If you’re looking to establish an effective skincare routine, but not sure where to start, keep reading this guide to skincare layering.
There’s something about hitting your 30s that makes skincare feel a little more… intentional. Suddenly you’re reading ingredient lists, actually finishing serums, and realizing “a splash of cold water” isn’t exactly a skincare routine.
You start noticing things—tiny fine lines, dull patches, maybe a little less bounce in your skin—and while it’s all completely normal, it also makes you rethink how you take care of your face.
That’s exactly where a well-layered skincare routine comes in. Not a complicated 12-step ritual that requires setting an alarm to start your nighttime routine early (no thank you), but a few smart, effective products layered the right way.
For me, two products have earned a permanent spot on my shelf: The Glow Maker and Peptide Squad from Maelove Skincare.
They check the boxes for what my 30-something skin actually needs—radiance, hydration, and support—without adding unnecessary steps. And the best part? They work beautifully together.
Why Skincare Layering Matters in Your 30s
Let’s get real for a second: your 20s skincare routine can get away with a lot.
Some nights you probably went to bed with makeup still on, or skipped moisturizer altogether. And somehow, you still woke up with glowing skin.
But in your 30s, your skin quietly starts changing. Collagen production slows down, skin turnover takes a little longer, and what used to be “just a dry patch” might now take a few days to bounce back.
This doesn’t mean your skin is suddenly high-maintenance. It just needs a little more intentional care.
Layering skincare correctly is one of the simplest but most powerful shifts you can make.
Think of it like building a house: you can’t put the roof on first and expect it to work. Lighter, water-based products need to go on before heavier creams and oils.
That way, each layer can actually sink in and do its job, instead of just sitting on the surface.
When you get the order right, your skin reaps the benefits—brighter, plumper, smoother, more hydrated.
Step 1: Start with a Clean Canvas
It all begins with a good cleanse. This might sound obvious, but how you cleanse sets the stage for everything else.
The goal here isn’t to strip your skin dry. It’s to remove sunscreen, makeup, and buildup from the day (or night) so your serums can actually penetrate.
A gentle, non-stripping cleanser is key—if your face feels squeaky after cleansing, that’s your skin begging you to chill.
I like to keep this step simple and quick. A warm water rinse and a few seconds of gentle massaging is all it takes. No need for harsh scrubbing or overly complicated tools.
Step 2: Vitamin C Serum — Glow Before You Go
Enter the glow. This is where The Glow Maker comes in and earns its name. This serum is packed with vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, and hyaluronic acid. If that ingredient list sounds like a dream team, it’s because it is.
Vitamin C helps brighten the skin and fight off free radical damage from things like pollution and UV exposure.
Vitamin E and ferulic acid boost that antioxidant protection, while hyaluronic acid keeps things hydrated and bouncy. It’s like a morning smoothie for your skin—refreshing, nourishing, and protective.
I apply 3–5 drops each morning right after cleansing, pressing it gently into my face and neck. Pressing—not rubbing—helps the serum absorb more evenly, and honestly, it just feels better.
Within seconds, it sinks in, leaving my skin fresh and awake.
If dullness has been creeping in (which, let’s be honest, happens when sleep and hydration aren’t always perfect), this step is key.
Step 3: Peptide Serum — Strength Meets Hydration
Once my vitamin C has had a minute to do its thing, I follow up with the Peptide Squad serum.
Peptides are one of those ingredients you hear about a lot, but here’s the simplest way to think about them: they’re short chains of amino acids that help signal your skin to produce more collagen and elastin.
In plain language? They help keep your skin firm, smooth, and plump.
I like this serum because it delivers noticeable hydration without feeling sticky or heavy. It’s the kind of product that slips into your routine seamlessly—it layers beautifully and doesn’t pill under moisturizer or SPF.
I press it into my skin just like the vitamin C, focusing on areas that need extra love (hi, forehead and smile lines).
Over time, I’ve noticed my skin looks less tired and more supported.
It’s not an overnight miracle (nothing truly is), but it’s the kind of product that earns its results quietly and consistently.
Step 4: Moisturize and Protect
Once those serums have done their job, it’s time to seal everything in. Moisturizer locks in hydration and creates that protective layer your skin barrier needs.
Your moisturizer doesn’t need to be fancy—just something that hydrates without clogging pores or feeling greasy.
During the day, I follow up with a broad-spectrum SPF (this step is non-negotiable). Sunscreen isn’t just about preventing sunburn; it’s what keeps all the brightening and collagen-boosting benefits from going to waste.
If your skin is on the drier side, especially in winter, you can opt for a slightly richer cream at night to keep things nourished while you sleep.
My Simple AM + PM Skincare Routine
This is the exact order I follow most days—it’s quick, realistic, and effective.
Morning Routine
- Gentle Cleanser
- The Glow Maker (Vitamin C Serum)
- Peptide Squad (Peptide Serum)
- Moisturizer
- SPF (always)
Evening Routine
- Gentle Cleanser
- Peptide Squad (yes, it works beautifully at night too)
- Moisturizer (richer cream if needed)
It’s a routine that fits into real life. No timers. No five different actives. Just a few solid steps that give your skin what it needs.
A Few Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Serums
- Apply serums to damp skin. Slightly damp skin can help with better absorption, especially with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
- Wait a minute between layers. This gives each product time to settle in and prevents pilling.
- Be consistent. Most skincare products work best with regular use—not just a couple of times a week when you remember.
- Less is more. Overloading your skin with too many actives can cause irritation. A good vitamin C + peptide combo is a strong foundation.
It’s About Skin That Feels Good
The best skincare routine isn’t necessarily the one with the trendiest ingredients or the most steps. It’s the one you’ll actually stick to—because it works with your lifestyle, not against it.
For me, The Glow Maker and Peptide Squad have become non-negotiables because they deliver visible results without the overwhelm.
One gives me brightness and antioxidant protection, the other brings strength, hydration, and bounce.
Together, they help my 30-something skin look fresh and supported, even on the days when my sleep schedule and hydration goals are… not their best.
If you’re looking to simplify your skincare routine without sacrificing results, this layering combo might just be your new skincare backbone.
Because good skin isn’t about perfection—it’s about feeling confident in the skin you’re in.
Thank you Maelove Skincare for sponsoring this post!
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