Your skin is a badass warrior. Because it’s exposed to the environment, it has to battle against harsh weather conditions, dust, and pollutants. And because the skin is an overachiever, it’s also helping you cool down, grow a beard and keep you safe from stuff like bacteria. The least you can do is help it stay healthy and hydrated.

The benefits of moisturizing your face are endless, and we’ll help you discover the hows and whys of integrating a moisturizer into your daily skincare routine. Read on to find out more.

How to Moisturize Your Face Like an Expert

1. Do a Patch Test Before Using Any New Product

This sounds like overkill to most people, but if your skin is super sensitive, then this should be the thing on your mind whenever you buy a new product. Although it sounds fancy, the whole process is simple and straightforward.

Apply a small quantity of product on a clean patch of skin and leave it on overnight or for 24 hours. A good location would be the crook of your elbow or the inside of your arm.

2. Pick the Perfect Moisturizer for Your Skin Type

You’ll definitely know if a moisturizer is right for you by the way it feels on your face. If you have oily skin or sensitive skin, you’ll benefit most from lighter, water-based products. On the other hand, dry skin will absolutely enjoy a rich cream with both oil and water-based ingredients.

Normal skin or combination skin can handle just about any type of moisturizer and picking a product will only come down to personal preferences.

If your skin is sensitive, then you’ll probably want to avoid products with strong fragrances and irritants.

3. Apply Your Moisturizer When Your Skin is Slightly Damp

After using your favourite face wash, pat your face dry, and apply your moisturizer on your slightly damp skin. This is a neat trick that helps lock in the molecules of water. You’ll get a hydration boost from both your product and the simple action of washing your face.

4. Learn How To Layer Your Skincare Products

Most serums need to be applied before a moisturizer. This allows for better absorption through the skin and creates a barrier that prevents you from wiping off the valuable active ingredients.

The exception to this rule would be for serums with irritating ingredients. A great example of this is a serum that contains retinol or retinoids which can be applied after your moisturizer, to help with skin hydration while also limiting the chance of irritation.

5. Follow a Proper Technique

Having a good technique can help ensure that your skin is coated with an even amount of product. This also applies to other products like serums or sunscreen.

Start your application by scooping a small quantity of product on your finger.
Use your finger to place a small quantity of product on every beardless part of your face: forehead, cheeks, nose and chin.
Gently massage your face to spread your moisturizer
TIP: Applying your moisturizer with the palm of your hands can deplete your product faster because most of it will be absorbed into your palms. Use your fingertips instead.
If you feel like there’s an area that’s a bit drier, you can always apply a bit more product.
TIP: Use your moisturizer on your neck as well. That skin is as thin and sensitive as the one on your face and it’s the first one to show signs of neglect and aging.

6. Use a Moisturizer Daily in the Morning

The best way to start your day is by giving your skin the refreshing, hydrating boost it needs. This will help you look your best and maintain a well-rested face throughout the day.

Your skin will be extra-appreciative during the colder months of the year when a rich moisturizer can help protect your face from the chill and extreme temperature variations.

We recommend TBS Rise day moisturizing cream, a light and hydrating product that’s perfect for all skin types.

7. Use a Different Moisturizer Moisturizer at Night

Your nightly skincare ritual can include a moisturizer. This will help your skin stay hydrated and regenerate after a strenuous day. You can also use a more dense and rich moisturizer to maximize the hydration of your skin.

We recommend TBS Crash night moisturizing cream. This is a great product with intensely hydrating properties to help restore your skin’s lipid barrier while you sleep.

Benefits Of Using A Moisturizer Daily

1. Improves Your Skin Tone

Hydrated skin looks plump and toned, which helps even out your skin tone. This will make you look well-rested and diminish the appearance of blemishes and other discoloration.

Products containing salicylic acid can help keep acne-prone skin in check by clearing clogged pores, reducing the production of facial oils and ultimately preventing premature aging.

2. Prevents Dry and Itchy Skin

Nobody likes the sensation of the skin that feels too tight. This is a problem that gets worse during the cold months of the year and can easily be prevented by using a good moisturizer.

3. Keeps Your Skin Hydrated

The barrier property of your skin is directly related to the general health and hydration levels of your skin cells. Using a moisturizer can help replenish your skin with the nutrients and moisture it needs to stay strong and healthy.

When Should You Apply A Moisturizer?

After Washing Your Face

Your moisturizer will lock in water but it can also lock in impurities. Make sure to clean your face before applying your skincare products.

Daily In the Morning

Your moisturizer is the equivalent of starting your day with a good, strong coffee. Give your skin the resources it needs to face the hardships of the outside world.

Before Going to Sleep

Your skin needs time to restore itself after a long day. The best thing you can do is give it a bit of help by providing it with a nourishing moisturizer.

When Breaking Out

Breakouts usually happen when there’s a disruption in the barrier properties of your skin. One way to help your body restore the damage is by providing your skin with a protective layer of moisture and nutrients.

Ingredients to Look for in a Moisturizer

Hydrating Agents

These ingredients will help lock in moisture or attract moisture into the outer layer of your skin. You should look for emollients that improve skin texture, like ceramides, lanolin, and various plant-based oils. You should also keep an eye out for humectants that plump up the skin by attracting water, like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and urea.

Vitamins and Antioxidants

These ingredients are a fantastic addition to any moisturizer and will provide you with a wide range of benefits. A great example is dl-panthenol, which is also named pro-vitamin B5 and has an anti-inflammatory effect as well as being a hydrating agent.

Another fantastic ingredient is niacinamide or vitamin B3 which helps reduce redness and improve your skin’s lipid barrier.

How to Apply Moisturizer to Face - Common Mistakes People Make When Applying Moisturizer to Their Face

1. Not using a moisturizer if you have oily skin

Giving your skin some love and hydration can help it regain some balance and may reduce the number of oils it produces.

2. Using a moisturizer every now and then

Although ‘some moisturizer’ is definitely better than ‘no moisturizer’, you do need to stick to a routine if you want to maximize the benefits of your moisturizing products.

3. Not moisturizing your neck

Your skincare product application should always include your neck. This patch of skin is sensitive and could benefit from a boost of hydration and care.

Questions About Using a Moisturizer

How Often Should I Apply Moisturizer to My Face?

You can apply a moisturizer two times a day, after washing your face with a dedicated cleanser.

Do You Apply Sunscreen Before or After Moisturizer?

Your sunscreen should always be the last step of your morning skincare routine. Because sunscreen acts like a literal shield that absorbs and reflects UV rays, you’ll want it to be the first layer that interacts with the environment.

What is the Best Time of Day to Apply Moisturizer?

This largely depends on your schedule. As a general rule, you’re more likely to stick to a skin care routine if you adapt it to your needs. Apply your moisturizer after washing your face, once or twice a day.