Getting Multiple Skincare Treatments At Once Is Smart. Here's Why
Let's face it, we all love multitasking whenever possible, so why not bring that into our skincare treatments and routines? That's probably why the trend of layering, or getting multiple skincare treatments at once, has gained popularity over the years among both women and men. After all, who wouldn't want to save time, whether it's at home or in their favorite salon? Our time is precious!
If you're wondering which skincare treatments you should get, then you're on the right track! Let's separate them into two categories: at-home treatments (the cleansing, exfoliating, toning, and moisturizing that you already do with standard skincare products) and professional treatments (such as light therapy, laser treatment, skin tightening — the ones that require a visit to the spa, salon, or clinic). This technique of getting combined treatments on a single visit is quickly becoming the preferred method of many dermatologists and skincare enthusiasts alike, and we're going to find out why.
Layering skincare products at home
Let's talk about at-home treatments first. There's a good chance you have already been doing it every day, with things like multimasking, as layering skincare products means applying creams, serums, balms, and oils one over the other. But did you know that there's actually a proper order in which to layer your skincare products?
The typical layering routine involves multiple steps, including cleansing, exfoliating, toning, treating, and moisturizing. One popular method involves starting with an oil-based cleanser to remove dirt and makeup, followed by a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining residue. After cleansing, you can then apply an exfoliator to remove dead skin cells and toner to balance your skin's pH levels. Next, you can apply a serum, which contains active ingredients to target specific skin concerns like fine lines, dark spots, or acne. Remember to finish your routine with sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even incorporate a facial oil or mist to help lock in moisture and add a dewy glow.
Mixing products for skincare treatments can seem overwhelming, but with a little bit of experimentation and patience, you can find a routine that works best for your skin.
Multiple professional treatments in a single visit
Layering these kinds of treatments is a different ball game, especially when they can be extremely distinct from each other. For instance, Light therapy uses LED lights to penetrate into the skin tissue, while chemical peels use various acids to resurface the skin and remove surface pigmentation. Laser skin treatments, on the other hand, use laser energy to deliver heat deep into the skin to tighten loose skin and reduce wrinkles.
Regardless of the treatment, there are a few common things you can do to prepare for the treatment. Some of them, according to Portrait, include avoiding skincare products at least on the morning of your treatment, cutting off alcohol and caffeine at least 24 hours prior, and hydrating before and after your treatment. It's also a good idea to bring your skincare products with you to your appointment so that your skincare professional can understand how you treat your skin on a daily basis.
Most professional skincare treatments typically follow a similar process, too. The first step is usually a consultation where you discuss your skin concerns and goals with your skincare professional. They will then assess your skin and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. This is where you ask your skincare professional if more than one treatment in the same visit is possible (assuming they don't suggest it first, of course).
Benefits of stacking skincare treatments
If you choose separate visits, imagine the parties and outings you'll miss because of the combined downtime — tragic. Not to mention, the money wasted in the long run by booking several appointments for different types of treatments instead of getting everything done in a single session. See? Getting multiple skincare treatments at once is smart. It also makes it easier to stick to a regular skincare routine, which is an essential part of maintaining your beautiful skin.
Another excellent benefit of layering skin treatments is the enhanced results it provides. Here's a great example: Dr. Jessica Weiser tells The Zoe Report that while treatments like radiofrequency microneedling and laser resurfacing can work wonders on their own, the combination with PRP (platelet-rich plasma injections) can lead to even more remarkable results like "more efficient healing, growth factor-induced collagen and skin texture improvements."
Multiple treatments are customizable to your specific needs, too. Whether you're dealing with acne, hyperpigmentation, or signs of aging, there's a treatment that can help. By working with a trained esthetician, you can create a customized treatment plan that targets your specific skin concerns. You can, technically, do this the regular way, but why do that when layering can address various skin concerns at the same time and make the treatment plan shorter?
Using skincare products with combined treatments
It can even make incorporating professional treatments into your at-home self-care routine better. Usually, professional treatments help address specific skin concerns, and the consistent at-home skincare routine enhances and maintains the results. For example, if you receive a laser treatment to help stimulate collagen production and reduce wrinkles, using anti-aging products at home can help support and prolong the results. Combined treatments might improve this process by cutting down the number of products you use for the at-home routine. Let's say you get a layered professional treatment that includes exfoliation and anti-aging, such as a chemical peel with a Botox treatment, then you can cut down on exfoliating and anti-wrinkle products at the same time. It'll save you a lot of bucks in the long run, too.
The benefits of layering skincare treatments keep coming, and it almost seems like the only reason everyone is not doing it is because of the extra initial cost. That won't be strictly true, though, because another reason it isn't that mainstream is not all combinations are suitable for everyone. We are dealing with precious skin here, so there's no need to tempt fate. Be sure to take precautions.
Which skincare treatment combinations work best?
Stacked treatments is an exciting concept, we know, but it doesn't mean you can pile on treatments willy-nilly. There are certain combinations that are known to work better together:
If you're looking for a way to improve your skin's texture and tone, then combining different laser devices might be what you need. Dr. Nancy Samolitis tells The Zoe Report that using a vascular laser alongside a resurfacing laser can even out your complexion. She goes on to say that these treatments can be used in conjunction with skin tightening treatments like ultrasound or radiofrequency energy treatments, making them ideal for tackling multiple skin concerns.
Using a non-ablative fractional laser to tighten skin and improve pigmentation, followed by a picosecond laser for defined dark spots or sun damage is also a great combination, according to Dr. Jeremy Brauer. Although a week of downtime is required, the results are well worth it.
Dr. Sonia Batra suggests that it is safe to combine energy-based devices to enhance the color, texture, and tone of the skin. A fantastic example of this is using an IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) device that focuses on brown spots and vascular areas, followed by a multi-polar radiofrequency device to improve skin tone, and, finally, a radiofrequency device to enhance the texture of the skin. Say goodbye to uneven skin and hello to rejuvenated, youthful-looking skin — thanks to layered treatments (via The Zoe Report).
Precautions for layering skincare treatments
We've said this before, and we'll say it again: While it may be tempting to combine or layer different types of treatments for faster or more dramatic results, it is important to exercise caution to avoid harming your skin. After all, certain behaviors can damage your skin barrier. Fortunately, we have some tips to help you stay safe.
Firstly and most importantly, consult with a licensed professional who has experience in this area to advise you on the best approach to take. Another good way to be safe is to test each one individually before combining or layering treatments, to ensure that your skin can tolerate them. Follow manufacturer instructions for each treatment carefully, as they may vary between products. Be aware of potential contraindications for certain skin conditions or medical histories. Resist the urge to overdo it and layer too many treatments at once, as this can damage your skin. Finally, space out your treatments appropriately to give your skin time to recover between sessions. Yes, it's a lot, but you know what they say: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
By following these precautions, you can safely and effectively combine or layer skincare treatments for really glam skin. Remember, taking care of your skin is a journey, not a race, so take it slow and steady for the best outcomes.