What is Hydration Stacking?

You’ve probably come across skincare influencers hyping up the technique of hydration stacking to attain that dewy, hydrated glow that makes their skin look supple and healthy, leaving you wanting the same for yourself. But are you unsure of which products you should use and in what order? Well, then you’ve come to the right place! 

Our guide navigates you through the art of stacking moisturizers, serums, oils, and more to nourish deeply and achieve radiant skin. With the right mix of hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, vitamin E and botanical oils, your complexion will be quenched and positively beaming. 

So let’s dive into how to properly layer targeted formulas to transform lackluster skin into a hydrated, dewy dream. 

What is hydration stacking?

Hydration stacking refers to layering multiple hydrating skin care products to maximize moisture levels and achieve glowing skin. By applying products with hydrating ingredients one after another, you're able to boost your skin's hydration and reap the benefits of each product.

How does it work?

Hydrating products work synergistically when layered, enhancing their effectiveness. For instance, a hyaluronic acid serum attracts moisture into the skin, followed by a moisturizer containing ingredients such as jojoba oil, shea butter and chamomile. This layering approach facilitates deeper absorption and prolongs hydration for better skin nourishment. Some popular hydrating ingredients to look for in products include: 

• Hyaluronic acid: Draws moisture into the skin and holds up to 1000 times its weight in water.
• Glycerin: Acts as a humectant to draw into the skin
• Jojoba oil: It hydrates the skin and helps remove dead skin cells plus reduces the appearances of wrinkles.
• Aloe vera: It soothes the itching and inflammation while also moisturizing the skin.

Best hydrating ingredients for glowing skin

Using hydrating ingredients in your skincare routine helps draw moisture into the skin and keeps it there. Here are some of the best hydrating ingredients to look for and layer in your routine.

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid, a natural component found in the skin, plays a pivotal role in skin hydration through its exceptional water-attracting properties. This powerhouse molecule has the ability to attract and retain water molecules, holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water. When applied topically, hyaluronic acid forms a light, gel-like layer on the skin's surface, acting as a moisture reservoir. This not only helps to prevent dehydration but also contributes to a plumping effect, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Beyond its immediate hydrating effects, hyaluronic acid supports the skin's overall health by maintaining moisture balance and promoting a supple, youthful complexion.

Shea butter

Shea butter is a potent moisturizing agent that deeply hydrates the skin. Its rich composition of fatty acids, including oleic and stearic acids, creates a nourishing barrier that prevents moisture loss. This natural emollient also contains vitamins, such as vitamin E, which further contribute to skin hydration. The anti-inflammatory properties of shea butter make it effective in soothing the skin, particularly beneficial for dry or irritated areas. By forming a protective layer on the skin's surface, shea butter helps to lock in moisture, promoting long-lasting hydration and leaving the skin feeling soft, supple, and revitalized.

Aloe vera 

Packed with hydrating properties, the gel from the aloe vera plant is a skin-soothing dynamo. Renowned for its inflammation-reducing and healing benefits, aloe vera is a prevalent ingredient in various skincare products like toners, serums, moisturizers, masks, and sunscreen. 

Using a combination of these hydrating ingredients in your daily skincare routine will help draw moisture into your skin and keep it soft and smooth. Hydrating stacking allows you to tailor a regimen specific to your skin's needs so you can achieve your glowiest complexion yet. 

How to get started

To start hydrating stacking, choose 3-4 hydrating products and apply  them in order of consistency, from thinnest to thickest. For example after cleansing your face, apply:

1. A hydrating toner or essence
2. A hyaluronic acid serum
3. A rich moisturizer
4. A nourishing facial oil
5. A hydrating sheet mask

Make sure to allow each product to absorb well before applying the next product. 

Why layer hydrating products?

When it comes to hydrating your skin, more is better. Layering multiple hydrating products helps draw moisture into your skin and seal it in, leaving your skin soft, glowing, and plump. 

Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and niacinamide are humectants, meaning they attract moisture. As you layer hydrating products containing these ingredients, you're giving your skin an extra boost of hydration with each step. Start with a hydrating toner like the Leovard Tonic, follow up with a serum or essence containing hyaluronic acid which is essentially the most powerful ingredient when it comes to hydrating your skin. Our recommendation is the Leovard Serum which is a hydration powerhouse with a plethora of hydrating ingredients including HA. Lastly, seal it all in with a moisturizer like the Multicream. For added plumpness apply a few drops of facial oil like the Oil Fusion to lock in all the hydration. You may also use an occasional sheet mask if you really want to take your hydration game to the next level. 

Don't worry about layering too many hydrating products. As long as you start with the lightest textures first before moving on to richer creams, your skin will absorb each layer fully. Pay attention to how your skin feels after applying each product. If it starts to feel tacky, you’ve reached maximum hydration capacity. 

For optimal results, layer hydrating products immediately after cleansing while your skin is still damp. This helps ingredients absorb better into your skin. Gently pat each layer into your skin using your fingertips to aid absorption. 

How often should I do hydrating stacking?

For the best results, aim for hydrating stacking 2 to 3 times a week, especially when your skin is feeling extra dry or dull. Be careful to not overdo it, as too much hydration can potentially lead to clogged pores or breakouts in some people. Start slowly and how your skin reacts, then adjust as needed.

What are the potential benefits of skincare stacking?

Hydrating stacking provides intense and long-lasting hydration, leaving your skin smooth, plump and glowing.

Benefits include:

• Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Hydration is key to a youthful complexion.
• Improved skin barrier function. Hydrating ingredients help strengthen your skin's protective barrier.
• Brightened and even skin tone. Proper hydration gives your skin a healthy glow
• Softer and smoother skin. Nothing makes the skin feel loved like hydration.
• Calmed redness and irritation. Hydrating ingredients have soothing effects and anti-inflammatory effects. 

 

 

Conclusion 

So there you have it, hydration stacking is all about giving your skin some extra TLC through hydration which in turn will lead to plump skin. Starting with a hydrating toner, essence or serum, then topping it with your moisturizer, face oil, and maybe an overnight mask, you’ll wake up to a baby soft, supple, glowing skin. Now get stacking and let the compliments start rolling in  on your glowing complexion.