What is Skin Layering and why should you do it?

Starting with high-quality skincare products is key of course, but using a layering application of products produces the most optimal results. Below we have outlined an in-depth review of this favored skincare trend. My favorite is OHA’s Signature Application Method. It achieves great results, takes just a couple of extra minutes to do, and can be customized for all skin types. First, let’s look at what this term means and why you should consider doing it. 

Skin Layering is a method of applying skincare products in a strategic order, from the lightest/thinnest to the heaviest/thickest. It is beneficial because it helps maximize the effectiveness of each product while ensuring optimal absorption. You might also have heard of Skin Flooding, which is a type of Skin Layering. The difference is that layering is a full, structured skincare routine targeting multiple concerns while flooding is focused on hydration and skin plumping.  OHA’s Signature Application Method makes it easy to combine both of these layering techniques, if desired, by increasing the amount of time for application and products used in a routine.

Skin Layering benefits all skin types. It yields the best results when it is done both in the morning and in the evening. If you do it just one time a day, choose the night routine. Skin layering is more comprehensive than a regular routine and takes a few extra minutes to perform. Here are the key benefits:

1. Enhanced Absorption – Layering products in the correct order (from thinnest to thickest) allows active ingredients to penetrate the skin effectively.

2. Targeted Treatment –Layering enables you to address multiple skin concerns (e.g., hydration, acne, anti-aging) simultaneously with different products.

3. Improved Hydration –Applying products in layers helps lock in moisture, preventing dehydration and strengthening the skin barrier.

4. Protection from Environmental Stressors – Ingredients like antioxidants create a shield against UV rays, pollution, and free radicals.

5. Prevention of Irritation – Proper layering ensures active ingredients are balanced with hydrating and soothing agents, reducing the risk of irritation.

6. Long-Lasting Benefits –Each layer contributes to overall skin health, helping maintain a glowing, resilient complexion over time.

You might be asking some questions like- 

Are there times when Skin layering isn’t recommended?

• If your skin is irritated or breaking out or feeling overwhelmed for any reason, it’s better to stick with a simple routine
• If the weather is hot and humid, using fewer lightweight products is probably best.
• If you are rushed and/or tired.

What skin conditions should be cautious with skin layering?

• Ultra-Sensitive Skin
• Acne-Prone Skin

How much more time is required to perform a skin layering technique versus a normal routine?  

The time difference between askin layering routine and aregular skincare routine depends on the number of steps, your skin’s needs, and how long each product takes to absorb. Here's a comparison of time and needs:

• Regular Skincare Routine (Basic) - 3-5 minutes

Do this to maintain overall skin health, with no major skin concerns and/or when you are in a rush. A basic skincare routinemaintains skin health but may take longer to see major improvements.

1. 1. Cleanser (30 sec - 1 min)
   2. Moisturizer (30 sec - 1 min)
   3. Natural Sun Protection (AM) /Serum Treatment (PM)

When Skin Layering Works Best

A Skin Layering Routine results in more visible improvements due to targeted ingredients and deeper hydration. Skin Layering achieves results (hydration, hyperpigmentation, reduction of fine lines in about half the time of a normal routine.

If you havespecific concerns (dryness, acne, aging, dullness), layeringcan dramatically improve your results also faster than a minimal routine. If you havespecific goals, layering increases long-term skin moisture, skin health, and dewy skin. 

• OHA’s Signature Application Method – 5-8 minutes

Do this when you want to have visible skincare results and maintenance. When you want to nourish your skin and radiate your beauty

1. 1. Cleanser (1-2 minutes)
   2. Combine Mist, Serum Treatment, and Moisturizer in the palm of your hand (1 minute)
   3. Apply the combination to the neck and face using upward circular motions until absorbed (3-5 minutes)

Do this method for both AM and PM

• Advanced Skin Layering Routine- 10-20 minutes

Do this method when you have extra skincare needs, have been under extra stress, are recovering from sickness or fatigue

1. 1. Cleanser (1 min)
   2. Mist (30 sec - 1 min)
   3. Serum (1-2 min)
   4. Moisturizer (1-2 min)
   5. Natural Sun Protection (AM) /Serum Treatment (PM) (1-3 min)
   6. Waiting Time Between Layers (~5-10 min total, if needed for absorption)

OHA’s Signature Application Method is a simplified skin layering procedure.

