According to the study by Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, M.D. and director of cosmetic dermatology at South Shore Medical Center, most men do not give much importance to moisturizing, which has serious consequences.
- The weak outer layer of skin, resulting in premature aging
- Visible signs of aging
- Dull skin complexion
- Skin suffers from acne
- Skin turns red
- Itching & Scratching becomes frequent
Humid temperature, cool weather, and sun-exposed skin are a few of the factors contributing to moisture loss and skin dryness. The factors draw out water from the outer layer (stratum corneum) of your skin. If you are looking for ways to improve your skin, you must know how to apply moisturizer on face daily.
Now this may raise a few questions like:
- How to use face moisturizer?
- What kind of moisturizer should I use?
- How often Should I moisturize my face?
- How much time Should I spend applying moisturizer?
- How long does it take before reapplying?
- How much moisture should I apply at a time?
These are all questions that you might ask yourself during the moisturizing routine. Learning how to propperly apply moisturizer will not only make your skin look better but also help reduce wrinkles and age spots.
So keep reading the article and start pampering your skin.
Table Of Contents
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying Moisturizer
Not every time you get honey when extracting honeycomb, sometimes you might get stung by the honey bee. It simply means you might have committed any mistake that shouldn’t be adapted into the practice. Similarly, there are a few mistakes men commit when applying a facial moisturizer, which if not done could deliver fruitful results.
Applying Moisturizer on Unclean Face
If your face is not clean, the moisturizer will not be able to penetrate deep into the skin and provide the desired results. The layer of face cream will blend with all the impurities settled on the face, which will neither let the moisturizers nourish your skin nor draw out the impurities. The skin pores will be blocked, which will eventually lead to acne breakouts.
Using Alcohol-Based Face Washes
Most men with oily skin think using an alcohol-based cleanser can remove excess oil and deliver desired results. But the truth to be told, it actually does the opposite. Using alcohol-based cleansers remove too much natural oil than required, and the shortage then activates sebaceous glands to produce more. It results in making your skin greasier than before.
Saying No to Moisturizer During Acne Breakouts
According to the study at the American Academy of Dermatology Association, if you are having acne-prone skin, you must use moisturizers made for a particular skin type. Most men with acne-prone skin apply moisturizer thinking it will not contribute to making the skin greasy or sticky.
Using Not-So Skin-Friendly Ingredients
Raise your hands if you look at the ingredients label on any of your skincare products. Most of the time you neglect it, which is one of the committed mistakes. That’s where you are compromising on your skin’s health. For instance, having artificial fragrances in moisturizers can irritate your sensitive skin. On the other hand, parabens in moisturizers can cause acne and pimples.
Oily Skin Men Saying No to Moisturizer
Moisturizers are not only made for dry, sensitive, and combination skin but also work amazingly well on oily skin. And don’t worry, it won’t make your skin greasy or sticky, instead, deliver a mattified look. We have seen oily skin men staying away or hesitating to add a regular moisturizer in their grooming routine, which we don’t want you to repeat.
Being Harsh When Applying Moisturizer
Moisturizing is the task of being gentle and calm on the skin. However, most men slather a thick cream and rub it roughly, which is a wrong practice. It literally tugs and pulls your skin, resulting in wrinkles and fine lines. Instead of being harsh on your skin, you can gently apply the cream in a circular motion and then use your ring finger to apply eye cream under your eyes.
Neglecting Neck When Applying Moisturizer
One of the mistakes men commit is considering face cream usage limited to only face (you are not doing it, right?) and do not apply it on their neck. The below jawline area is equally important when it comes to moisturizing since it could ruin your entire facial appearance. You will end up having a smooth face and not-so-good-looking neck.
Now that you know the common mistake which you might be committing unknowingly, let us also make you familiar with which moisturizer suits your skin.
Choose Moisturizer Matching Your Skin Type
Reading common mistakes men must avoid indicates how serious you are when it comes to pampering your skin. This is the next section wherein you will get to know which hydrating ingredients best suit your skin.
Moisturizer for Men with Dry Skin
Dry skin men often suffer through flaky skin and itchiness. It results when your skin barrier becomes rough and painful. In such a situation, you need an oil-based, thick moisturizer to draw water into your skin. You can also look for ingredients like lactic acid, ceramides, or urea. Other ingredients for completely dry skin are hyaluronic acid or glycerin which helps to seal in moisture and maintain skin hydration.
Moisturizer for Men with Oily Skin
Have you ever noticed shiny patches on your skin? Or maybe you experience sticky residue when wiping your face? These are characteristics of your skin producing excessive natural oils. You are also at risk of clogged pores and acne outbreaks. To save your skin from hassles, use an oil-free, non-comedogenic, and gentle face moisturizer. For mitigating acne, you can look for ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Lastly, avoid ingredients like cocoa butter and coconut oil.
Moisturizer for Men with Sensitive Skin
Is your skin prone to redness, itching, or irritation? You are dealing with one of the delicate skin types that requires a separate skincare regimen. As discussed in common mistakes above, the first thing you must avoid is the use of harsh chemicals. Plus, always do a patch test before using any skincare product. In the end, look for skincare products that come with a label of being fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.
Moisturizer for Men with Combination Skin
Since this skin is a combination of both oil and dry skin, you are required to address issues related to both skin types. You must look for ingredients like aloe and hyaluronic acid. Besides, avoid ingredients like alpha-hydroxy-acids and retinoids.
