The Art of Hydration Layering: Your Summer-Ready Skin Routine

As temperatures rise and humidity sets in, the way we hydrate our skin needs to change. During summer, rich creams and heavy oils can feel suffocating, leading to congestion, breakouts, and shine. Yet skipping hydration altogether is one of the biggest skincare mistakes you can make.

That’s where hydration layering comes in — a skincare approach that locks in moisture using lightweight, complementary products that absorb quickly and work synergistically. At Pt78 Skin and Body, our philosophy combines clean, vegan ingredients with clinical-grade products from SkinCeuticals to help your skin stay fresh, plump, and balanced — no matter how hot it gets.

What Is Hydration Layering?

Hydration layering is the process of applying products in order of texture — from thinnest to thickest — to optimise absorption and moisture retention. The goal is to replenish your skin’s water levels while creating a breathable barrier that prevents dehydration.

Each layer serves a specific purpose:

• Essence or toner: Prepares and balances the skin.

• Hydrating serum: Delivers water-binding ingredients like hyaluronic acid.

• Moisturiser: Seals in hydration with nourishing lipids.

• SPF: Shields against environmental and UV damage.

Think of it as watering and sealing the soil — hydration works best when layered and protected.

Step 1: Prep with a Gentle Cleanse

Clean skin is the foundation of effective hydration layering. Use a cleanser that removes impurities without stripping natural oils.

• Pt78 Cream Cleanser — A soothing vegan formula with Jojoba and Avocado Oils to hydrate while cleansing.

• SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser — An airy foam that purifies the skin using amino acid–based surfactants, ideal for sensitive or post-procedure skin.

Cleansing twice daily ensures your hydrating serums can penetrate effectively.

Step 2: Mist and Balance

Lightly misting or toning helps prime the skin for hydration.

• Pt78 Spritz Toning Mist — Combines natural extracts like Quandong and Kakadu Plum to balance pH and refresh the complexion before serums.

This step enhances absorption and restores balance after cleansing — especially useful if you use exfoliants or active ingredients in your routine.

Step 3: Add a Hydrating Serum

The serum stage is where true hydration begins. Serums penetrate deeply, delivering humectants like Hyaluronic Acid that bind water to skin cells.

• SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Serum — A cult favourite that restores moisture with Vitamin B5 and pure Hyaluronic Acid, leaving the skin plump and supple.

• Pt78 Brighten B Hyaluronic Acid + B5 + B3 Serum — A vegan alternative that combines Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) for barrier strengthening and even skin tone.

Apply one to two drops while your skin is still slightly damp to help lock in extra hydration.

Step 4: Moisturise and Seal

Once hydrated, your skin needs an occlusive layer to prevent water loss. Choose a moisturiser suited to your skin type.

• Pt78 Moisture+ Hydrating Moisturiser — A lightweight, plant-based formula enriched with Rosehip and Green Tea Extracts to restore and protect.

• SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 — A deeply replenishing cream that balances ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids for improved elasticity and smoothness.

If you have oily or combination skin, use a pea-sized amount and press it into the skin rather than rubbing. This ensures hydration without heaviness.

Step 5: Lock It All in with SPF

Hydrated skin is more vulnerable to sun damage — making SPF the final, essential step in your routine.

• SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense SPF 50 — A broad-spectrum sunscreen that feels invisible on the skin, offering daily protection without clogging pores.

Apply generously to the face, neck, and décolletage every morning, and reapply throughout the day as needed.

Step 6: Nighttime Recovery

Hydration doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. At night, switch from SPF to barrier repair and renewal products that work while you sleep.

• SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight Cream — Stimulates cell turnover and radiance while maintaining moisture balance.

• Pt78 Matte Night Repair Cream — A vegan moisturiser infused with plant oils and Vitamin E to deeply replenish without leaving residue.

Finish with a light mist of Pt78 Spritz for a refreshing boost before bed.

Bonus: Hydration for the Eyes and Lips

These delicate areas are the first to show dehydration.

• Pt78 Illuminate Eye Cream — Targets fine lines and dark circles with Australian botanicals.

• SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Advanced Eye for Dark Circles — A clinical solution that smooths and brightens tired eyes.

For lips, apply a balm rich in shea butter or Vitamin E after your routine to seal in hydration overnight.

The Bottom Line

Hydration layering is the simplest way to transform dull, dry skin into a radiant, healthy-looking complexion. By applying products in the right order and choosing the correct formulations for your skin type, you’ll maintain balance, glow, and resilience — even through Australia’s summer heat.

Explore our full Moisture + Hydration Collection and discover SkinCeuticals’ industry-leading hydrating products at Pt78 Skin and Body today.