There are many challenges to building an ideal skincare skincare routine order for your skin and particular needs — after all, just reading an ingredients list can often be difficult. The trick is not just selecting which products to use or in what order to apply them.
Why is Moisturizing Important?
Imagine going a full day without drinking any water. You'd be quite parched, right? Our skin is the same, and it requires moisturizer to help it cope with all it goes through and is exposed to throughout the day, such as whipping winds or UV exposure.
An excellent moisturizer acts as a barrier cream, protecting the skin and reducing moisture loss. It functions similarly to an umbrella, sitting on top of the skin and providing protection. A sophisticated moisturizer will go one step further, releasing active ingredients into the skin to assist you achieve your skin goals. It may contain plumping peptides or oil-balancing niacinamide.
Dry skin (characterized by a lack of oil in the skin) can become aggravated without moisturizer, resulting in increased itchiness and flakiness. Oily skin can also suffer because, despite having an excess of oil, it may lack water. Dehydration shows itself as dullness or a feeling of tightness in the skin and tends to be most common around changes in weather or seasons.
How Often Should You Moisturize?
It’s generally recommended to moisturize your face twice a day—once in the morning and once at night.
However, the frequency can vary based on your skin type and the climate you live in. If you have particularly dry skin or live in a dry environment, you might need to moisturize more often.
How Much Moisturizer to Use
Determining how much moisturizer to use on your face is important to ensure you’re getting the benefits without overdoing it. Here’s a simple guide:
Aside from this simple rule of thumb, several other factors can determine how much moisturizer you should use. In general, use a dab of moisturizer between the size of a dime and a nickel, or around one or two milligrams of product.
Your skin type is the most straightforward to identify.
- If you have oily skin, a dime-sized amount of moisturizer should be plenty.
- If you have combination skin, you may want to stick closer to the nickel.
- If your skin is dry, you may wish to use a slightly larger size than a nickel while distributing moisturizer.
We recommend applying as much of our moisturizer to cover your face, neck, and décolleté. Aim to use enough moisturizer so that your skin is uniformly coated and you don't have to work too hard to spread the product.
For example, Dr. M. Bernstein’s Anti-Aging Cream Moisturizer for Wrinkles is packed with hyaluronic acid and shea butter, which provide deep hydration, smooth fine lines, and plump up the skin. Hyaluronic acid draws moisture to the skin's surface, while shea butter locks it in and offers soothing, protective benefits.
Is Too Much Moisturizer Bad for Your Skin? Spoiler Alert: More Is Not Better
Going overboard will not improve the general health of your skin. Using twice as much moisturizer does not bring twice the results and ultimately wastes the product. Over-moisturizing can lead to clogged pores and a heavy, greasy feeling on the skin. It can also interfere with the skin’s ability to regulate moisture levels.
Ensure you have the correct moisturizer that works for you so you don't need to add any extra. If your skin is parched, thirsty, and dry, most probably your skin barrier has been disrupted, and you should search for a moisturizer to strengthen it. If you believe you need to apply your moisturizer more than twice a day to achieve the results you desire, it's time to test a new formulation.
Can Using Too Much Moisturizer Cause Spots?
Yes, using too much moisturizer can cause spots and breakouts, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Excessive moisturizers can clog pores, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. It’s essential to use an appropriate amount and choose a moisturizer suited to your skin type.
How Should You Apply Moisturizer?
Applying moisturizer correctly is as important as the amount you use. The days of "rubbing" the cream into the skin are over. Consider warming your moisturizer between your palms before gently massaging it into the skin to avoid abrasion and friction. If you need to push the cream further into your skin, use upward strokes to maintain it firm and cheekbone-ready over time.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Cleanse Your Face: Start with a clean face. Use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup.
- Tone (Optional): If you use a toner, apply it after cleansing to prepare your skin for moisturizer.
- Apply Serum (Optional): Serums can provide additional hydration and nutrients. Apply a serum before your moisturizer if you use one.
- Apply Moisturizer: Take a nickel-sized amount of moisturizer and dot it on your forehead, cheeks, nose, chin, neck, and décolleté. Gently massage it into your skin using upward and outward strokes.
- Allow Absorption: Give the moisturizer a few minutes to absorb into your skin before applying any additional products like sunscreen or makeup.
Conclusion
Knowing how much moisturizer to use is essential for maintaining healthy skin. Too little can leave your skin dry and irritated, while too much can cause breakouts and a greasy feel.
By using the right amount and applying it correctly, you can ensure that your skin stays hydrated, protected, and looking its best. Moisturizing is a fundamental step in any skincare routine, so make sure you’re doing it right for optimal skin health.