OHA’s Signature Application Method was created to yield the benefits of a skin layering routine but with the benefit of reducing the time to execute one. By combining three products all at once in the palm of your hand, you create a “mini layering” which effectively mimics the full skin layering technique. While the steps remain the same (see below), using different combinations of OHA mists, serums, and moisturizers, you can customize your routine to address your skincare issues and achieve great results.

Here are the steps:

Step 1.  Cleanse with either our Best-selling Cleansing Milk or with Green Tea Cleansing Mist.

Step 2. Combine in the palm of your hand and this order: 5 sprays of any of our mists, 1 pump of any of our serums, plus 1 pump of any of our moisturizers. 

Step 3.  Apply to your neck and face using upward circles until all the products have been absorbed into your skin.

Our application method can be boosted when skin requires extra attention due to many factors like harsh weather conditions, hormonal fluctuations, stress, and fatigue. Below we list how to treat different skin concerns plus extra layering steps when needed. These extra steps will take just an extra minute or two.

 

Here are product recommendations for different skin concerns, plus how to boost your routine when your skin needs it.

 

AGING SKIN

Foraging skin, a proper layering routine should focus on hydration, collagen support, and protection against environmental damage. Here’s a guide to maximizing anti-aging benefits.

Morning Routine (Protection & Hydration)

Cleansing Milk

Then combine the following products in the palm of your hand:

7 Flowers Regenerative Mist 

Advanced Super Serum- Antioxidant Serum 

Seaweed Vitality Moisturizer- Lightweight Moisturizer or Advanced Moisture Treatment-Midweight Moisturizer

EXTRA LAYERS

If skin needs more hydration and protection, add these extra layering recommendations:

Seaweed Vitality Gel Serum – Use before theAdvanced Super Serumlisted above, to plump and support collagen production.

Natural Sun Protection-Daily protection from harmful UV rays helps prevent premature aging and sun damage. This can further be boosted by applying 5 sprays of Green Tea Cleansing Mist

Night Routine (Repair & Renewal)

Cleansing Milk

Seaweed and Bamboo Facial Exfoliant (2-3x a week, optional) – Use to encourage healthy cell turnover and strengthen skin cells

Then combine the following products in the palm of your hand:

7 Flowers Regenerative Mist

Intensive Nutrient Serum-Antioxidant Facial Oil

CoQ10 and Argan Face Cream or Advanced Moisture Treatment- Thick or Midweight Moisturizer

To finish, apply:

Under Eye Therapy-Tap lightly all around the orbital bones of the eye with your fourth fingers

EXTRA LAYERS

If skin needs more hydration, moisture, or nutrients, add these extra layering recommendations:

Seaweed Vitality Gel Serum – Apply serum to combat dryness.

Vitamin C Skin Brightening Cream or Radiant Light Facial Balm Use a heavier moisturizer to lock in hydration overnight.

Additional Intensive Nutrient Serum– Use this nourishing oil to seal everything in before sleep.

DRY SKIN

Fordry skin, a proper layering routine should focus on hydration, moisture retention, and barrier repair.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Morning Routine (Protection and Hydration)

Cleansing Milk 

Seaweed and Bamboo Facial Exfoliant (2-3x a week, optional) – Use to encourage healthy cell turnover and strengthen skin cells

Then combine the following products in the palm of your hand:

Hydrating Mist 

Advanced Super Serum or Intensive Nutrient Serum –Antioxidant Serums 

Daily Moisturizer or CoQ10 and Argan Face Cream –Rich, Creamy Moisturizer

If skin needs more hydration and protection, add these extra layering recommendations:

Seaweed Vitality Gel Serum – Use before theAdvanced Super Serum or Intensive Nutrient Serumlisted above, to plump and support collagen production.

