In an era where elaborate and detailed skincare routines involving 10+ products are growing more popular, some of us are trying to keep it as minimal as possible. After all, not all of us have the time or energy to carefully apply multiple products for glowing skin and a flawless complexion.
Anti-aging creams are a lifesaver in this case – they can help to alleviate signs of aging and moisturize the skin. Some products work as all-rounders thanks to natural ingredients that help reduce dark spots and fine lines.
But getting the best possible anti-aging skincare isn’t enough, your skin needs to benefit from it as well, and this requires top-notch application practices.
Thankfully, dermatologists have revealed a few interesting details as to how you can make the most out of even a few products. Application techniques can impact how your skin reacts to another product, or even another how products react to each other.
Always Double Cleanse
If you think that your everyday cleanser is enough to take off everything from your face (dirt, sebum, makeup, etc), think again. If you’ve been out all day or night and have a face full of makeup or SPF, it’ll take more than soap and water to properly clean your face.
Double cleansing is the surefire method for removing stubborn dirt and makeup from your face because the first cleanser removes excess impurities, while the second works to smoothen or hydrate your skin. Cleansing twice is essential if you want anti-aging skincare products to work.
Carefully Use a Water-based Cleanser
When it’s time to use your second cleanser, make sure that you cleanse like a professional. Don’t just lather on soap and rinse it off before calling it a day. Focus on parts of the face that have the most pores, like your forehead and nose.
At the same time, you’ll want to be careful not to over-cleanse certain parts of your face, such as the cheeks. Otherwise, excess oil production can occur, which causes more problems.
Keep Your Skin Damp When Applying Face Serum
If you always waited for your skin to be dry before applying an anti-aging serum, you’re doing it all wrong. It turns out that applying serums to your face is most effective when the skin is slightly damp.
Why is this important? Face serums are highly concentrated in active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and vitamin C which help to tackle aging, pigmentation, and dehydration. Hence, you’ll want your skin to absorb serums properly. Research shows that your skin is much more permeable when it’s damp as compared to when it’s dry.
Don’t Forget to Exfoliate
Exfoliating is such a tricky skincare topic to navigate around – While skincare experts do say that exfoliation is important, there are quite a lot of myths flying around that it’s not necessary once you turn 30.
On the contrary, you’ll still need to gently exfoliate your skin a few times every week to get rid of any dead skin cells that have accumulated over time. But why get rid of dead skin cells anyway? Removing dead skin tissue helps you achieve an even skin tone and allows smoother makeup application - no more unsightly spots when applying foundation; just a smooth, smooth canvas.
Practice Smart Layering
It’s true that you want to get the most out of your anti-aging skincare routine when you’re using only a few products, but the same rule should apply when you’re layering numerous different creams, serums, and essences.
Don’t listen when people tell you not to layer different skincare products, because layering serums can actually be effective. That is, if you do it right (and use ViolaSkin’s range of lightweight, hydrating serums).
It’s likely that you have a bunch of serums in your arsenal, each of which completes a specific job like hydrating, repairing, or brightening your skin. Layering serums, gels, and creams properly is crucial – one wrong step like applying a heavy cream first can prevent everything else from absorbing into the skin.
Serums should always go first after you’ve exfoliated and double cleansed your face (unless you use a toner, in which case, you should apply it before a serum).
The general rule when applying multiple anti-aging serums or creams is to apply the thinnest before moving onto the thickest. Products like moisturizing creams and sunscreen completely inhibit skin absorbency, so save those for last.
Apply in Dots for Even Application
When using SPF or skin cream on your face, don’t make the age-old mistake of applying it the same way you apply body lotion – by rubbing it between your palms before slathering it everywhere. When you do this for arms or legs, it’s fine, but on your face you’ll get spotty application and most of the cream will have absorbed into your hands anyway.
Instead, opt to use the dot method for even application, whether you’re using a face lotion with retinol or SPF. Apply two dots on your forehead, two on each cheek, one on the chin, one on the nose, and two on the neck. Of course, you can layer up on sunscreen for extra protection.
Diversify Your Day and Nighttime Skincare Routine
If you’re using the exact same skincare routine before you head to work and before you head to bed, there’s a problem. Daytime and nighttime anti-aging skincare should be distinct since your skin has varying needs at each of these times.
During the day, it needs protection from the sun and elements. This means you’ll do well with hydration-rich sunscreen and antioxidant serums that prevent radical damage when you’re out and about.
At the day’s end, skincare should be all about repairing and nourishing your tired skin after a day’s hard work. This boosts cell regeneration and allows your skin to heal itself, restoring pH balance, glow, and an even tone.
Hence, using a thicker layer of nourishing products like a night mask will do you good. Otherwise, opt for a serum with retinol or vitamin A to energize your skin.
Now that we’ve established the best way to make the most of your anti-aging skincare products, you’ll have a better time applying ViolaSkin’s range of anti-aging and hydration-restoring serums, face creams, and night masks.
