Is There A Right Way To Apply Skincare Products?
It can take time to establish a good skincare routine. Deciding whether to create a routine based on skin type, age, skin concerns or all three. Working out what skin type you are and which products work effectively with your skin. You may have the best cleanser, toner, serum and moisturiser for your skin, but if you’re not applying them in the right way then you could be missing out on their benefits. Try following these guidelines for glowing, radiant skin.
1. Double Cleanse
Even with a great cleanser it may not be possible to remove all traces of make-up, sunscreen and impurities. Leaving even small traces of these on your skin overnight could lead to blocked pores and an increased chance of breakouts. Use a make-up remover first and then follow it with the Lift Off Purifying Cleanser. It’s best to apply the cleanser directly to your skin and use your fingertips to massage in circular motions. Never apply the cleanser to a washcloth as it will absorb too much of the product. It’s also important that you cleanse in the morning as well, it will remove any natural oils that built up on your skin whilst you slept and wash away the products you applied the evening before.
2. No Spritzing
Even though some toners come in spray bottles, the best way to apply is to swipe them over the skin with a cotton wool pad. Toner are designed to remove cleanser residue, as well as salts, chlorines and chemicals found in tap water which may dehydrate the skin.
3. Exfoliate In The Evening
You probably know that you shouldn’t exfoliate too often as it can damage and irritate the skin, but did you know there’s also a right time of the day to exfoliate? One evening each week you should use the Lift Off Exfoliating Cleanser to rid your skin of the build-up of dead skin cells, oil and impurities which make your skin look dull. Exfoliating in the evening is best because it allows your skin to absorb all the active ingredients from your serums and night creams.
4. Apply To Damp Skin
Damp skin acts like a sponge, absorbing whatever you put on it. After cleansing you should pat, not rub, your skin dry and then apply your toner when the skin is still slightly damp. This rule applies to all products, apart from mineral-based sunscreen as this is designed to sit on the surface of the skin and reflect the sun’s rays. On damp skin mineral sunscreen tends to run and the coverage becomes uneven.
5. Serum First
Serum’s should be applied before your moisturiser as they contain higher levels of active ingredients. If you apply a serum after your moisturiser, the thicker consistency of the cream will prevent the serum from penetrating deep into the dermis as it is supposed to. There are many different serums out there but they can truly change your skin for the better when used correctly.
6. Finish Right
One of the best ways to boost absorption is to top your ingredients with a rich moisturiser. Thick creams will lock all the ingredients into your skin and ensure the top layer remains nourished. Apply the cream in firm upward motions from the centre of the face to the hairline. Don’t make the mistake of applying extra layers of moisturiser in a bid to heal dry skin, this may result in clogged pores and waste product as the skin can only absorb so much.
7. Take Your Time
How many times have you rushed through your evening skincare routine just so you can get it over with and get into bed? While this is better than skipping it completely, you’re still missing out on the benefits by trying to complete your cleanse in five minutes flat. You should spend at least 60 seconds massaged your cleanser into the skin to ensure you remove as many impurities as possible. After applying your serum you should allow at least three to five minutes for it to sink into your skin, and give your night cream around 10 minutes to do the same, otherwise most of it will end up on your pillowcase.