To Layer Or Not To Layer? That is the question! 

The number one thing we get asked when customers receive our super stacked, concentrated hero formulas is: should I layer them?  And this is a PERFECTLY normal question to ask.  We have all been rightfully trained over the years to apply serums first and then moisturizers on top.  Then they tell you to add an eye cream or a hydrating oil and so on and so on.

SKIN AT WORK is different. By combining an entire skincare routine into one step, not only are we saving you time, money and confusion, but we are also breaking the mold on when and how you apply.

If you're like us and having a complex, overcomplicated routine is not realistic or desired, then you're in the right place!

The Rise of Complex Skincare Routines

There are 3 main reasons why complicated multi-layer routines have gained such traction in the skincare world: watered down formulas, the rise of social media and so many available products. Let’s break it down:

1. WATERED DOWN FORMULAS: Not all, but most skincare products on the market have a huge water content.  Water is what we in the skincare industry call a solvent.  In other words, we dissolve things in it to make serums and moisturizers.  When you look at the ingredient list of your favorite product, the first ingredient is almost always water and SKIN AT WORK is no different.  But how much water tells the real story. When your product contains a LOT of water, upwards of 80-90%, then you have LESS room for active ingredients that are actually doing something for your skin.
   
   
   Why would companies do that?  Well in some products, a lot of water volume is intentional, because they want it to feel watery when you apply it to your skin - think essence or toner textures or Korean products.  But a bigger reason for putting so much water in a product is to make it less expensive to produce. That’s where SKIN AT WORK is different because we thoughtfully pack our products with high concentrations of actives, not water.
   
   And here is the other important thing to note, if a formula contains less actives, then you as a consumer will need to buy more versions of different formulas to get all of the benefits you need.  That sounds like more steps and more money to us!
   
   
2. THE RISE OF THE INSTAGRAM ROUTINE: In 2016, influencers started doing their beauty routines on Instagram. And super smart brands took notice by reposting and amplifying these routines to their followers.  Pure genius and great for makeup which can be incredibly hard to apply if you are unskilled.  When influencers got noticed by brands, they started to put more products in those makeup tutorials so they could get reposted even more and they would write @brandA @brandB in their post captions to ensure it.
   
   The problem is that they started doing it with skincare too. They started applying more and more skincare steps because that was productive at growing their follower base.
   
   Also pure genius, but not so great for confused, overwhelmed customers everywhere.  And then came the Instagram guilt, as if NOT doing all of these steps was somehow negligent for regular people.  More skincare is not always better.
   
   
3. THE PRODUCT HAMSTER WHEEL: In order to stay relevant at retailers and on social media, companies have to bring out new products all the time.  Sometimes one a month!  Brands don’t get featured on the front page of a retailer website by showing a product that is 10 years old.  People want to see what’s new.  It’s a vicious cycle and all of those products have to be sold somewhere.

The Reality of Using Too Many Products

This begs the question, how many ingredients in a complicated, multi-step routine are ACTUALLY penetrating into your skin?

Let’s take a popular 5 step routine that we see on IG all the time:

Each one of these products is likely filled with: lots of water, active ingredients, filler ingredients to make the cream feel nice on the skin, emulsifiers, preservatives, possibly fragrance and more.  As you lay down these product layers on your skin, the water in each formula will evaporate away with your body heat, but everything else is going to stay.  With each layer you put on, the actives have a harder time penetrating the skin because unabsorbed bits of all of the above are now standing in the way.

How much chance does layer 3 or 4 or 5 have of actually doing any good for your skin? That would certainly depend on the products but the thicker the texture, the more it will affect the layers that come after.

Check out this little video we made to illustrate our point.

Is More REALLY Better? 

So, what does having a face covered in too many products result in? Well let’s look at this objectively (or at least we’ll try):

• Waste of Money: We don’t know about you, but we want to spend our money on a vacation somewhere warm and peaceful.  Having 7 or 8 products can mean spending hundreds of dollars, constantly.  The good news is that you can save money and waste by reducing the amount of products you use.
• Huge Waste of Water: Preferably, our kids and their kids and all generations to come will get to experience this big, beautiful world we live in just as we have.  Using more products means more water and more plastic.  If we don’t have to buy watered down products and fit them all in the bathroom cupboard, wouldn’t that be great?
• Clogged Pores: The last thing any of us want-clogged pores. Too much product will likely result in congested pores.  When there’s no place for the product to go into your skin, you’ll see it externally.  Clogged pores usually result in a breakout of acne, dryness, or redness.  No thank you
• Irritation: Sometimes when we use too many products, we mix ingredients that don’t really like to play well together.  When ingredients collide, we can get irritated or dry skin.  This is a big reason why we encourage you to continually evaluate your routine and read product labels-ingredients make a difference!

You can read further about how different ingredients can potentially negatively affect your skin in our ‘Truth Series’. Read more here.

Simplifying Your Routine

Personally, we would love to avoid all of those things. Which, great news, it’s not as hard as it may seem! We can meet the needs of our skin using only meaningful, minimal products.  Focusing on using a few high-quality items will simplify your routine without sacrificing results.  We can choose products that include gentle yet potent ingredients that target your skin's needs and concerns.

Check out THE DUO: SKIN AT WORK THE PROTAGONIST and THE TIME KEEPER. These two contain active ingredients that work hard for your skin so you don’t have to!  Instead of applying multiple products every day, simply apply THE PROTAGONIST in the morning and feel your skin energize and see it brighten.  Then, apply THE TIME KEEPER once at night.  This product works to volumize, tighten and strengthen your skin, while you sleep!

When should I use them?

Dreamy Skin Without The Nightmare Routine

As you adjust to your new and easy routine, remember to have patience and trust the process.  Just like it didn’t take a few days to develop our wonderful sun spots and wisdom wrinkles, it will not take a few days to improve them.  But we promise you, these formulas have 30+ years of experience in them.  They have been clinically tested on many levels and peer reviewed so that we could bring them to YOU.  We encourage you to reach out and ask ANY questions you may have about application at help@skinatwork.com.