Natural Sun Protection- Daily protection from harmful UV rays helps prevent premature aging and sun damage. This can further be boosted by applying 5 sprays ofGreen Tea Cleansing Mist

Night Routine (Repair and Renewal)

Cleansing Milk 

Then combine the following products in the palm of your hand:

Hydrating Mist or 7 Flowers Regenerative Mist 

Intensive Nutrient Serum 

Advanced Moisture Treatment or CoQ10 and Argan Face Cream or Night Cream

To finish, apply:

Under Eye Therapy-Tap lightly all around the orbital bones of the eye with your fourth fingers

If skin needs more hydration, moisture, or nutrients, add these extra layering recommendations:

Seaweed Vitality Gel Serum – Apply serum to combat dryness.

Vitamin C Skin Brightening Cream or Radiant Light Facial Balm Use a heavier moisturizer to lock in hydration overnight.

Additional Intensive Nutrient Serum– Use this nourishing oil to seal everything in before sleep.

SENSITIVE SKIN

Forsensitive skin, the key to proper skin layering ishydration, barrier repair, and soothing ingredients while avoiding potential irritants. The goal is to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.

Here’s a gentle and effective layering.

Morning Routine (Protection & Soothing)

Green Tea Cleansing Mist or Cleansing Milk – Cleansing Milk can be diluted with 1/8-1/4 teaspoon water if needed

Facial Sugar Scrub- Exfoliating and Moisturizing Treatment (1-2x a week, optional) – Use by diluting the scrub with water in the palm of your hand until sugar has dissolved. 

Then combine the following products in the palm of your hand:

Green Tea Cleansing Mist

Seaweed Vitality Gel Serum 

Calming Face Cream or Sensitive Skin Therapy

If skin needs more soothing, hydration and protection add these extra layering recommendations:

Natural Sun Protection- dilute with water or Seaweed Vitality Serum -gentle, daily protection from harmful UV rays helps prevent premature aging and keep skin soothed from environmental stressors. This can further be boosted by applying 5 sprays ofGreen Tea Cleansing Mist

Night Routine (Calm & Repair)

Green Tea Cleansing Mist or Cleansing Milk– Cleansing Milk can be diluted with 1/8-1/4 teaspoon water if needed

Then combine the following products in the palm of your hand:

Green Tea Cleansing Mist – 5 Sprays

Seaweed Vitality Gel Serum – 1-2 pumps

Calming Face Cream, Advanced Moisture Treatment or Celestial Light Soothing Balm

To finish, apply:

Under Eye Therapy-Tap lightly all around the orbital bones of the eye with your fourth finger

If skin needs more calming and repairing, add these extra layering recommendations:

Celestial Light Soothing Balm-combine with 1/8-1/4 tsp of water of 1 pumpofSeaweed Vitality Gel Serum-to soothe, hydrate and repair during the night.

Intensive Nutrient Serum – Use just two drops diluted with 1/8-14 tsp of water of this nourishing oil to seal everything in before sleep.

NORMAL SKIN

Fornormal skin, the focus of a proper skin layering routine is to maintain balance, hydration, and protection while preventing premature aging. Since your skin is neither too dry nor too oily, you can use a variety of ingredients without overwhelming your skin.

Here’s a well-balanced skincare guide:

Morning Routine (Hydration & Protection)

Cleansing Milk 

Then combine the following products in the palm of your hand:

Hydrating Mist 

Advanced Super Serum or Intensive Nutrient Serum 

Daily Moisturizer for a thicker cream or Seaweed Vitality Moisturizer for a lighter-weight Cream 

If skin needs more hydration and protection, add these extra layering recommendations:

Natural Sun Protection- Daily protection from harmful UV rays helps prevent premature aging and sun damage. This can further be boosted by applying 5 sprays ofGreen Tea Cleansing Mist

Night Routine (Repair & Nourishment)

