“Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!” If you have even a passing interest in skincare, you probably already know this skincare commandment. But what you might not know is that there are dos, don'ts and special tips to transform your moisturizer from a one-trick pony to a revolutionary part of your routine. Below, you’ll find some tips from our estheticians that could dramatically alter your relationship with your moisturizer.
Tips to moisturize your face like an expert:
1. Apply on damp skin
2. Dab it on before massaging in
3. Don’t over-apply
4. Don’t rely on only a face oil
5. Don’t forget about your neck
6. Mix face cream with aloe for post-sun care
7. Skincare order matters
Apply on damp skin
Unlike waiting for your first coat of nail polish to dry before applying a second, all moisturizer should be applied while your skin is damp. That means you should make moisturizing a priority within a few minutes of getting out of the shower or washing your face. If you use a toner, essence, or serum, apply that first and then follow up with the moisturizer before your skin is completely dry. This will seal the moisture into your skin and is more effective than attempting to rehydrate your skin with moisturizer after it has already been depleted of H2O.
Dab it on before massaging in
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, pump 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.
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. Can you over -moisturize your face? The answer is yes. 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.
Don’t rely on only a face oil
Though botanical oils can lock in moisture, they don’t contain humectants, meaning they can’t add hydration back to your skin. For dehydrated skin, look for a moisturizer with natural humectants like hyaluronic acid, silver tremella extract, and honey that will draw water into your skin. Your moisturizer should also have natural emollients like botanical oils that lock in moisture. If you’re using a face oil, use it after your moisturizer, since the hydrating ingredients in your moisturizer won’t absorb properly after an oil.
Don’t forget about your neck
While there are products formulated specifically for your neck and décolleté (like our Resculpting Neck & Body Serum), the most important thing is that you keep this area moisturized. Unlike your face, your neck doesn’t have a ton of oil glands, which means moisture doesn’t come easy. And with age, a decrease in collagen causes this delicate area to become extra prone to wrinkling. Daily moisture will prevent dryness and help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Skincare order matters
For layering moisture, our estheticians recommend layering lightest to richest in order to lock in hydration for plumper, more firm-looking complexion. For layering our products, we recommend starting with a toner, either the Absolute Purity Toner (if you’re concerned with uneven skin tone and blemishes) or LotuSculpt Activator (if you’re concerned with visible signs of aging), followed by our Firming Serum (which tackles visible signs of aging, seals in hydration, and helps deliver an immediate glow), and finishing with our Face Resculpting Cream (which uses Rosehip and Black Currant Seed Oils to lock moisture while softening and protecting skin from environmental damage).
For products in general you should order as follows:
1. A Toner
2. A Serum
3. A Cream/Moisturizer
4. A Face Oil
5. An SPF!
Mix the Face Resculpting Cream with aloe for post-sun care.
In the summer months, it’s inevitable that your skin will see more sun than usual. Regardless of whether you tan or burn, it’s important to remember that UV rays are harmful! A solid post-sun routine is the next best thing to applying sunscreen before going outside. To soothe sun-damaged skin, we like to mix equal parts organic aloe vera gel and the Face Resculpting Cream to calm redness and peeling. The non-comedogenic (aka, non-pore-clogging) cream contains Vitamin E, which is believed to help improve the appearance of sun damage, according to this study. It also contains Black Currant Oil, which is nourishing and anti-inflammatory. Combined with the soothing properties of aloe, this dynamic duo repairs and moisturizes for youthful, healthy-looking skin.
Use the Best Moisturizing Products for Your Skin
I'm sure you already knew you had to moisturize your skin, but we hope you now realize its HOW you moisturize that makes your skincare most effective. How you apply moisturizer and the steps you take in feeding your face are crucial to getting that youthful glow you are looking for!
FAQs
Q: Do you wash off face moisturizer?
A: No ! You leave it on all day/night between washes and under makeup.
Q: How often should you moisturize your face?
A: Morning & Night!
Q: Can I use body lotion for my face?
A: There are some body lotions like our Shakti Face and Body Resculpting Cream that are meant to be used from head to toe, but you should always make sure you are comfortable with the ingredients and quality of what's hitting your face. Your face is one of the first body parts to age, so make sure you are using something delicate and nourishing enough for you!
Q: Should I still moisturize if I have oily skin?
A: Yes, but if you are breakout prone you can avoid your T-zone. Always use the recommended amount, remember don't over moisturize, and leave out an oil, opting for a lightweight cream!
Q: How long does it take for moisturizer to absorb?
A: It should penetrate almost immediately, within minutes if its the right fit for you!
Q: What does over-moisturized skin look like?
A: Very oily like it needs to be dabbed or blotted.