A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY AND HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH - ARE YOU USING THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF PRODUCTS IN YOUR ROUTINE?

Hi, babes! Emma here, and today's topic will be focused on the correct amounts of product one should be using in our routines. We're all familiar with the products we need in our skincare regimes, but how much is enough for each product type? Keep on reading to find out! 

Most people currently have a broad idea of which skincare products they should use on a regular basis. Many people additionally use serums, eye creams, face oils, and masks in addition to cleansers, toners, moisturisers, and sunscreen.

Are you certain you're using the appropriate amount of skincare, though? To be sure you are, I’m here to offer you my top tips on how much product you should be using for each skincare category, and how to best apply it. I’ll categorise it into cleanser, toner/essence and other liquids, serum, eye treatments, moisturiser, and sunscreen. Let's get cracking then, shall we? 

CLEANSER

The area of skin on the face is considerably smaller than that on the body. As a necessary consequence, there is no benefit to over-saturating it with product because doing so is wasteful and does not improve the product's cleaning effectiveness.

For all other cleansers, one pump (or around the size of a penny) should be more than enough to thoroughly cleanse the face. That's because cleansers often foam when combined with water, producing extra substance that may be applied to the forehead, chin, neck, and chest.

Starting with a wet face or creating a lather with lukewarm water and the cleanser are the best ways to use a cleanser. Rub the face in upward strokes, and be cautious to avoid the eye region (unless the cleanser is suitable for the eyes). 

Then, to rinse use clean, cool water on the face, again moving in upward motions. Doing so will help tighten pores and boost blood flow to the face. When it’s time to dry, don’t rub your face; instead pat it dry to avoid any unnecessary tugging which can lead to premature signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles.

TONER/ESSENCE/LIQUID TREATMENTS

Many people use cotton rounds or reusable cloths to apply toner, micellar water, and essences, but this results in significant product loss in the applicator. As a result, I advise pouring toners and essences directly into your hand's palm.

Only approximately a few squirts of it are required. Then gently pat the product all over the face with your other hand. When doing so, be sure to keep your hands away from your eyes, and when applying toner, be very careful to keep them away from your nose and the area immediately around your lips to prevent stinging.

However if you feel like that amount is overkill, the right amount of toner should effectively be used for ‘problem areas’ such as the T-Zone. If you have dry or combination skin, however, you may not need to use as much toner, as it could further dry out your skin.

As for micellar water, which is designed to remove dirt and debris from the skin, the best method is, in fact, a soaked round. If micellar water is a staple in your routine, though, it’s worthwhile to upgrade to reusable rounds, as using cotton pads multiple times a day can get pretty wasteful. (Garnier has some decent ones you could find in Boots).

SERUM

A tiny bit of serum goes a long way. No more than a small dollop is necessary to cover your entire face, neck, and chest (because, yes, you should extend your serum that far). If you’re not one to squeeze your serum into your hand before applying it, a few drops dispersed across the face will do the trick.

For the best (and most even) serum application, it’s best to dot the serum across the areas you want to apply it. Dot a few times across the forehead, once on the nose and chin, and a few times on each cheek. Then gently rub the serum into the skin until it is fully absorbed.

EYE TREATMENT

The eye area is small, but properly applying eye cream to it can lead to mighty anti-ageing results. A pea-sized amount of cream is plenty to go around both eyes. Contrary to popular belief, eye cream isn’t solely meant for under the eyes but above and around them, too.

Many skincare youtubers and influencers will claim that you don't even need an eye cream as it's just overpriced moisturiser and to just apply your regular moisturiser to this area, but if you're prone to milia it's best use a product formulated for the eye area. 

Amount aside, use your ring finger. Your ring finger will apply less pressure to the delicate eye area than your pointer finger would. This can also help reduce pulling or tugging at the skin, which can lead to fine lines and wrinkles.

MOISTURISER

Generally speaking, one to two milligrams of moisturiser per square centimetre of skin should be enough to adequately hydrate your whole face. That said, your skin type plays a role and can dictate the amount.

For balanced to combination skin, a button-sized amount of moisturiser works well. If you have overly dry skin, you may benefit from using slightly more than a button size to ensure you have enough. 

No matter how much moisturiser you apply, the important thing is how you apply it. Wait to apply moisturiser until your skin feels completely dry after applying serum. Doing so will help allow your serum (and its targeted benefits) to fully sink in, rather than get diluted by moisturiser before having the chance to do so. Once it’s time to apply your moisturiser, rub it in gentle upward circles across the whole face again, doing so will help boost circulation and create a more lifted appearance.

SUNSCREEN

You know the drill: No matter the time of year, the temperature, or how often you plan on going outside, wearing sunscreen is important, as it can help protect against stray UV rays which can gleam through windows and even the cloudiest skies.

Most people only apply 25-50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen. The guidelines are to apply approximately two milligrams of product per square centimetre of skin. This means one ounce, which is enough to fill a shot glass, to the exposed areas of the face and body; a button-sized dollop to the face alone.

So, have you learnt anything new about applying your products? Have you been applying them correctly all along or have I opened your eyes to new ways you can utilise your products? Let me know in the comments about your routines! 

Til next time, babes!

Love, 

Emma 

xoxo