Correct application of all skin care products is important - especially if they contain active ingredients that need to penetrate to the dermis to be effective. Not applying products in the right way can mean the active ingredients just sit on the surface and fail to have any effect at all.

Taking good care of our skin can be pretty intuitive. You know when your skin is sensitive, and it'll tell you when it likes something you're using. You'll even be able to determine combination of products that work best on specific areas.

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Factors like sun exposure, pollution, and even our body's own immune system can impact how well it absorbs moisture. It also affects how much it loses at a particular point in the day. The reason we apply face creams, face balms and skincare oils is to keep our skin nourished, fresh, healthy, and hydrated. Hydration is what helps skin thrive!  It's vitally important tor our skin wellness to replenish water loss by staying hydrated and using creams and serums full of natural moisturizers. 

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Our skin needs moisture 24/7, but you want to pump things up when skin loses the most water, which is at night. Skin's oil production peaks at midday, and there is less oil production at night. Therefore, when you lose that protective layer of natural oils, your skin loses more water, so it's important to replenish the water loss with a moisturizer overnight. While you are asleep the skin goes into renewal mode. While cells repair and rebuild at all stages of sleep, the majority of cell turnover and regeneration occurs during deep REM sleep. Overnight water loss contributes to your skin being its driest and the barrier can be impaired, explains dermatologist Dr. Howard Sobel.

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 1. Patch test before using any new moisturizer.

Rather than testing the product on the back of your hand, apply a small amount on your inner arm where your skin is thinner and wait a day or two to see if you react to it. If you’re worried about a new product clogging your pores, apply it to a small area along your jawline to see if you develop any new pimples before putting it all over your face. It’s also crucial to check the label for potentially irritating ingredients, like chemical exfoliants (salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, for instance), retinol, fragrances and preservatives. These can be irritating to anyone, but those with sensitive skin are most likely to react to these ingredient.

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 2. Use a moisturizer that’s right for your skin type.

“Just because your best friend likes the feel of a particular product does not mean it will work well for you,” Achara Chavanakunakorn, Philosophia Botanica medical herbalist and Philosophia Botanica Formulator. The key is to know which ingredients will best address your individual skin concerns.

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 3. Apply your moisturizer to clean, slightly damp skin.

You should always apply moisturizer to clean skin—and for maximum results, shortly after cleansing, before your skin is totally dry.

Moisturizers are most effective if you use them while your skin is still damp because damp skin absorbs the product more readily. That also gives the moisturizer the chance to lock in that hydration. While waiting a few minutes or hours after washing your face before moisturizing isn’t the worst habit, it does your product and your skin a disservice. If you find that your routine takes too long for that to work (or you use other products between cleansing and moisturizing that need time to absorb), you can try spritzing on a bit of face mist before moisturizing.

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 4. Consider using a facial oil in conjunction with your moisturizer.

Facial oils can be great at soothing dry and irritated skin. The skin needs oil to maintain a healthy balance, otherwise, it may get too dry which can cause breakouts, fine lines, and wrinkles. Using a facial oil or a face oil serum help keep moisture in the skin while protecting it from the environmental damage," explains Francesca Franklin, Philosophia Botanica Founder.

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 5. Don’t over-apply! 

 

If the directions on your moisturizer say to use one to two pumps, applying three or four doesn’t mean your skin is getting twice the benefits. Over-applying moisturizer only results in two things: wasted product and a shiny t-zone. If you use too much, the product won’t be able to properly absorb into your skin, and everything you apply afterwards, like sunscreen and/or makeup, won’t go on as it should. 

Start applying small quantities and increase from there until you have determined the correct amount to use on your skin. If you have oily skin, don’t massage it too much, massaging the facial skin stimulates the oil glands to produce more sebum, which will make your skin even oilier.

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 6. Layer your products in the right order—but don’t overthink it.

The order in which you use your products can have an effect on how well they work. In general, we suggest to start with the lightest products and work your way up to the thickest product.

 

 “For example, if you have acne and are using any acne medicine, your general A.M. routine would be like this: wash, medicine, moisturizer with sunscreen.” If you use multiple treatments or serums, again, layer them from thinnest to thickest.

The idea is that, by layering products in this order, the thicker ones won’t prevent the thinner ones from getting to your skin. But, of course, you should follow your dermatologist’s instructions when using any prescription product. And, as SELF explained previously, basically everything becomes a cocktail on your face ultimately. So, as long as you’re using your moisturizer towards the end of your regimen, you’re probably fine.

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 7. Pay special attention to the delicate skin under your eyes.

 

This skin is easily damaged so use the forth finger, which is the weakest, and pat the moisturizer gently until the skin absorbs it. Start at the outer corner and work inwards. Do not put eye cream on your upper lids and don't over apply eye oil serums at night as the skin will be puffy when you wake up in the morning.

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 8. Keep your skincare routine balanced.

 

Less is more for pure skin nutrition. Although the perfect formulas depend on your skin's individual needs, it really is all about balance. The skin is slightly acidic and wants products to be the same-not more, not less. Most toners are 100% not compatible with our skin; acids, scrubs, toners, cleansing products, home devices like cleaning brushes, sting, or inflame the skin and contribute to skin moisture loss.

 

 9. Optimizing the time you apply your moisturizer and which ones you use will help ensure you're doing right by your skin. Here's how experts recommend you find your skin's moisture rhythm.

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 STEP-BY-STEP ROUTINE: 

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• Most people tend to rub moisturizer in the palms of their hands before applying, meaning that much of your precious product is absorbing into your hands. Instead, apply a little to the back of your hand, then take your ring finger and dab it all over your face before gently massaging it in. It is not the quantity that counts but rather the quality of the product that you are applying.

• Using gentle upward, circular movements, lightly massage the moisturizer into your face. Do not pull or tug your skin!

• Start with the middle portion of the face and massage the cream slowly upwards.

• Apply the moisturizer on the middle of the forehead and massage from the inward corners of the eyebrows, outwards. From the mid-point of the eyebrows move down below the eyes with a circular motion.

• Massage the nose from its upper part downwards and then to nostrils, from nostrils to the temples.

• Apply the moisturizer on the upper lip and move towards the cheeks.

• Apply the moisturizer below the lower lip and move down till you reach below the chin.In the end, apply cream below the chin and massage downwards .

• Apply your moisturizer twice a day, before you put on your make-up and after you remove it.

 

Remember:

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❥ Always clean your skin at night before retiring to bed.

❥ Moisturisers should be applied to clean skin after you cleanse your face, as they prevent skin from drying out post-wash. They're also most effective when applied to slightly damp skin, as they seal in moisture.

❥ The same application principles apply for any serum, face, balm or neck creams.  

❥ Common mistake: using too much. All you need is between a pea- and cashew-sized amount. And remember to apply moisturizer to the center of your palm—not your fingertips.

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