Your Skin Care Regimen Application success can be determined in how you apply the products
Skin is a dynamic system whose condition and properties depend on temperature, hydration, environment, and other factors. Therefore, the skin's ability to absorb topically ingredients can vary greatly. Here is what you can do to ensure optimal penetration of active ingredients:
Cleanse your skin before applying skincare products (particularly if you have applied anything to your skin since your last skin cleansing or washing. The best time to apply skincare products is after you are fresh out of a warm shower or bath because not only is your skin clean but it is also thoroughly moist and should better absorb whatever you apply to it. CAUTION: Do not wash your skin with hot water, excessive heat accelerates skin aging. The water should be comfortably warm but not hot. However, if you plan to apply potentially comedogenic products, splash some cool water onto yourself when finishing your wash in order to close pores.
Don’t spend too much time in the shower to avoid excessive exposure to chlorine in the water. It is best to apply most products when the skin is moist because active ingredients can penetrate better when they are dissolved. Once your cream has dried up, its rate of penetration decreases dramatically. Don't wipe your skin dry after you cleansed or washed it if you intend to apply products. If the skin is too wet, just pat a little with a towel. Warm skin absorbs ingredients better.
Before applying a product, make sure your skin isn't cold. Apply a warm towel if needed.
When cleansing your skin, don't use regular soap, use a cleansing balm or a cream cleanser. The uppermost layer of the skin, called stratum corneum, is composed mostly of dry, dead cells. If this layer becomes too thick, which is seen in aging or poorly maintained skin. Some people remove stratum corneum by using exfoliants such as alpha-hydroxy acids, or enzymes. While some exfoliation may be beneficial, overdoing it may do more harm than good to your skin. For most people, a gentle scrub that provides mild exfoliation without doing any harm is a safe and sensible alternative. Furthermore, an excellent facial scrub can be done using very low-cost natural materials. For instance, table sugar can be used to prepare a scrub that is both mild, safe, effective and refreshing. It enhances the absorption of active skincare ingredients without damaging your skin.
Facial scrub should not be used more than three times a week.
Use short, firm strokes to apply skincare products (it is best to use the middle finger). Do not stretch the skin. Do not rub. After applying, gently tap the area with your fingers for half a minute.
