Ingredients Cosmetics: Do’s & Don’ts when layering

With layering, different care products are applied on top of each other, which should complement each other. But not all harmonise with each other. Which? We reveal it! Asia is giving us a new beauty trend: the layering hype is spreading to us. The aim is to apply different care products one after the other – layer by layer – to achieve the best possible effect.

It starts with triple facial cleansing: first with a cleansing oil, then with gentle foam. Facial tonic, essence, serum, sheet mask, eye cream and day or night care follow. If the ingredients of the cosmetics harmonise with each other, the effect of the respective products can even be intensified. Layering is, therefore, not only in demand in anti-ageing facial care. Even with blemishes or susceptible skin, a lot can be achieved with layering. However, there are a few skincare tips to keep in mind.

Ingredients in Cosmetics: What can you mix, and what not?

Mixing products wildly can do the exact opposite and irritate skin instead of giving it a crisp, plump glow. If products from one line are used,  the active ingredients in the cosmetics are already perfectly matched. Toners, serum, face cream and co. can be “layered” on each other without any problems.

When using different brands and products for beauty layering, there are a few rules to keep in mind. We’ll tell you which products are better not to be used together and which care tips make sense – for ” My most beautiful self “!

Fat and water-soluble ingredients in cosmetics

Not every cream can be applied over another cream because, depending on the formulation, the layering result can become crumbly on the skin. The reason for this lies in the composition. While rich care creams are usually fat-soluble, light lotions are based on water-soluble ingredients.

So the creams may start to crumble when applied one after the other. The same can happen if a liquid foundation is laid over a cream containing silicone. While the crumbly result is annoying, as you must take everything off and start again, this combination is not harmful to the skin.

Anti-ageing face care: beware of vitamin C and acids

The situation is different from other layering combinations. Products with acids such as AHA or BHA should not be combined with any active ingredient. The motto “a lot helps a lot” can harm the skin’s condition.

Caution is advised with products for impure skin: If, for example, a skincare product with the active ingredient retinol is used together with a benzoyl peroxide ointment, this can irritate the skin too much. In addition, it is assumed that the active ingredients mutually weaken their effect.

Vitamin C should also not be mixed wildly with retinol or certain acids such as salicylic or glycolic acid because the acidic pH value of vitamin C, together with the beauty acid, can be too much for the skin.

In addition, the acids change the pH value of vitamin C  and weaken its effect as an antioxidant. For example, anti-ageing care with glycolic acid and green tea as antioxidants is better understood. Ready-mixed and perfectly coordinated products can, of course, be used as long as your skin does not react sensitively.

Cosmetic ingredients: care tips for sun protection and make-up

Although many modern foundations now contain sun protection, the skin is better protected against intensive UV radiation with sun cream with a high sun protection factor. It is possible to apply the sunscreen under the foundation, but then makeup and sunscreen mix, which could weaken the sun protection.

If the sunscreen is not applied on its own, it should be given enough time to bond well with the skin. It would help if you took your time for layering anyway because each product must be able to take effect to unfold its full effect. Serums, creams and co. can be mixed without any problems. However, care should always be taken to ensure they match the skin type.