Here at Krī, we believe in a minimal skincare routine using plant-based and active ingredients. We focus on loading our products up with the good stuff, helping you maintain a ‘less is more’ yet highly effective approach to your routine. But even when you opt for simplicity, there is still a method to applying our products in the right order.
First, let's consider the anatomy of your skin. The outermost layer - the stratum corneum - is a complex structure of different cells that act as a physical barrier to prevent water loss, and at the same time stopping substances from entering the deeper layers of your body. Given the importance of this outer layer of our skin, it’s in our interest to protect its barrier function from environmental elements.
For some ingredients to deliver the most effective results they need to penetrate the skin. If you are applying your skincare products in the wrong order you can actually block these beneficial ingredients from doing their job. This is where layering comes into its own.
Here's our guide on how to layer Krī Skincare products:
Water-Based Serums
Active ingredients such as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid need unrestricted access to the stratum corneum to be most effective.
Both these ingredients are fine white low molecule powders that are water soluble. And that’s why they’re used in water-based serums that are quickly and easily absorbed, creating the perfect base for your next step.
Among its many benefits, niacinamide protects your skin’s barrier function, helps prevent inflammation and reduces the appearance of pores. Niacinamide is found in Illume Niacinamide Serum.
Hyaluronic acid has the unique ability to retain moisture on the surface of the skin, helping it from drying out when exposed to the elements. It also improves the skin's texture. Hyaluronic acid is found in all of our serums.
Similarly, exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids need unrestricted access to the surface of your skin to be most effective. They unglue and detach dead cells and buildup, revealing a brighter and smoother complexion. Renew Exfoliate Serum contains a blend of alpha hydroxy acids.
Our serums are highly concentrated formulas - all with multi-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid - so you only need to use a drop or two. A little goes a long way and you’ll find that you need less of step two after applying a serum first.
Vitamin C + Bakuchiol
Our lipid-based Vitamin C + Bakuchiol Serum needs closer access to your skin to fully penetrate it. We've carefully blended this product with very lightweight, thin oils that help to deliver the Vitamin C directly to your skin. Use it after water-based serums.
The same applies for Bakuchiol Antioxidant Serum.
Moisturisers/Creams
The most basic function of a cream is to keep skin moisturised and prevent it from drying out. Creams are made with oils, waxes and fatty alcohols that form a film which works as a protective shield to trap and hold the water onto the surface of your skin. Waxes (emulsifiers) also bind everything together to keep the cream from separating because water and oil don't mix.
Face Oils
Emollient oils like Prickly Pear Seed Oil and Rosehip Oil condition the skin and make it feel smoother and softer. They also help to further seal in moisture from your serums and creams, and keep your skin nourished throughout the day and night.
Apply them over your moisturiser, or mix a few drops of moisturiser and oil together in the palm of your hand.
[Daytime] Sunscreen
The last and final step of any morning routine should always be sunscreen. All the other steps are pointless if you don’t protect your skin from damage caused by sun exposure. Apply your sunscreen after your other skincare products (including oils) but before your makeup. Our SPF30 Mineral Sunscreen will sit on the surface of your skin and create an occlusive barrier that protects your skin from damage.
Light to Heavy
The easiest way to think about your products is by weight. What is the consistency? Does the formula have a thick texture? Is it runny? Can you feel it sitting on your skin?
A good rule of thumb is to start with the lowest viscosity and gradually move towards the highest. Viscosity refers to the thickness of a fluid. Generally speaking, the thinner the consistency, the more water there is in the formula, so you should start with the lightweight products that are more liquid in consistency.
Fluids, gels and serums only really require around 30 seconds between applications. Once the product feels like it has absorbed and your face is not wet, continue to the next step. When it comes to creams, try waiting a minute before moving onto the next product.
By using this as a guide, you are making sure that all of your products have the best possible chance of performing well and your skin is getting the full benefits of any specific ingredients.
Ready to start layering?
