Layering products

[exploreinspo]

Hello i just got some new products from the ordinary to try for my acne and I don’t know how to layer them. I got a glycolic acid toner, salicylic acid serum, a niacinamide serum and a hyaluronic acid serum. Any help would be greatly appreciated 

[WinglessOne]

Hi @exploreinspo ! Here’s how I’d use those products: 

1. Cleanser (every PM, optional AM) - gotta remove the day’s crud and cooties. Some folks don’t need to wash their face in the morning. I usually just gently wipe my face with a wet plush microfiber cloth or use micellar water in the AM, but sometimes I do use a very gentle non-lathering cleanser where needed (usually just around my eyes). I always use my regular facial cleanser at night, in addition to a makeup remover if I wore makeup during the day. 
   
   
2. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner 8 oz/ 240 mL (1-3x a week, AM or PM, never twice on the same day) - if this is your first time using an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid: glycolic, lactic, & mandelic are the usuals), start off using this toner just once or twice a week—on different days, never twice in one day. You don’t wanna over-exfoliate your skin. Actually, I’d skip over this step completely for a few weeks to let your skin get used to all the other steps. Then you can add this glycolic acid toner a couple times a week and see if your skin tolerates it. I know The Ordinary says it can be used daily but don’t do that. Seriously, over-exfoliation will damage your skin barrier, leading to all kinds of badness: flaking, peeling, redness, burning/stinging, increased sensitivity, and bacteria that can worsen your acne. 
   
   
3. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Exfoliating Acne Solution 1 oz / 30 mL (daily, AM or PM) - The Ordinary makes 2 salicylic acid serums and I don’t know which one you have, but this applies to both of ‘em. Salicylic acid (a BHA, or beta hydroxy acid) is also an exfoliant, but some folks can handle it daily. Start off using it just a few times a week to see how you tolerate it. This will be more helpful for acne than AHA/glycolic acid because BHA gets down into your pores to degunk ‘em. AHA is better for reducing raised acne scars. 
   
   
4. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum  and The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum with Ceramides 2 oz / 60 ml (as needed, AM &/or PM) - frequency and order of application are entirely up to you. Both of these can be used daily if you want, and it doesn’t matter which one you use first. You may wanna pick just one to use for a few weeks though, and then introduce the second serum. That way, your skin’s less likely to be overwhelmed by lots of new products at once. 
   
   
5. Moisturizer (every AM & PM) - if your sunscreen (next step) contains a good moisturizing ingredient (dimethicone, squalane, petrolatum, shea butter, etc.), you can maybe skip this step in the AM and let sunscreen pull double duty. Do you already use a moisturizer? 
   
   
6. Broad spectrum sunscreen (AM, while the sun’s up) - absolutely needed since you’re using glycolic acid, which makes your skin more sensitive to UV rays. Make sure the sunscreen’s at least SPF 30. Apply generously to all skin exposed to sunlight, all year long, regardless of weather or season. Do you already use a sunscreen?