Avoid these mistakes when moisturising your face. Moisturiser should be a vital step in your skincare routine.
The hydrating effects of moisturiser helps keep skin youthful and in prime condition, helping you look great.
Everyone, regardless of skin type, can benefit from moisturising their skin every day. It’s just about choosing the right one and applying it correctly.
Here are some of the biggest mistakes that people make when applying moisturiser.
You skip the patch test
Just like testing new makeup products on the back of your hand before buying, you should do the same with your skin care, if possible. If you do buy a new moisturiser, try the product on a small area of your neck for about a week before applying to your face. Not only will this ensure you like the way the product feels, it will also ensure it doesn’t lead to clogged pores, allergic reaction or breakouts.
If you can’t test the product, make sure if doesn’t contain potentially irritating ingredients such as AHAs, BHAs, retinol or parabens.
This is especially important for those of you with sensitive skin.
You’re using the wrong moisturiser for your skin type
The best moisturiser is the one that will fit your skin’s needs. Just because your friend is using a product, doesn’t mean it will work for you.
With so many products out there, you can select the best formulation for your skin – gel, lotion, ointment or foam.
The key is to know which ingredients will address your skin’s concerns.
You’re using an oil instead of moisturiser
Oils can be great for soothing dry and irritated skin, but they are not meant to be used in place of your moisturiser.
Moisturisers contain humectant ingredients that will draw water molecules into the skin, while oil-based products will merely treat the skin on the surface.
Try applying an oil on top of your regular moisturiser.
You’re applying moisturiser to dry skin
Moisturisers are more effective when you skin is still damp. This is because damp skin best absorbs moisture and locks it in for a longer time.
You should always apply your moisturiser to clean skin and, for maximum results, before your skin is totally dry.
You’re layering products all wrong
In order to get maximum results from your moisturiser, you need to layer your skincare products correctly. As a rule, you want to start with the lightest products and work your way up to the thickest.
So, if you suffer from acne-prone skin, your morning routine might be like this: cleanser, acne medication, moisturiser with sunscreen.
You’re using a moisturiser with no SPF
It is incredibly important to use SPF, even on a cloudy day when the sun is not always visible. Even low levels of sun exposure add up over a lifetime. This can contribute to skin cancers and premature wrinkling.
Your best line of defense is to apply sunscreen every morning.
You exfoliate instead of moisturise dry skin
When you see flaky, dry skin, your first instinct is to reach for a face scrub. But your skin might be begging for moisture.
If you have a lot of flaking, it could be a sign that your skin is dehydrated.
Exfoliating at this time could disrupt your skin’s barrier and make your skin worse. Listen to what your skin needs and apply a moisturiser to restore your hydration levels.
You’re being too harsh
Working moisturiser into the skin too hard can cause over-exfoliation. Too much rubbing can weaken skin’s barrier function and cause inflammation. Inflammation leaves you vulnerable to infection from micro-organisms such as bacteria. This can lead to sensitivity and irritation, which is the opposite of what you are trying to accomplish.
Try to gently massage your moisturiser into your skin.
You’re using day cream at night
Your skin is in its peak state of repair at night, with a majority of cell turnover occurring when your body is in REM sleep. Because of this, you should apply products that help with this repair stage at night.
Night creams are full of essential ingredients like retinols or peptides. These can help soothe and repair the skin. They are thicker and more nourishing than day creams.
Skin hydration levels decline at night, so your nighttime moisturiser is an important step.
Avoid these mistakes when moisturising your face
