Having the right skin care products for your skin is only part of skin care; without the correct application techniques, the products will not work as effectively as they should, and worst, you may damage your skin unknowingly.
So what are the best ways to apply different skin care products?
It doesn't matter if it is a gel, lotion, cream or oil cleanser, always wash your hands first before washing your face.
After that, disperse an adequate amount on your finger tips, and dot the cleanser equally onto your dry left cheek, right cheek, forehead, nose, and chin, to ensure that all areas get enough cleanser. Then, using your fingertips, gently massage in circular motions for a minute, but do not use any pressure to avoid tugging the skin. Also do press the cleanser into troublesome areas, i.e. where you have the most acne and blackheads, so the cleansing ingredients can get into the pores. Finally, rinse using lukewarm water——water too hot will dry the skin, and water too cold cannot effectively cleanse, whilst making sure no residue is left on the skin.
If your cleanser contains acids or enzymes, leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing, so the ingredients have time to work properly.
Product Recommendation
EATH LIBRARY
Smooth Operator Purifying Cleansing Gel <- Click to shop
Product Recommendation
AGENT NATEUR
acid(wash) Lactic Acid Brightening Cleanser <- Click to shop
While some people prefer to use cotton to apply toner, it is actually unnecessary since a lot of product would be wasted this way, and dragging the cotton on your face may pull the skin.
Instead, straight after cleansing and still in the bathroom, disperse an adequate amount in the palm of your hands, and use your fingertips to distribute the toner equally on your face. Then, gently press the toner in using your fingertips.
If you're using your serum straight after, then move onto the next step, but if you have to move from your bathroom to your bedroom to continue with your routine, repeat this toner step before using any serum to make sure the skin is damp.
Product Recommendation
MARIE REYNOLDS LONDON
Hydr8 Misting Veil™ <- Click to shop
Product Recommendation
EATH LIBRARY
Wise Awakening Advanced Nourishing Toner <- Click to shop
There are two common mistakes people do when applying serum:
- Using it on dry skin. Studies have shown that using serums on damp skin can increase absorption up to 10 percent, this is why you should repeat the toner step before applying serums if you have to finish your skincare routine in another room.
- A lot of people like to rub serum in with pressure or pat with force, thinking that it would help with circulation and absorption. The truth is, vigorous rubbing and patting can cause an inflammatory response in the skin, which not only aggravates conditions like sensitivity, eczema, rosacea and acne, but may also cause premature aging of the skin, such as hyperpigmentation, as too much stimulation can stimulate melanin production.
Therefore, the best way to apply serum is, disperse an adequate amount on your fingertips, then dot the product equally on both cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. Using your fingertips, gently glide and distribute the product evenly without pulling the skin, one face part at a time. Then, gently warm up your fingers by rubbing them together, and lightly tap the serum in like you're playing the piano or typing. Finally, finish off with pressing motion to enhance absorption, and press the product left on your fingertips to your neck and décolletage.
Repeat this step if you're using more than one serum.
Never use the serum dropper directly on your skin, as it could introduce bacteria into the product.
Product Recommendation
TWELVE BEAUTY
Plant Perfection Gel Serum <- Click to shop
Product Recommendation
AGENT NATEUR
holi(lift) Ageless Lifting and Firming Serum <- Click to shop
Product Recommendation
KLUR
Stellar Restoration Corrective Complex <- Click to shop
The eye area is the most delicate area on the face, thus pulling or tugging is a big no-no, as that could cause the skin to darken and swell, leading to under-eye shadows and bagging.
Therefore, the best way to apply an eye serum or eye cream is disperse an adequate amount onto one of your ring fingers, gently warm the product up by rubbing your two ring fingers together, then lightly tap it in until fully absorbed.
If the eye serum is very watery, then there is no need to rub the two ring fingers together to warm it up.
Product Recommendation
MARIE REYNOLDS LONDON
Eye-drate <- Click to shop
Product Recommendation
OUMERE
The Eye Serum <- Click to shop
Contrary to popular belief, face oils should always be applied before moisturizer, firstly because of its small molecular size, and secondly because it won't be able to penetrate if used on top of moisturizers, which contain occlusive ingredients. We also do not recommend mixing it with moisturizers, as that may hamper the effects of the face oil.
Before using a face oil, make sure the skin is damp, i.e. either before the serum dries down, or add another light layer of toner. Then, disperse a few drops onto your fingertips, gently rub them together to warm the face oil up, and press it onto your face.
Start with the two cheeks first, as they're usually the driest, thus would need the most product, then the forehead, chin, and finally the nose, where the least amount of product would be needed.
Again, press the remaining product onto your neck and décolletage.
Product Recommendation
OUMERE
Serum Bioluminelle™ <- Click to shop
Product Recommendation
KLUR
Unseasonal Kind Lipid Replenishment Oil <- Click to shop
Just like serums, people like rubbing in moisturizer with pressure, thinking that it would help with circulation and absorption. Not only will this irritate the skin, it may also cause the products previously used to crump together, resulting in pilling.
The best way to apply a moisturizer is therefore, just like serum, take an adequate amount on your fingertips, then dot the product equally on both cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. If your t-zone is oily, then dot less there. Using your fingertips, gently glide and distribute the product evenly without pulling the skin, one face part at a time. Then, gently warm up your fingers by rubbing them together, and pressing the moisturizer in to enhance absorption. Any product left on your fingertips should be pressed to your neck and décolletage.
Never put your fingers directly into a moisturizer tub, as that could introduce bacteria into the product. Always use a spatula to take out product, and clean the spatula after every use.
Product Recommendation
EATH Library
All Day Radiance Light Concentration Cream <- Click to shop
Product Recommendation
KLUR
Sculpture + A Overnight Enrichment Cream <- Click to shop
Product Recommendation
AGENT NATEUR
holi(crème) Filter Face Cream <- Click to shop
Sunscreen is the only skincare product that doesn't need to be applied onto damp skin, nor does it need to be warmed up. In fact, after your moisturizer, wait 5 minutes before applying sunscreen, so the SPF ingredients in it won't mix with the moisturizer and get diluted.
For the face, the appropriate amount of sunscreen needed is 2 x 10 cents coin amount if it is in liquid form, and 2 x pearl size amount if it is in cream form. When applying, take out half of the needed amount first, then dot on the cheeks, forehead, chin and nose. Gently glide your fingers to distribute the product evenly, paying special attention to the cheekbones that are prone to pigmentation, then lightly tap it in. After that, take the other half of the needed amount and repeat. Breaking the application into two layers this way can make sure the sunscreen is applied evenly, covering all areas of the face, whilst feeling less heavy on the skin.
Wait 3-5 minutes for the sunscreen to form a protective film before using primer, foundation, etc.
Product Recommendation
TWELVE BEAUTY
Artemisia Power Protection Moisturiser SPF50+ <- Click to shop
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