“Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!” If you have even a passing interest in skincare, you probably already know this skincare commandment. But what you might not know is that there are dos, don'ts and special tips to transform your moisturizer from a one-trick pony to a revolutionary part of your routine. Below, you’ll find some tips from our estheticians that could dramatically alter your relationship with your moisturizer.

How to apply moisturizer like an expert

Apply on damp skin

Unlike waiting for your first coat of nail polish to dry before applying a second, all moisturizer should be applied while your skin is damp. That means you should make moisturizing a priority within a few minutes of getting out of the shower or washing your face. If you use a toner, essence, or serum, apply that first and then follow up with the moisturizer before your skin is completely dry. This will seal the moisture into your skin and is more effective than attempting to rehydrate your skin with moisturizer after it has already been depleted of H2O. 

Dab it on before massaging in. 

Most people tend to rub moisturizer in the palms of their hands before applying, meaning that much of your precious product is absorbing into your hands. Instead, pump a little to the back of your hand, then take your ring finger and dab it all over your face before gently massaging it in.

Don’t over-apply. 

If the directions on your moisturizer say to use one to two pumps, applying three or four doesn’t mean your skin is getting twice the benefits. Over-applying moisturizer only results in two things: wasted product and a shiny t-zone. If you use too much, the product won’t be able to properly absorb into your skin, and everything you apply afterwards, like sunscreen and/or makeup, won’t go on as it should. 

Don’t rely on only a face oil.

Though botanical oils can lock in moisture, they don’t contain humectants, meaning they can’t add hydration back to your skin. For dehydrated skin, look for a moisturizer with natural humectants like hyaluronic acid, silver tremella extract, and honey that will draw water into your skin. Your moisturizer should also have natural emollients like botanical oils that lock in moisture. If you’re using a face oil, use it after your moisturizer, since the hydrating ingredients in your moisturizer won’t absorb properly after an oil.

Don’t forget about your neck.

While there are products formulated specifically for your neck and décolleté (like our Resculpting Neck & Body Serum), the most important thing is that you keep this area moisturized. Unlike your face, your neck doesn’t have a ton of oil glands, which means moisture doesn’t come easy. And with age, a decrease in collagen causes this delicate area to become extra prone to wrinkling. Daily moisture will prevent dryness and help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. 

Bonus! Mix the Face Resculpting Cream with aloe for post-sun care. 

In the summer months, it’s inevitable that your skin will see more sun than usual. Regardless of whether you tan or burn, it’s important to remember that UV rays are harmful! A solid post-sun routine is the next best thing to applying sunscreen before going outside. To soothe sun-damaged skin, we like to mix equal parts organic aloe vera gel and the Face Resculpting Cream to calm redness and peeling. The non-comedogenic (aka, non-pore-clogging) cream contains Vitamin E, which is believed to help improve the appearance of sun damage, according to this study. It also contains Black Currant Oil, which is nourishing and anti-inflammatory. Combined with the soothing properties of aloe, this dynamic duo repairs and moisturizes for youthful, healthy-looking skin. 

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