How to Use Moisturizer

The Proper Way to Apply Moisturizer

Moisturizer seems like a simple enough product – just smooth some on and you’re done, right? Not quite. There’s actually a correct technique for applying moisturizer to ensure you receive its full hydrating benefits. Used improperly, you may be accidentally minimizing moisturizer’s effects or creating new skin care issues. Follow these essential tips on how to apply moisturizer the right way.

Start With Clean, Dry Skin

Moisturizers work best on a clean canvas. Always wash your face first before application. Use a gentle, non-drying cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and product residue from the skin’s surface. Rinse thoroughly and pat completely dry. Any leftover grime or moisture can impair moisturizer absorption.

Moisturize After Other Treatments

For optimal penetration, moisturizer should comprise the final step in your skin care routine. Apply any serums, essences, eye creams, or treatments first. Allow those products a few minutes to fully absorb before sealing everything in with moisturizer on top.

Choose the Right Formula

Ensure you select a moisturizer formula matched to your specific skin type and concerns. Those with oily skin likely need lighter gel-creams or lotions. Dry types require richer butters or oils. Combination skin may layer multiple moisturizers strategically.

Consider using separate day and night time moisturizers as well. Daytime calls for hydrating formulas with sun protection. Night provides an opportunity for intensive repairing moisture replenishment.

Use the Proper Amount

You don’t need much product to get the job done right. A nickel-sized amount should adequately cover the entire face and neck areas. Using too much heavy cream can leave the skin feeling greasy and suffocated.

However, if you notice the initial amount fully absorbing without residual tackiness, feel free to reapply another thin layer. Just smooth it over gently, avoiding harsh over-rubbing that disrupts spreadability.

Warm It Up First

Cold moisturizers emerging from the jar or tube don’t absorb as effectively. The temperature contrast makes them stiffen upon contact with warm skin. This creates a potential barrier effect that impairs absorption.

For smoother application, first rub the moisturizer briefly between your palms to slightly warm and emulsify it. The soft warmth helps the formula penetrate seamlessly into skin without pilling or gathering unevenly.

Apply With Proper Massage Techniques

Don’t just recklessly smear the moisturizer all over. Instead, dab and press it gently onto the skin using upward motions. Pay special attention to concentrating hydration around expression lines on the forehead, mouth, and eye areas.

Use the cushions of your ring fingertips to delicately massage the moisturizer over the entire face, neck, and decollete areas as needed. These motions enhance absorption and provide relaxing facial massage benefits.

Work From Inside Out

Focus application inward, concentrating most heavily on the drier central face areas first before blending moisture outward. In particular, load up the eye area, nasolabial folds, chin, and laugh lines with the bulk of product.

The peripheral hairline, neck, and jawline sections can receive lighter application. These areas often get enough residual product simply from blending everything outward from the inner zones.

Don’t Pull or Drag Skin

As you massage the moisturizer into the skin, avoid stretching or pulling it excessively. Constant harsh tugging and aggressive rubbing will gradually break down the skin’s elasticity over time. Treat delicate facial skin with care using gentle pressing motions instead of rough yanking.

Use Quickly Before It Sets

Unlike serums that offer time for absorption, most moisturizing creams partially set or solidify on the skin’s surface after several minutes. This creates a moisture barrier that blocks penetration of any remaining un-absorbed product.

Work efficiently to massage and press in the moisturizer deeply during that initial pliable phase before the formula congeals. Apply quickly over your entire face and neck before the moisturizer develops any hardened surface texture.

Seal In With Facial Oil (Optional)

For extra intense hydration and lasting dewiness, consider sealing your moisturizer application by layering a nourishing face oil on top. Oils provide another moisture barrier effect that prevents evaporation of water-binding humectants from underlying products.

Just warm a few drops between your palms first like the moisturizer. Then gently press and blend the oils over the moisturized areas, focusing especially on the dry zones. The two products create a hydrating one-two punch.

Don’t Neglect Often Missed Areas

Pay close attention to moisturizing areas of the face and body people often forget. These include the delicate eye sockets and crow’s feet zones, earlobes, neck and décolletage, backs of hands, elbows, and feet.

Treat your body skin with as much hydrating attention as your face. Neglecting these areas accelerates visible dryness, premature aging, and discoloration concerns.

With the right techniques, moisturizing turns into a therapeutic self-care ritual for soft, glowing, radiant skin. Take your time to apply it mindfully and strategically all over. You’ll soon develop a moisturized, dewy fresh complexion from head-to-toe.

In conclusion, using moisturizer is a crucial step in maintaining healthy and nourished skin. By following the correct application techniques, you can maximize the benefits of your moisturizer. After cleansing your face, gently pat it dry with a clean towel. Then, take a small amount of moisturizer and apply it to your face and neck, using gentle, upward motions to ensure even coverage.

It’s important to choose a moisturizer that suits your skin type, whether it’s dry, oily, combination, or sensitive. This will ensure that your skin receives the specific ingredients it needs to stay hydrated and balanced. Additionally, consider using a separate moisturizer for your body, as the skin on your body may have different needs than the skin on your face.

Consistency is key when it comes to using moisturizer. Incorporating it into your daily skincare routine, both in the morning and at night, can help maintain the skin’s hydration levels and improve its overall texture and appearance.

Lastly, remember that moisturizer should be applied before sunscreen in your morning routine. This allows the moisturizer to fully absorb into the skin, providing a nourishing base, before applying sunscreen for protection. By following these steps and staying consistent with your moisturizing routine, you can achieve and maintain healthy, glowing skin.