As temperatures begin to rise, most people start shedding layers when it comes to our wardrobe. However, when it comes to skincare, it’s essential to continue layering your products.

Different products serve different purposes, and applying them in the correct order will ensure each can do its job effectively. “The foundation of good skincare starts with cleansing the skin” says Timeless provider, Ali Udom, FNP-C. “If you find yourself skipping cleansing in the evening, try washing your face and applying your products right after dinner so you are all set when you head to bed.”

One of our favorite cleansers is SkinMedica’s Facial Cleanser. Appropriate for our skin types, it removes environmental pollutants, excess oil and makeup, and hydrates and refreshes the skin. The perfect first step of your skincare regimen.

If you use a toner to balance your skin’s pH, you’ll want to use that right after cleansing. 

From there, the general rule of thumb is to apply prescription and your medical-grade skincare product used to treat or prevent specific issues. Products in this category include antioxidants, vitamins, peptides, retinols, and growth factors. “Apply these products in the order of thickness of the product – with thinner products applied before the thicker products,” Ali recommends. 

If you use Retinol to help with cellular turnover, you’ll want to put that on after cleansing in the evenings. Retinol helps to brighten skin and improves fine lines and wrinkles, however, it can also be drying. We suggest starting with a low dose, so you may only be using Retinol every other day.

If you don’t use any prescription products or Retinol, the first product you’ll want to apply is TNS® Advanced+ Serum or TNS Recovery Complex. These all-in-one anti-aging serums stimulate collagen, helping to improve fine lines and tighten skin. “These are key items we all love around here!” Ali confirms.

Next up are any correctors you may use, such as Obagi Nu-Derm Clear #3 with Hydroquinone or Even & Correct Advanced Brightening Treatment that can help correct any pigment issues you may be experiencing.

Another great corrector that everyone can benefit from is the HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator. This hydrator allows the skin to replenish its own hyaluronic acid (HA), the same substance that occurs in your skin naturally. Hyaluronic acid is also what’s used in filler, which means HA5 can help prolong or improve your Botox or filler treatments. 

Pro tip: Always apply HA5 with moist hands, it helps the HA bond with the water molecules and penetrates the skin better.

Moisturizer should always be the final product layered before sunscreen—assuming you choose to use moisturizer during the warm summer months. When the weather is harsh, many of our patients enjoy SkinMedica’s Dermal Repair, an ultra rich moisturizer that helps prevent moisture loss and improves skin smoothness to restore your skin’s natural beauty.

We can’t stress this enough: always—always—wear an SPF sunscreen! All year round, even on cloudy days, the sun’s UVA and UVB light can cause damage to your skin. Sun exposure is the top cause of aging, making sunscreen an essential step in your beauty routine. 

Ali recommends Total Defense + Repair Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, a revolutionary “superscreen” that goes beyond just UV protection and also protects against infrared rays—plus, it can support the skin’s ability to restore its elasticity and firmness, correcting sunspots, lines, and wrinkles.

Lastly, don’t forget about your neck. “Oftentimes we are so fixated on treating our face, we forget about our neck,” Ali says, “but they can get damaged, too, and show our age.”

To protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, Colorescience Sunforgettable SPFs are some of our favorite products. These products are easy to re-apply throughout the day with their retractable brush and mineral formula—Plus it fits in your pocket!

Once your skin care products have been properly layered on, your skin is primed and ready to glow.

Our team at Timeless can consult with you on what products are right for your skin needs. Request a consultation to receive a customized treatment plan from one of our medical experts.