Category: Routine Products

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Skincare Routine Layering 101: The Correct Order to Apply Products

Understanding the correct order to apply skincare products is essential for maximising their effectiveness and achieving healthy skin. Each product serves a unique purpose and layering them properly ensures optimal absorption and results. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down exactly how to layer your skincare products for a simple yet effective routine, focusing particularly on evening (PM) and morning (AM) routines.

Why the Order Matters

The order of your skincare products directly affects their effectiveness. Skincare formulations have different molecular sizes, textures, and active ingredients, all of which determine how well they penetrate the skin. Applying products from the thinnest to the thickest texture ensures that each layer absorbs correctly and works effectively.

Evening Skincare Routine (PM)

Evening is the prime time to support your skin’s natural repair and regeneration processes. Here’s how to correctly layer your nighttime skincare products:

Step 1: Cleanser

Cleansing is the foundational step of any skincare routine. It removes makeup, sunscreen, dirt, excess oil, and environmental pollutants from your skin, preparing it for subsequent products.

How to Apply:

  1. Dispense a small amount of cleanser into your hands and gently massage onto your face in circular motions for about 30 seconds.
  2. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
  3. Pat your face dry gently with a clean towel.

Tips:

  • Use a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser to avoid stripping your skin of its natural oils.
  • If you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen, perform a double cleanse by first using an oil cleanser (e.g. Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil) followed by a gentle water-based cleanser (e.g. Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser).

Step 2: Klira Special 

Depending on your SkinSize™, your personalised Klira formulation typically contains prescription-strength ingredients like tretinoin, azelaic acid, or peptides, which target specific skin concerns such as acne, hyperpigmentation, or signs of ageing.

How to Apply:

  1. Dispense two pumps of Klira into your hand.
  2. Apply gently to areas of concern or evenly across your face, avoiding the sensitive skin around your eyes and mouth.
  3. Allow the product to fully absorb overnight without rinsing.

Tips:

  • Always follow the directions provided with your Klira Special prescription.
  • Apply 2 pumps of your formula consistently every evening.

Step 3: Moisturiser (Optional)

This an optional step, some users may want to apply an extra layer of moisture if they have dryer skin,  whereas some users can skip this step as their Klira Special will be enough.

How to Apply:

  1. Gently pat it onto your face and neck.

Tips:

  • Choose a moisturiser suited to your skin type, lightweight gels for oily skin and richer creams for dry skin.

Morning Skincare Routine (AM)

Your morning skincare routine should focus on protecting your skin from daily environmental stressors such as UV rays, pollution, and oxidative damage.

Step 1: Cleanser

Morning cleansing refreshes your skin and removes excess oil and any residual skincare products from the night before.

How to Apply:

  1. Apply a gentle cleanser and massage gently into your skin for about 30 seconds.
  2. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

Tips:

  • To avoid drying out your skin in the morning, opt for a mild, hydrating cleanser, such as CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser.

Step 2: Moisturiser

A moisturiser in the morning hydrates and protects your skin throughout the day.

How to Apply:

  • Apply moisturiser evenly to your face and neck immediately after cleansing.
  • Pat gently into the skin rather than rubbing to avoid irritation.

 Tips:

  • Moisturisers with SPF are good for added convenience, but they don’t replace your standalone SPF.
  • You must always use a dedicated sunscreen as the final step in your morning routine.

Step 3: Vitamin C Serum (Optional)

Your Klira Special has all the ingredients your skin needs however some users may want to ass Vitamin C serums offering antioxidant protection and brightening effects, this should be applied before SPF. This can cause irritation in more sensitive skin types and users should wait until they have used their Klira Special prescription for a few months before introducing this step.

How to Apply:

  1. After cleansing, apply a few drops of Vitamin C serum onto your fingertips.
  2. Gently pat the serum onto your face and allow it to absorb before moisturising.

Tips:

  • Choose a stable Vitamin C formulation for best results.

Step 4: SPF (Essential, Never Optional!)

Sunscreen is a non-negotiable final step in every morning skincare routine. It protects against harmful UV rays, prevents premature ageing, and reduces the risk of skin cancer.

How to Apply:

  1. After moisturising (and Vitamin C if using), apply a generous amount of sunscreen (at least SPF 30).
  2. Pat, don’t rub!
  3. Ensure even coverage on your face, neck, chest, ears, hands, and any exposed skin.
  4. Allow sunscreen to absorb for a few minutes before applying makeup or stepping outside.

Tips:

  • Reapply sunscreen every two hours during prolonged sun exposure.
  • Spray-on SPF is convenient for top-ups throughout the day, especially over makeup or on-the-go. However, it doesn’t provide sufficient coverage for your initial morning application. For full protection, always start the day with a generous layer of cream or lotion-based sunscreen.

General Layering Tips

  • Always move from thinner to thicker consistency products.
  • SPF is ALWAYS the last and most important step.
  • Stay consistent; skincare results improve significantly with regular, sustained use.

Conclusion

Proper skincare layering is key to achieving the best possible results. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll optimise the benefits of each product, creating a simple yet effective routine tailored to your skin’s needs. Embrace consistency, patience, and gentle care, and you’ll soon see noticeable improvements in your skin’s health and appearance.

References

  1. Bos JD, Meinardi MMHM. The 500 Dalton rule for the skin penetration of chemical compounds and drugs. Experimental Dermatology [Internet]. 2000 Jun [cited 2025 May 30];9(3):165–9. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10839713/
  2. Elias PM. Optimizing emollient therapy for skin barrier repair in atopic dermatitis. Annals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology [Internet]. 2022 Jan 20 [cited 2025 May 30];128(5):505–11. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1081120622000151
  3. Griffiths TW, Watson RE, Langton AK. Skin ageing and topical rejuvenation strategies. British Journal of Dermatology. 2023;189(Supplement_1):i17–23.

