The MoonKosmetik Guide to Layering
The MoonKosmetik Guide to Layering
✨ What is Layering?
Layering is a skincare technique from Korea that involves applying multiple products in a specific order , from lightest to richest. The goal: to hydrate, nourish, treat, and protect the skin , while respecting its natural balance.
🧴 The 7 to 10 Steps of Korean Layering
☁️ Step 1: Makeup remover oil
🔹 Purpose: Dissolve makeup, SPF, excess sebum
Use a light oil (e.g., rice, green tea, or jojoba). Massage gently, then emulsify with warm water.
💦 Step 2: Water-based cleaner
🔹 Goal: Eliminate sweat, pollution and water-soluble residues
Promotes a mild pH (5–5.5). Double cleansing is scientifically proven to reduce inflammation ( British Journal of Dermatology , 2016).
🍃 Step 3 (2–3x/week): Gentle chemical exfoliant
🔹 Goal: Eliminate dead cells, smooth the skin
Use AHA (lactic, glycolic acid) or BHA (salicylic acid) depending on your skin type.
🌫 Step 4: Toner / Lotion
🔹 Purpose: Prepare the skin, rebalance the pH, first layer of hydration
Choose moisturizing lotions with soothing active ingredients (aloe vera, centella asiatica).
🌊 Step 5: Essence
🔹 Goal: Boost deep hydration and strengthen the skin barrier
Liquid texture + concentrated active ingredients = visible transformation of the complexion.
🧬 Step 6: Serum or Ampoule
🔹 Goal: Treat a targeted problem (spots, wrinkles, acne, etc.) - several serums can be applied during your routine.
🌙 Step 7: Moisturizer
🔹 Purpose: Seal in moisture and protect the skin
Richer formula, often with ceramides, peptides, panthenol.
👁 Step 8: Eye Contour
🔹 Purpose: Hydrate, smooth, prevent fine lines and dark circles
Tap lightly with your fingertips without pulling the skin.
☀️ Step 9 (morning only): Sunscreen
🔹 Goal: Protect from UV rays – the number one cause of premature aging
Essential, even on cloudy days or indoors. Choose a Korean SPF 50+ with a light texture.
😷 Step 10 (2–3x/week): Sheet mask
🔹 Goal: Provide a shot of active ingredients, boost hydration or radiance
Use after toner or essence.
🧖♀️ Adapt your layering according to your skin type :
| Skin type | To be preferred | To avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Dried | Rich essences, ceramide-based creams | Exfoliating too frequently |
| Oily / Acne-prone | Lightweight serums, BHA, niacinamide | Heavy occlusive oils |
| Mixed | Light double layering in the morning, richer in the evening | Products that are too harsh |
| Sensitive | Hypoallergenic products, centella, panthenol | Perfumes, alcohol, abrasive exfoliants |
🕒 Morning vs. Evening: We don't always do the same thing!
☀️ In the morning
Focus on protection and prevention:
Cleanser -> Toner → Essence → Light Serums → Eye Contour -> Moisturizer → SPF
🌙 In the evening
Focus on regeneration and treatment:
Makeup Removal → Cleansing → Toner -> Essence → Serums → Eye contour → Rich cream
🌙 In the evening - Two to three times a week
Makeup Removal → Cleansing → Exfoliating -> Toner -> Essence → Serums → Eye contour → fabric mask -> Rich cream
Or
Makeup Removal → Cleansing → Exfoliating -> Toner -> Essence → Serums → Eye contour → Night mask
🚫 Common mistakes to avoid
❌ Neglecting SPF in the morning
❌ Changing your routine too often (rebound effect)
❌ Not adapting your routine to your skin type and issues - We are here to advise you and a routine for each skin type can be found on the site.
🌟 Conclusion: Why adopt layering?
✅ Science-based
✅ Visible results from 2 to 4 weeks
✅ A ritual of care, but also of well-being
✅ Suitable for all skin types and ages
🌙 At MoonKosmetik , we believe that taking care of your skin is taking care of yourself. Layering is not a constraint, it is a ritual of gentleness, efficiency, and intelligence.