At NIOD, a thoughtful approach to formulation guides every innovation, considering how each element integrates within a regimen—including the nuances of layering.

By effectively layering hydrating and moisturising formulations, you can optimise the appearance of your skin’s texture, elasticity, and overall appearance. Below, we break down how an effective skincare routine can support hydration and help structure your regimen.

A key part of understanding hydration is recognizing the distinction between hydrating and moisturizing. This awareness helps in structuring a skincare layering routine that delivers hydration and protects against moisture loss.

Hydration Vs. Moisture

Hydration relates to the water content within skin layers, an essential factor in supporting its optimal function. Hydrating formulations, such as serums containing hyaluronic acid, replenish the skin’s natural hydration.

Moisturising, in contrast, focuses on sealing and preserving hydration. Moisturisers, often composed of emollients, humectants, and occlusives, form a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, preventing water loss.

If you're unsure whether your skin needs hydration or moisture, explore the differences between dry and dehydrated skin in our guide.

Here are three principles to keep in mind when layering skincare with hydration in focus:

• Begin with the lightest, water-based formulations: Hydrating serums—formulated with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid—should be applied first. These lightweight, water-based formulations quickly absorb into the skin.
• Follow with heavier, oil-based formulations: Creams or oils are layered next due to their heavier textures, to seal in the benefits provided by serums. These formulations create a protective barrier, helping to retain moisture and support the skin barrier.
• Understand ingredient synergy: Thoughtful combinations of active ingredients are best for optimising outcomes. For instance, layering Hyaluronic acid & amino acids: this pairing, made up of two ingredients that mimic your skin’s natural moisturising factors, deeply hydrates while supporting resilience.

This step-by-step guide incorporates NIOD’s advanced formulations to support effective skincare layering.

Step 1: Cleanse

• Purpose: Cleansing forms the essential foundation of your routine, removing impurities, excess sebum, and residual formulations. This ensures your skin is clean and prepared to absorb subsequent products effectively.
• NIOD recommendation: Use Low-Viscosity Cleaning Ester (LVCE), formulated with isolated sugar and avocado esters, to cleanse the skin thoroughly while maintaining the skin barrier, and effectively removing all traces of makeup.

Step 2: Prepare Skin for Enhanced Absorption

• Purpose: Treatment mists such as SDSM2 offers immediate and sustained hydration, improves skin roughness and reduces the visibility of wrinkles.
• NIOD recommendation: Apply Superoxide Dismutase Saccharide Mist (SDSM2), an antioxidant-rich mist that prepares the skin and supports the hydration potential of the next steps. This mist increases hydration by delivering a potent form of Pseudoalteromonas Exopolysaccharides.

Step 3: Apply Serums

• Purpose: Serums are specialised formulations within your regimen, engineered to deliver concentrated active ingredients into the skin. Opt for serums featuring key hydrators such as hyaluronic acid, or natural moisturizing factors.
• NIOD recommendation: Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex (MMHC2) imparts hydration through multiple forms of hyaluronic acid. For eye-specific concerns, Fractionated Eye-Contour Concentrate (FECC) imparts hydrating benefits for the eye area, while significantly reducing the appearance of wrinkles and expression lines.

Step 4: Seal Hydration

• Purpose: Seal in hydration with a formulation designed to help strengthen the skin’s barrier and minimise water loss.
• NIOD recommendation: Hydration Vaccine (HV) provides this layer, locking in hydration without a heavy finish. It amplifies the skin’s ability to hydrate itself through the support of hyaluronic acid precursors.

Step 5: SPF (AM Routine Only)

• Purpose: UV protection is crucial in mitigating environmental damage inflicted on the skin. This step is the final layer in your AM routine.
• NIOD recommendation: Apply an SPF to protect and maintain the results of your skincare regimen.

Integrating NIOD’s scientifically advanced formulations into this layering sequence promotes hydration, helps reinforce the skin barrier, and supports long-term skin optimisation. Consistency is the foundation of effective skincare—maintain your regimen and observe your skin as it becomes more resilient, hydrated, and radiant.

Consider beginning with our Core Protocol—advanced formulations to hydrate, protect, and nourish your skin.

Small adjustments in application order can make a difference in a skincare regimen’s effectiveness. Below are key considerations to keep in mind:

• Give layers time: Allow time for each layer to absorb completely before applying the next. Typically, a 30-second to one-minute wait ensures effective absorption and prevents issues like pilling.
• Consider your individual skin needs: Curate your regimen to reflect your skin’s unique characteristics, selecting lightweight treatments for oily skin and more emollient options for dehydrated skin.
• Adapt to seasonal changes: Adapting your regimen to environmental conditions supports the skin’s hydration and overall balance year-round. In colder months, richer, more hydrating formulations may be essential, while lighter textures often suffice in warmer climates.

A well-structured skincare regimen supports hydration by considering how formulations interact within a routine. Thoughtful layering helps maintain moisture balance and reinforce skin resilience, creating a foundation for a more refined approach to skincare.

Explore NIOD formulations designed to complement this philosophy.