Skincare Cocktails: What You Need To Know
Brittan Bates
Global Brand Storytelling
4 min read
Learn how to create the perfect skincare cocktail for your skin to enhance your skincare routine with skincare actives and correct layering.
Indeed, we're not implying that one should enjoy a cocktail before or during their skincare regime. Rather, we're discussing how to blend your skincare products effectively to create the perfect mix of products for skincare.
Skincare cocktailing is the art of layering or combining various skincare products to address a particular issue. For instance, you might want to mix products or ingredients to enhance your skin's radiance. The efficacy of cocktailing in your skincare hinges on the perfect blend and match of the correct ingredients or products, understanding the sequence of applying skincare items, and the appropriate skincare routine order.
If you're a reader of beauty columns and blogs, you've likely encountered the term 'skincare actives'. Essentially, an active is a specific ingredient in a product formulated to address distinct skin concerns. Actives are rigorously tested in labs and are proven to cause specific and unique changes to the skin. Typically, they are used to alleviate common skincare concerns like hyperpigmentation and acne. Among the most prevalent skincare actives are vitamin C, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.
Mastering the art of layering skincare actives is key to a perfect cocktail skincare routine. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to sequence skincare products effectively. As a rule of thumb, always apply products in order of their texture — lightest to thickest. Start by using toners and facial serums, then round off with richer, oilier, or more densely textured products. To ensure maximum efficacy, proper layering of cocktail products is as critical as it is in the practice of skin flooding.
It needn't be daunting in the slightest. Much like a traditional cocktail, there's no requirement to overcomplicate your skincare routine for it to yield results. Often, the most effective skincare regimens comprise the fewest components, a fact frequently advocated by beauty experts. Begin by simply cleansing your face to guarantee a fresh start. Cleanse and exfoliate your skin to eliminate dead skin cells that might obstruct product penetration.
When you're correctly layering your skincare products, it's essential to mind the timing. Each product should absorb fully and dry on your skin before you apply the next. If you notice any products clumping on your skin, this indicates they didn't have ample time to absorb, and you need to grant them a bit more time to dry before applying the next product.
To protect your skin, there are a few ingredients you should leave out when preparing your skincare mixture. Avoid overusing chemical exfoliants, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), as this could potentially lead to an over-exfoliation of your skin, risking harm to your skin barrier.
It's also wise to avoid any products that contain retinol after using AHAs or BHAs in your skincare routine, as this can lead to skin irritation. Naturally, sun cream should be worn every day to shield your skin, but it's critical to apply it the day following the use of retinol and acids.
A smashing cocktail tip for optimal protection is utilising Vitamin C in tandem with your sun cream in the morning to shield your skin from environmental stressors.
While skincare routines can be very effective, they must be used carefully while ensuring that certain ingredients are used sparingly. Overdoing the layering of exfoliating acids and retinoids may harm your skin's moisture barrier, potentially leaving it susceptible to redness and irritation. Should you spot any signs of irritation, it would be prudent to reduce the use of all chemical exfoliants. Opt to introduce more hydrating elements prior to incorporating any potent actives.
Should you suffer from skin conditions such as eczema, acne, or rosacea, it's crucial to approach skincare cocktailing with caution. Exert additional care with actives, as you might not tolerate them as readily as others do. It's recommended to introduce any new active products into your routine gradually and one by one, allowing your skin time to adapt.
At fresh, we believe that skincare and beauty products should be safe, effective, and indulgent. So, if you’re interested in skincare cocktailing, hop on over to our skincare products and find the right ones for you. With fresh, you’ll find a range of excellent skincare products to get you started on the ideal skincare routine.
Written by Brittan Bates for Fresh. Brittan is an NYC-based writer, editor, and storyteller with 9 years of experience spanning digital and print journalism, copywriting, brand strategy, and more. Her work has appeared in publications such as Teen Vogue and brands including Diane von Furstenberg, abc carpet & home, FRĒDA SALVADOR, and more.