6 Common Moisturizer Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Moisturizer may be the easiest skin care product to use - there's no wrong way to apply it on your face, right? Think again. Application crashes quite common from be too generous with your favorite cream to skip over some key areas that absolutely need attention. To make sure you get the most out of your humidifier and use it correctly avoid mistakes down below. 

Do not wash hands before applying

It is extremely important to wash your hands before applying any product to your face, especially if you are dipping into a jar or tub of moisturizer. Bacteria love dark, damp places, so it's best to take the necessary precautions to prevent cross-contamination. Wash those hands before dipping into your favorite moisturizer or using a skin care spatula.

Being too generous

We all want to get the most out of our skin care products, but using more doesn't necessarily mean they'll perform better. In fact, using too much moisturizer in one application can make your skin look rough and oily. The best way to know exactly how much product you should use is to read the instructions on the package.

If you feel like you need extra hydration on top of your regular face cream, consider adding a hyaluronic acid serum to your routine. One of our favorites is Vichy Mineral 89 Facial Serum. 

Skip moisturizer when you have breakouts or feel oily

Many acne-fighting ingredients, such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, can dry out the skin, so moisturizing the skin after spot treatments can help reduce signs of dryness or flaking. Similarly, don't skip your moisturizer if your skin feels oily or oily. It's a common misconception that oily skin doesn't need moisturizer, but neglecting to apply face cream can actually lead to an overproduction of sebum.

Moisturizing dry skin

Most moisturizers work best when your skin is slightly damp. Massage in moisturizer as soon as you get out of the shower or after applying serum - waiting too long for application can prevent you from enjoying the full benefits of hydration. 

Using the same formula twice a day

If you're using the same lightweight moisturizer morning and night, you're missing out on intense hydration while you sleep. At night, use a restorative cream such as Kiehl's Ultra Face Cream. The whipped formula contains squalane, glycerin and glacial glycoprotein to provide intense hydration for 24 hours. In the morning, apply a light moisturizer or broad spectrum SPF for protection. 

Only application on your face

Be sure to put some moisturizer on your neck and chest, or consider purchasing a cream specifically designed for the décolleté area. One of our favorites is SkinCeuticals Neck, chest and arm restorationwhich can help brighten and hydrate the skin. Apply it the same way you would moisturize your face - twice a day after cleansing.