Moisturizer for Men with Acne-prone Skin
Acne-prone skin men have to stay away from ingredients that clog pores since they cause acne outbreaks. These ingredients are petrolatum and coconut oil. What you must seek in moisturizing products is glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and salicylic acid.
Moisturizer for Men with Normal Skin
Normal skin tone men are blessed since their skin is neither too greasy nor too dry. Also, it is easy to maintain natural moisture. A lightweight, water-based face facial moisturizer is sufficient enough to keep your skin hydrated and moist.
Now that you know which is the right moisturizer to keep your skin protected from dryness, let’s unveil how to use it?
How to Apply Moisturizer On Face? ( 9 Easy Steps)
The following are the easy steps to follow for How to Apply Moisturizer:
Patch Test Before Using Facial Moisturizers
One of the most important things to remember before using a facial moisturizer is to perform a patch test. This means applying a small amount of moisturizer to an inconspicuous area, such as the inside of your arm, and waiting 24 hours for a reaction. If you experience any redness, swelling, or irritation, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
Pick One Matching Your Skin Type
It is also a good idea to know the skin type before buying any moisturizer so that it suits your skin and can provide you with maximum benefits. We hope you might have got an idea from the previous section on which one best suits your skin. How well an individual absorbs moisture depends on their unique body chemistry, which varies from person to person.
Wash Your Face with Lukewarm Water
Washing your face with lukewarm water and using a gentle face cleanser is the best way to achieve clean skin. And moisturizing immediately after washing will help in retaining the natural moisture of the skin. It also helps in getting rid of dead skin cells and dust that can clog pores.
Apply on Damp Skin
It is advisable to use a moisturizer on slightly damp skin. When you get out of the shower, pat yourself dry and then apply the moisturizer. This will help it to penetrate deep into your skin.
Use A Quarter Size Amount Per Application
The best way to use moisturizer is to use a quarter-sized amount per application. Too much can leave your skin feeling oily and weight down, while too little will not provide the hydration that you need. After cleansing and drying your face, rub the moisturizer in using upward circular motions until it’s fully absorbed.
Use Circular Motions with Your Fingertips
The Must-Know Steps Moisture closely resembles the food; if you do not eat, you slowly start deteriorating, similarly, if your skin remains moisture-less, it starts to show aging signs, flaky and dull skin. Besides, there is a certain way to apply moisturizer, which is again equally important for adequate moisturization.
Apply Eye Creams As Well
If you are using an eye cream, apply it before the moisturizer. Gently dab it around the eyes using your ring finger. Make sure not to tug or pull the skin around the eyes as it is very thin and delicate. Eye creams usually contain anti-aging ingredients that help reduce wrinkles and fine lines. They also nourish the skin under the eyes.
Use Sunscreen Packed Facial Moisturizer
Sunscreen is an integral part of skin care as it protects the skin from harmful UV-A & B rays that cause sun damage. Besides, sun protection creams also speed up the aging process. Therefore, if you remain in the sun for an extended period of time, then it is advisable to use SPF-packed moisturizing lotion.
Apply a Separate Facial Moisturizer During Night-Time
Ideally, you should use a separate facial cream during the nighttime. Night creams are usually heavier and more moisturizing than day creams. They also contain ingredients that help to repair the skin while you sleep. If your moisturizer is too light, it may not be enough to provide your skin with the hydration it needs overnight.
FAQs:
1. Can You Use Body Lotion On The Face?
This is a common question that people have, and the answer is yes – you can use body lotion on your face. However, it’s not always the best option, as body lotion tends to be thicker and greasier than moisturizers specifically designed for the face. If you’re going to use body lotion on your face, it’s important to make sure you use one that is specifically designed for the face.
2. How Much Moisturizer Should I Use?
The amount of moisturizer you need to use depends on the type of moisturizer you are using. Generally, a pea-sized amount is enough for the entire face. However, if your moisturizer is greasy, then you might need less. If your moisturizer is creamier or richer, then you might need more.
3. What Is The Best Way To Apply Face Moisturizer?
The best way to apply moisturizer is by using your fingertips. This ensures that the skin care product gets properly absorbed and works as intended. Also, avoid applying it all over your face or on certain areas like under-eye circles; instead, focus only on those parts of the skin which need hydration most such as dry areas around the mouth and eyes.
4. Should I Moisturize My Face?
The answer to this question is an unequivocal yes! Your skin needs hydration and moisture just as your body does. In fact, if you don’t moisturize your skin, it will start showing signs of aging, such as wrinkles, dehydration, and a lack of elasticity. It’s important to moisturize your twice a day, both morning and night. In the morning, you can use a light moisturizing lotion to hydrate your skin. At night, you must use a heavier cream or lotion to repair any damage that caused during the day.
5. When Should You Put Moisturizer On Your Face?
The best time to put moisturizer on your face is when your skin is damp. If you have dehydrated skin, apply moisturizer while your skin is still wet. This will help seal in the moisture. If you’re using a cream or oil, apply it after toner. If you’re using a lotion or gel, wait five to ten minutes for them to soak into the skin before applying moisturizer.
6. Should You Apply Moisturizer Before Sleeping?
There is a lot of debate on whether you should apply moisturizers before sleeping or not. Some people believe that applying facial moisturizer before going to bed helps the skin to properly absorb the product, while others think that it just creates a mess and makes it difficult to sleep.
Conclusion
Moisturizer is an important part of any skincare routine, and it’s crucial to know how to apply it properly in order to reap its benefits. By following the steps listed above, you can ensure that your skin stays healthy and hydrated all day long. Have you tried any of these methods? Let us know in the comments below!
