We already talked about the importance of using the right moisturizer here.
Now it’s time to look into the details of the proper application. You’ll see all sorts of information about the subject on the internet. From using fancy, over-the-top accessories (not necessary) to “boost” your daily cream’s performance, to the way that aligns best with your skin’s features etc. While I’m not a fan of using anything unnecessary (such as the aforementioned accessories), I admit the way you apply your face cream makes an impact on its effectiveness and also the skin after-feel.
Here are the details of what to pay attention to when applying your daily moisturizer.
DON’T RUB IT
First, remember to never rub your skin. Treat it gently, with respect and love. I mean it. Over the years in the beauty industry I’ve seen crazy ways in which people treat their skin. And as I said in the previous post, the texture of your product should allow you to slide it with your fingers easily.
HANDS – THE ONLY TOOL YOU NEED
Human hands are the best and usually the only tool you’ll ever need to apply your moisturizer. Hands provide warmth to the cream, and as such facilitate its spread out, they absorb a little bit of the product, but not too much so you don’t waste a ton of it. And their shape allows you to put the moisturizer in all the areas of your face and neck, while their softness provides the exact balance between smudging and pressing the product in.
40 SECONDS RULE
It’s a no-brainer that you should apply your moisturizer on cleansed, refreshed skin. But then there is one thing you may want to know – never wait too long with your cream’s application after taking a shower. This is especially important if you have dry skin. In as short as 40 seconds, your skin will start losing the moisture that’s been provided by the running water, and as a result, the skin starts being tense, may feel itchy and, over time, wrinkle. The way to avoid all that is to apply your moisturizer as soon as possible right after drying your skin with a towel.
START WITH STRATEGIC AREAS
“Where do I start?” is a question I’ve heard a few times too. And I always respond the same: start with the areas that you’re concerned about the most. If you observe wrinkles around your eyes, start there. If it’s the middle of your forehead that itches the most without a moisturizer, smoothen it out in the first place. As a rule of thumb, start with the center of your face – under eyes, nose and forehead, chin, then move towards ears and outer contours.
CIRCULAR, UPWARDS AND AWAY
To make the most of your cream, follow the natural shape of your face – as if you were painting it using long, delicate strokes up (against the gravity) and away towards the sides. Use circular motions and make sure to cover the entire area.
GO DOWN TO YOUR NECK
Remember that your skin around the décolleté area is equally delicate as your face. So when you’re applying a moisturizer, go all the way down to your bra zone and unify your “portrait” within that one skincare application. Very often you can see the difference in people’s faces and what’s right below. Don’t skip it, treat it as one, most presentable you. And last but not least - do not remove the cream from your hands afterwards, instead simply distribute it around them and enjoy the extra benefits face care may have on your hands – they, too, need special attention. At the end of the day they do most of the work.
Danuta