There’s a new skincare technique making waves across social media: Skincare sandwiching. This method, which is all about strategic layering of products, offers a simple way to maximize the performance of every skincare product in your lineup. As we head into the cooler weather months, should you try skincare sandwiching to maintain a healthy, supple complexion?
Below, Delavie Sciences’ President, Dr. Kyle Landry, shares everything you need to know about this new skincare trend and how to strategically layer skincare products for the best results.
What is skincare sandwiching?
“Skincare sandwiching is the practice of applying products from lightest to heaviest. This method was created to help prevent irritation by applying a light layer of moisture before an active ingredient and sealing it in with a heavier one,” says Dr. Landry. “It’s a method I always keep in mind when developing new products.”
Per Dr. Landry, skincare sandwiching has always been a staple in skincare, but has gained a lot of renewed attention recently as people have become more in-tune with their skincare routines.
From a scientific standpoint, “Skincare sandwiching works because it allows high-active products to perform at their best. Cleansing and toning remove excess oil, debris, and buildup from makeup or pollution that would otherwise block product absorption. Once the skin is prepped, lighter formulas like serums can penetrate more effectively. Following with a moisturizer seals in those actives, locking in hydration and supporting skin barrier repair for improved moisture retention.”
How it works
This method of skincare is all about understanding how products are formulated to work and in what order they’re most effective — but it’s not the same as traditional layering. Skincare sandwiching places light hydrating products before actives and a heavier moisturizer afterward.
“Recently, there’s been a spin on the sandwich method where people apply moisturizer before their active ingredients, a step I advise against as it can block actives from fully penetrating the skin,” Dr. Landry shares. “For best results, apply your serum first, then follow with moisturizer to let the actives absorb effectively while sealing in hydration for a stronger skin barrier.”
Why skincare sandwiching works in the cooler weather
During the cooler, drier months of the year, skincare sandwiching can be especially helpful to combat dry air. “As humidity drops, the air pulls moisture from the skin, a process known as transdermal water loss. Layering with a hydrating serum followed by a rich moisturizer helps lock in moisture, minimizing dryness and chapping.”
Keeping your skin moist is always important — but during the winter months, it becomes more difficult, leading to dryness and flakiness. Adopting a skincare sandwiching routine can help improve hydration and barrier repair. If you’re experiencing signs of a compromised skin barrier, such as dryness, redness, or tightness, this skincare method could be worth a try.
How to layer products
Dr. Landry recommends following these steps for those who are new to skincare sandwiching:
Step 1: Cleanser & Toner repair
The first layer should be a cleanser and toner pair. This step removes buildup that can interfere with the effectiveness of the products that follow.
“Select a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser that will help minimize stripping and dryness, while toners containing soothing ingredients such as rice water, rose water, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid help smooth the skin and restore moisture lost during cleansing,” he recommends.
Step 2: Serum or light cream
Next, apply a serum or light cream rich in antioxidants and potent actives such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, and botanical extracts. The hydration provided by this step complements the effects of the final layer, the moisturizer. Your moisturizer should focus on deep repair and hydration, working to seal in actives from earlier layers and to strengthen the skin’s surface.
Step 3: Sun protection
Every skincare routine should include sun protection. “The type of sunscreen can vary based on preference, but it’s important to use one with at least SPF 30 or higher for optimal protection.”
Maximizing your skincare sandwiching routine
Getting started with a new order of layering your skincare products can take some time to adapt to. For best results, Dr. Landry recommends applying products from lightest to heaviest, starting with a clean face before applying in both the morning and the night.
The skincare sandwiching method is one that can be used daily, but you can also start with three to four days a week if you prefer to start slow and work yourself up to daily use.
“Remember, your routine doesn’t have to be the same every time. The products and order you use can change between morning and evening and even from season to season,” he shares.
If you notice your skin becoming oily, breaking out, turning red, or feeling itchy, it might be a sign that you may need rethink your routine or the products you’re using. “If you notice product pilling, which usually means you’re applying too much of one or more products.”
