Learning how to apply moisturizer is one of the basic steps of a good skin care routine, and while it may seem simple to do, there are a few things you can keep in mind to optimize the benefits. The best moisturizers are formulated to hydrate as well as seal in moisture to support the skin barrier. Moisturizer is applied after thinner products like toner and serum because it is richer in texture and typically contains humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. Depending on your specific skin care concerns, such as maturing skin or dullness, you could choose a formula with active ingredients like vitamin C or retinol.
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According to Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at NYC-based Union Derm, moisturizer should be applied to clean skin. Start by using a facial cleanser and follow immediately with the rest of your routine. “I recommend applying it about 60 seconds after cleansing the skin to lock in the hydration,” the expert says.
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Once your face is cleansed, don’t reach for your face towel just yet. Daniel Isaacs, Medik8’s chief product officer, says, “When skin is slightly wet, it can absorb hydrating ingredients better, enhancing the product’s efficacy,” he says. “This practice allows the moisturizer to create a barrier that seals in hydration, resulting in a plumper, more radiant complexion.”
Using a dime-size amount of product, apply moisturizer in sweeping motions, starting from the middle of the face and moving outward. Be gentle and avoid rubbing, especially in delicate areas like the undereye. Once moisturizer is applied, bring any remaining product down to the neck and décolleté.
Dr. Rambhia recommends applying twice daily—morning and night. In the morning, make sure to follow up with a face sunscreen to protect the skin from harmful UV rays.
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If you’re incorporating retinol into your routine, you may want to try the sandwich method to help combat dryness and irritation: “The sandwich method involves applying a moisturizer before an active ingredient like retinol, then reapplying the moisturizer on top of that product,” says aesthetic physician Gendai Echezona, MD.
She continues, “So the sequence is moisturizer, retinol, moisturizer. This method is used for those who have difficulty tolerating retinols and need a slower acclimation process. Applying the moisturizer first provides a protective barrier prior to retinol application, minimizing irritation while still allowing some retinol to penetrate.” The sandwich method is also helpful during winter months, when skin tends to be dryer and more sensitive.
