from diluting each other. 

• Some combinations of serums are more compatible with each other for layering than others. When trying out new layering combinations, take note of how your skin reacts to it and adjust your routine accordingly. 

What are the best serum pairings for layering?

The secret to effective serum layering lies in using ingredients that work well together. Here are some of the best combinations for serum layering that works for most skin types. 

Hyaluronic acid and retinol

Hyaluronic acid and retinol (Vitamin A) are a classic serum layering combination. The natural hydration and moisture retention provided by hyaluronic acid balances the ‘skin drying’ effect that can result from retinol use. In turn, retinol serum promotes an increased cellular turnover and repair for better skin tone and texture, especially for reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Retinol and niacinamide

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) serums work to soothe sensitive skin, reduce redness, boost hydration, and minimise excess skin oil. 

Retinol and niacinamide make for a great layering combination with a two-sided approach — retinol stimulates the skin while niacinamide helps strengthen it. Both ingredients also have a neutral pH, making them easy to use with one another without affecting the natural chemical balance of the skin. 

Vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid 

Vitamin B5 (or panthenol) works incredibly well with hyaluronic acid — layering both serums produces a strong hydrating effect for skin that is prone to dryness, flaking, or tightness. As both ingredients boost hydration for the skin, layering them can help to achieve a brighter and more refined skin texture. 

Serum pairings you should avoid using together

There are serums that work well together, and then there are serums that don’t. There’s no rule against using the following serum pairings when it comes to layering, but doing so should be done carefully to avoid compounding effects that can irritate the skin:

Retinol and vitamin C

Both Vitamin C and retinol can result in brighter and more refined skin, but often at the cost of some dryness and sensitivity. These anti-ageing ingredients are best used separately to avoid increasing the risk of irritation and sensitivity. Use Vitamin C serums to protect your skin by day, and let retinoids work their magic overnight.

Retinol and AHAs/BHAs 

Retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, and beta hydroxy acids have one thing in common — they all create an acidic environment for the skin that promotes exfoliation. Avoid layering them together, especially at higher concentrations, as this can often lead to increased sensitivity, dryness, and irritation for the skin. 

Vitamin C and AHAs/BHAs

Beta hydroxy acids such as salicylic acid are well known for their anti-acne and anti-blackhead effects — serums with these ingredients work by going deep into the skin’s pores and exfoliating impurities. The addition of Vitamin C serums into this mix can compound the drying effect that the skin experiences, making this combination less advisable for layering.

 

What time of day is best for applying and layering serums?

As a general guide, retinal, retinoids, AHAs and BHAs should be used in the evenings and overnight, while vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are ideal at the start of the day.

Retinol-based serums make the skin prone to dryness, which is why are ideal for night-time use to avoid exposure to the sun as well as to complement the body’s natural repair processes.

Serums with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid offer enhanced hydration and work well alongside SPF for added skin protection, making them a part of morning skincare routines.

How many serums can you use during layering? 

 Serums are packed full of powerful ingredients - you should be careful to not overload your skin with too many serums, you’ll only do more harm than good.

Layering up to two serums is ideal, though some skincare enthusiasts have been known to apply up to three at a time. As with any skincare product, more is not always better, and you should always layer serums in moderation! Make sure to patch test your serums for best results - after all, serums are designed to bring out the best in your skin, so it’s important to be careful with mixing and matching too many ingredients.

If you’re looking for serums that work well together, you’ll find complementary options in our collection of at BONIIK. Shop online today and get the best skincare serums for layering during your skincare routines!