Our Dermatology Team will review your SkinSize™ Analysis, medical information, and photos to decide which ingredients you will receive in your bespoke formula.

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Peptides In Skincare: Why Klira Uses Them

Hydrolysed collagen peptides – often called “Botox in a bottle” – are some of skincare’s hydration heroes. They’re brilliant moisturisers that reduce dryness and wrinkles by increasing hydration in the skin’s outer layer (known as the stratum corneum).

Peptides are also thought to be involved in cell signalling, specifically in telling the skin to rebuild and repair itself by making more collagen (although the evidence is still emerging).

Incorporating peptide products into your skincare routine is generally far more effective for increasing your natural collagen levels than taking a collagen supplement!

The Klira Special offers the most personalised formula for facial skin on the market—with each special containing up to 11 hand-selected ingredients (including peptides!) that work in synergy for your SkinSize™.

Not to mention the new Body Special, which allows you to achieve similarly excellent results across your chest, hands, and body skin.

What are peptides in skincare?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that support hydration and help improve skin resilience. By attracting and retaining moisture, they keep the skin plump, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Beyond hydration, some peptides also act as messengers, signalling the skin to boost collagen production via its natural repair mechanisms.

It is a common misconception that peptides are absorbed into the skin and used to make collagen. Instead, peptides trigger the skin to produce collagen naturally.

This potential role in firming and strengthening the skin is why peptides are widely used in advanced skincare formulations. However, research into their collagen-stimulating effects is still developing.

Why Klira uses peptides in skincare

At Klira, we harness the power of peptides to enhance skin hydration and overall health.

Personalised formulation:

The Klira Special is the most customised skincare formula available, containing up to 11 expert-selected ingredients—including peptides—designed specifically for your SkinSize™.

Comprehensive skincare:

The new Body Special extends these benefits beyond the face, providing targeted hydration and repair for areas like the chest, hands, and body. 

How peptides fit into your skincare routine

If you’re looking to enhance skin hydration and support long-term skin health, peptides are a valuable addition to your skincare routine. Here’s how to get the most out of them:

Use peptides consistently:

Regular application helps maintain hydration and reinforces the skin barrier. You can apply your Klira Special nightly, as the final step in your skincare routine, to achieve this.

Pair peptides with other actives:

They work well alongside ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid for hydration and Ceramides for barrier repair. The Klira Special already combines these ingredients for you.

Layering peptide skincare products:

For dedicated peptide users, you could consider a peptide eye cream after your nighttime moisturiser, and before your Klira Special. We love the CeraVe Skin Renewing Eye Cream with Peptide Complex, which hydrates the delicate skin around the eyes, reducing the appearance of fine lines and crow’s feet. 

Your guide to the perfect peptide skincare routine:

Mornings:

Cleanser: Wash your face with a gentle, lipid-replenishing cleanser, that maintains moisture without stripping the skin. We love La Roche-Posay Lipikar Syndet AP+ Cream Wash and Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil.

Vitamin C & peptide serum (optional): If you’ve mastered daily SPF and Klira use, the next step is adding Vitamin C in the mornings. Some serums even combine Vitamin C and peptides—like the Obagi Professional-C Peptide Complex Serum. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant shield against pollution and oxidative stress, gradually brightening skin.

Moisturiser (optional): If you have dry skin, try the CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream SPF 30, which contains peptides for extra hydration.

SPF (non-negotiable!): There’s no point in using peptides if you’re not protecting your skin with broad-spectrum SPF daily. The most science-backed approach for youthful skin is broad-spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection. Dermatologists highly recommend La Roche-Posay UVMune 400 SPF50, which suits all skin types. If you’re on a budget, check out The Altruist SPF50, designed by dermatologists for affordability. Remember: reapply throughout the day for optimal protection!

Evenings:

Cleanser: Same as above.

Moisturiser: A night cream is essential when using Klira. Apply your evening moisturiser 30-60 minutes before your Klira Special. We love La Roche-Posay AP+M Moisturiser—Dr Emma raves about this on her After Hours Skin Clinic podcast.

Eye cream (optional): As mentioned above, CeraVe Skin Renewing Eye Cream is an excellent choice.

Klira Special: Your ultimate, personalised prescription skincare. Klira contains peptides that signal collagen production and Tretinoin, which speeds up skin cell turnover—helping to unclog pores and slow signs of ageing.

The Body Special: Don’t neglect your body’s skin! Prevention is better than cure, and the peptides in our Body Special will help maintain smooth, youthful skin over time. 

FAQs

Are peptides safe for all skin types?

Yes! Peptides are gentle and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

How long does it take to see results with peptides?

Most users notice improved hydration within a few weeks, with firmer, smoother skin appearing gradually over time with consistent use.

Can peptides replace Retinol or vitamin C?

Peptides work best alongside other active ingredients. We suggest starting with a simple routine: SPF in the morning and Klira at night (which already contains a retinoid). After a few months, you can introduce Vitamin C in the mornings.

Which is better—Hyaluronic Acid or peptides?

If hydration is your main concern, Hyaluronic Acid attracts and retains moisture. If collagen support and anti-ageing are your focus, peptides signal the skin to boost collagen and elastin production. The best option? Use both! The great news? Klira Special contains both.

Final thoughts

Peptides are a key player in Klira’s science-backed formulations, helping to maintain youthful, hydrated skin. Whether through the Klira Special or Body Special, or both, incorporating peptides into your skincare routine supports skin health and long-term radiance.

Discover your personalised formula today!

Our Dermatology Team will review your SkinSize™ Analysis, medical information, and photos to decide which ingredients you will receive in your bespoke formula.