Cleansing Milk 

Facial Sugar Scrub- Exfoliating Treatment (2-3x a week, optional) – Use to encourage healthy cell turnover and strengthen skin cells

Then combine the following products in the palm of your hand:

Hydrating Mist 

Intensive Nutrient Serum

Night Cream or Advanced Moisture Treatment

To finish, apply:

Under Eye Therapy-Tap lightly all around the orbital bones of the eye with your fourth fingers

If skin needs more repair and nourishment add these extra layering recommendations:

Seaweed Vitality Gel Serum- If you want extra hydration, combine it with Radiant Lightfor nighttime skin renewal and repair.

Intensive Nutrient Serum - Use this nourishing oil to seal everything in before sleep.

COMBINATION SKIN 

Forcombination skin, the key to an effective skin layering routine isbalancing hydration while controlling excess oil in certain areas (typically an oily T-zone and drier cheeks). The goal is to nourish dry areas without overloading oily zones.

Here’s a balancing skincare guide.

Morning Routine (Balance & Protection)

Cleansing Milk or Green Tea Cleansing Mist

Seaweed and Bamboo Facial Exfoliant or Facial Sugar Scrub (2-3x a week, optional) – Use to encourage healthy cell turnover and strengthen skin cells

Then combine the following products in the palm of your hand:

Hydrating Mist)

Advanced Super Serum or Seaweed Vitality Gel Serum 

Advanced Moisture Treatment or Seaweed Vitality Moisturizer

If skin needs more balance and protection, add these extra layering recommendations:

Natural Sun Protection gentle, daily protection from harmful UV rays helps keep skin balanced and protected from environmental stressors. This can further be boosted by applying 5 sprays ofGreen Tea Cleansing Mist

Night Routine (Repair & Hydration)

Cleansing Milk or Green Tea Cleansing Mist 

Then combine the following products in the palm of your hand:

Hydrating Mist 

Advanced Super Serum or Seaweed Vitality Gel Serum 

Advanced Moisture Treatment or Night Cream or Seaweed Vitality Moisturizer

To finish, apply:

Under Eye Therapy-Tap lightly all around the orbital bones of the eye with your fourth fingers

If skin needs more balance and repair, add these extra layering recommendations.

SuperCritical Gel Mask combined with Seaweed Vitality Gel Serum- apply a nickel-sized amount of mask mixed with 1 pump of serum to T-zone or areas requiring extra attention to repair overnight. Rub in until mostly absorbed.

Celestial Light Soothing Balm- if the skin is stressed or irritated.

 

OILY SKIN 

Foroily skin, the key to a proper skin layering routine isbalancing oil production, keeping pores clear, and maintaining hydration without clogging pores. The goal is to control excess sebum while ensuring the skin stays healthy and hydrated.

Here’s a step-by-step guide.

Morning Routine (Oil Control & Protection)

Green Tea Cleansing Mist 

Facial Sugar Scrub (2-3x a week, optional) – Use to encourage healthy cell turnover and strengthen skin cells.

Then combine the following products in the palm of your hand:

Green Tea Cleansing Mist 

Seaweed Vitality Gel Serum

Sensitive Skin Therapy or Seaweed Vitality Moisturizer

If your skin needs more daytime protection add:

Natural Sun Protectionmixed with 1/8-1/4 tsp ofwater orSeaweed Vitality Gel Serum

Night Routine (Purify & Balance)

Cleansing Milk 

Then combine the following products in the palm of your hand:

Green Tea Cleansing Mist

Seaweed Vitality Gel Serum

Sensitive Skin Therapy or Night Cream or Seaweed Vitality Moisturizer

To finish, apply:

Under Eye Therapy-Tap lightly all around the orbital bones of the eye with your fourth fingers

If your skin needs more balance add this extra layering recommendation.

SuperCritical Gel Mask combined with Seaweed Vitality Gel Serum- apply a nickel-sized amount of mask mixed with 1 pump of serum to affected areas to repair overnight. Rub in until mostly absorbed.