Don't make these mistakes when you moisturize your face
Face moisturizers look so uncomplicated and simple, and why not? You just have to pump some product out and massage it into your face and you are done, right? Well, not exactly.
You’ll be surprised to learn about the common moisturizer mistakes that we make in our daily lives that are messing up our skin. But don’t you worry, I’ve compiled the most common seven mistakes that people usually make when they apply face moisturizers to help you understand this better. So, let’s get started!
Face Moisturizer Mistake #1: Not Buying the Right Moisturizer for Your Skin Type
Just as your makeup products, your moisturizer has to be purchased according to your skin type. Face moisturizers are usually made of three ingredients that include occlusives, emollients, and humectants. Occlusives help to retain the moisture in your skin, emollients help to promote skin repair, and humectants help to keep your skin hydrated by increasing the water content in it.
Every moisturizer has different combinations of these three ingredients. For example, if you have dry skin, you should opt for a moisturizer that has a higher humectant level. Hence, before you buy your moisturizer, you have to find out your skin type. Only then can you choose the best face moisturizer for your needs.
Face Moisturizer Mistake #2: You Skip a Patch Test for Face Moisturizer
It’s important that you try the face moisturizer on a particular area of your face and neck to ensure that your skin is taking the product well. There might be times when your moisturizer may contain ingredients that can cause allergic reactions, clogged pores, or blemishes.
If you have sensitive skin, it is better for you to steer clear of ingredients such as retinol, botanical extracts, AHAs, phthalates, BHAs, formaldehyde and so on.
Face Moisturizer Mistake #3: You haven’t Included the Face Moisturizer as a Part of Your Daily Routine
A moisturizer isn’t going to improve your skin texture or complexion if you apply it every once in a while. In order to get the hydrated, shining, and healthy-looking skin you’ve always dreamt of, you have to use a moisturizer daily. In fact, apply the product before you step out of the house and during the night before going to sleep. And yes, men, you need daily moisturizer, too!
Face Moisturizer Mistake #4: You're Being Too Hard on Your Skin While Application
Whenever you put on face moisturizer, you have to be gentle while rubbing the product into your skin. If you apply too much on your skin, it will lead to friction. This can cause the water content to lower before the skin can absorb the goodness. Then, of course, is the appearance of fine lines like wrinkles and saggy skin.
Try using a circular, upward motion and always be gentle. For your under-eye area, just dab the moisturizer with your ring finger.
Face Moisturizer Mistake #5: Using Excessive Amount of Face Moisturizer
Over-moisturization is not good for your skin. Period.
Applying too much product will decrease the secretion of sebum in your skin and make your face too dry, needing frequent product application. Using too much moisturizer doesn’t mean your skin will benefit more as well. On the contrary, it may clog your pores causing breakouts.
Face Moisturizer Mistake #6: Forgetting the Neck and the Décolletage
This is a very common mistake. A lot of people only apply moisturizers only on their faces and call it a day. This is actually incorrect. Don't you think that a million-dollar face will look rather unflattering perched on an ashy and dry neck?
This is why you should never forget to moisturize your face, neck, and décolletage to ensure a complete skincare regime. Also, take care to use the right technique and be gentle when massaging the product into these areas as well. You can even buy special creams developed specifically for the neck.
Face Moisturizer Mistake #7: You’re Applying the Moisturizer to a Dry Face
While it's true that there's no harm in applying the product a couple of minutes or a few hours later, but there’s a reason why moisturizing comes after cleansing your face. Moisturizers work best on damp skin as the goodness of the ingredients gets absorbed into the skin easily. So, why not make the most of the effort and time you're putting in to ensure you get great feeling and looking skin?
Resources — Self, Loreal Paris USA, Huda Beauty
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