Why does your skin still feel dry after slathering on your moisturizer from head to toe? Actually this happens all too often. There are lots of reasons why you aren’t getting the most from your moisturizer, including not exfoliating the skin properly, using harsh or stripping cleansers or just using a cream or lotion that isn’t appropriate for your skin type or condition. Check out the 7 most common moisturizing mistakes, plus some tips to get the most out of your moisturizer.
Mistake #1: Your Cleanser Is Too Harsh
No moisturizer can save your skin if your cleanser is too harsh or stripping. Many cleansers contain ingredients that can strip the epidermis (outer skin layer) of moisture and even cause irritation. How do you know if yours is too hard on your skin? Check in with how your skin feels after cleansing. If it feels tight or too dry, chances are you have stripped important outer layer protection from your skin. Dry or dehydrated skin types will need a creamy or gentle lotion cleanser (Moor Lavender Cleansing Crème or Green Tea Cleanser). Oily or blemish prone will benefit from gentle, but thorough cleansing that removes surface debris (AHA/BHA Cleanser or Rosehip Seed Cleanser).
Mistake #2: You’re Not Moisturizing Right After Cleansing
There is a right time to moisturize – and it’s right after you cleanse. “Your skin has the most moisture when it’s wet and moisturizers work best when skin is already hydrated,” explains board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, Michael Kaminer, MD. Kaminer adds that after you shower, water evaporates off your skin, which can leave it feeling more dry.
After cleansing, pat the skin dry and apply your moisturizer onto the skin using gentle circular motions. If you’re using toner and/or serum, your moisturizer goes on last. Always use tepid (lukewarm) water as hot water can strip the skin of natural oils and leave it feeling extra dry.
Mistake #3: Your Moisturizer Isn’t Right for Your Skin Type
Choosing just any old moisturizer won’t do! Dry, dehydrated and mature skin requires a completely different approach than oily or blemish prone – and sensitive or Couperose conditions need something different still. Read the ingredients on the product label and look for key hydrating ones like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Oily skin wants ingredients that include antibacterial and healing, and sensitive to reduce redness and inflammation. Euro Botanicals can help!
Mistake #4: You Aren’t Exfoliating Regularly
When was the last time you exfoliated? If you can’t remember, your skin could very well be suffering from cell buildup. Gentle exfoliation is an important part of your skin-care routine and should be done at least once a week. Dead cell buildup on the skin surface will cause the skin to appear dull and skin tone uneven, as well as making it super difficult for your moisturizer to penetrate and seal the barrier. We have a variety of different types to choose from – physical exfoliators with active enzymes (Pineapple, Pumpkin or Enzyme Peeling Crème) or chemical exfoliators containing natural fruit and plant acids (Glycagel 15%, AHA Cleanser). Dry brushing the skin can help remove dead cells as well.
Mistake #5: Your Skin is Dehydrated
Any skin type can be dehydrated, even oily. The fact is - dry skin lacks oil and dehydrated skin lacks water. So your skin can experience dehydration if it’s lacking water. “Dehydrated skin can be the result of not drinking enough water or liquids, as well as using irritating or drying products that can strip the skin of its moisture,” explains dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD. “Look for skin-care products that contain hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, and keep your body hydrated by drinking the recommended amount of water.”
Mistake #6: How You're Applying
So you’re doing everything right – you’re exfoliating regularly, using gentle but effective products formulated for your particular skin type and condition and you’re applying your moisturizer right after you cleanse. But your skin still feels dry and tight. Hmmm. Believe it or not, have to do with the way you apply your moisturizer. Never rub your products into the skin aggressively or swipe or pull the skin. Always use a gentle touch, massaging in a circular motion. This prevents tugging or pulling especially around delicate areas of the face, like the eye area.
Be aware of how much product you’re using. The recommended amount is usually listed on the label. This can make a big difference in how your skin feels after you apply.
Mistake #7: Over Working the Skin
Over cleansing, toning, or applying blemish control products, Vitamin A and other topicals can disrupt the skin’s natural microbiome. This is bacteria that help regulate the skin’s natural balance. Dermatologist Whitney Bowe, MD, says that overworking the skin is actually the number one skin-care mistake she sees among her patients. “Any time that your skin feels really tight and dry and squeaky clean after cleansing, it probably means that you’re killing off some of your good bugs,” she says.
So there you have it – the top 7 moisturizing mistakes. So how can you get the mo
st hydration and benefit from your products? Take a look.
Skin Tip #1: Make Your Skin Moisture Ready with Toner
After cleansing and before applying serums and/or moisturizers, prepare the skin with a gentle facial toner. This will help remove any surface debris and impurities left behind after cleansing and help neutralize the skin’s pH. Toners can be drying (if they contain alcohol) so look at the ingredients to be sure yours is hydrating. All of our toners are alcohol free (and contain hyaluronic acid to help bind moisture to the skin).
Skin Tip #2: Apply A Serum Before Moisturizing
The active ingredients in serums really deliver maximum results and penetrate deeper into the skin due to their lower molecular weight. They give the skin a hydration boost as well as targeting other skin concerns like photo aging (hyperpigmentation), blemishes, redness and irritation. Our Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a must for all skin types – use it twice a day to get the max from your moisturizing regimen!
Skin Tip #3: Hydrating Masks
We love masking! It’s one of the best ways to add extra skin care benefits and it’s as easy as once or twice a week. Masks hydrate and nourish the skin and help regenerate the cells. And your skin will shine with a healthy glow. For dry, dehydrated or mature skin types try our PhytoVIt Antioxidant Mask. For redness and irritation – Cucumber Anti-Couperose Gel Mask soothes and reduces inflammation. Herbal Complex Mask detoxifies gently with kaolin clay and contains antibacterial ingredients like clove oil to cleanse and protect blemish prone skin.