Face cream works to moisturize the epidermis, creating a protective moisture barrier to shield skin from environmental stressors and lock in essential hydration. Knowing when and how to apply moisturizer correctly will help to keep skin hydrated and protected throughout the day.
To help you enjoy the full benefits of your face cream, we answer the most commonly asked questions about moisturizer application below…
How to apply moisturizer
Applying moisturizer isn’t simply rubbing it into your skin – particularly as a heavy-handed application can tug on the skin, causing damage and premature aging. Instead, follow the below steps for best application.
- Step 1: Dispense the moisturizer onto the tips of your fingers, then gently rub your hands together to warm up the product and allow for an easy application.
- Step 2: Gently smooth the moisturizer over your cheeks, sweeping from the nose outwards.
- Step 3: Apply onto the forehead, working from the top of the brows towards the temples.
- Step 4: Sweep along the jawline working from the chin to the ears.
- Step 5: Use gentle circular and patting motions to absorb into the skin.
- Step 6: Apply to the neck in upward strokes, working from the decolletage to the chin. Again, do this gently to avoid pulling or tugging on the skin.
How much moisturizer should I use?
Applying the right amount of moisturizer is key to maintaining healthy skin. Using too much could clog the pores and cause congestion, while using too little can leave skin feeling dry and tight. A pea-sized amount should be enough to cover the face and neck.
If skin still feels dry, consider switching to a richer formula or applying a hyaluronic acid serum first.
When to apply moisturizer
A moisturizer should be applied as part of your daily skincare routine after cleansing, toning and using serum, but before SPF and makeup. The correct order in which to apply skincare is:
- Cleanser
- Toner
- Serum
- Eye cream
- Moisturizer
- SPF
How to use a face serum with a moisturizer
While a good skincare routine should include both a face serum and cream, serum should always be applied before moisturizer.
A serum is designed to penetrate the skin’s surface layer and target the appearance of damage. Applying serum after moisturizer would prevent the ingredients in the serum from penetrating into the skin’s surface, as moisturizer creates a barrier over the skin. However, applying moisturizer on top of serum helps to lock in its key ingredients.
Serums vs Moisturizers: Do You Really Need Both?
Discover the difference between serum and moisturizer and how the two complement each other.
What goes first, sunscreen or moisturizer?
Sunscreen should always be applied after moisturizer, allowing your face cream to draw moisture into the skin and the sunscreen to best protect the skin from UV damage. Applying these skincare essentials the other way would severally diminish their effectiveness.
To avoid confusion, why not use an SPF-infused face cream that combines the benefits of moisturizer and sunscreen in one? No7 Early Defense, Protect & Perfect, Lift & Luminate, and Restore & Renew are all infused with broad spectrum SPF 30.
