Everyone knows that creams help moisturize the skin, but many don't know that this product guarantees other benefits as well. Regular use of a cream can fight wrinkles, soothe stressed and acne-prone skin, protect from atmospheric agents. To get all the benefits offered by a product, it is possible to use certain tricks and methods of application. They will help you put the cream correctly on your face, body and areas that require special care.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Face
Step 1. Find out what your skin type is
Each cream is formulated to meet specific needs, so the first step is to determine your skin type to buy the right product. If you already have face cream, check the label to see if it's okay. Skin is constantly changing due to factors like weather and aging, so keep its current condition in mind. Here are the different types of skin:
- Normal skin is neither dry nor oily, and it is not subject to impurities, sensitivity or irritation.
- Oily skin often appears oily or shiny due to the overproduction of the sebaceous glands. It is subject to impurities and generally has large pores.
- Dry skin has a lack of sebum and hydration, often appears chapped, with visible wrinkles and red areas.
- Sensitive skin is commonly confused with dry skin because it is red and dry. However, the irritation is due to particular ingredients contained in the products used, so the problem is not caused by poor sebum production.
- Combination skin has oily areas, but also dry or normal parts. It tends to be oilier on the forehead, nose and chin, while appearing normal or dry on the rest of the face.
Step 2. Buy products containing effective ingredients
Once you have determined your skin type, buy products with ingredients that meet your needs. The effectiveness of some active ingredients has been scientifically proven, so using creams that contain them can maximize the benefits. Here are some examples.
- Normal skin: Look for creamy moisturizers containing vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. Avoid gels, because they can dry out the skin, as well as over-full-bodied creams that can make it fat.
- Oily skin: use a light cream with a water-based gel formulation, which absorbs faster. Prefer products containing zinc oxide, aloe vera gel, or seaweed extract. Avoid alcohol and petrolatum.
- Dry skin: use a creamy or particularly thick and full-bodied cream to protect it from the elements. It should contain ingredients such as jojoba oil, sunflower or rosehip oil. Avoid products containing alcohol, which can dry out further.
- Sensitive skin: Look for products containing soothing ingredients like echinacea, hyaluronic acid, and cucumber extract. Avoid those containing chemicals, dyes, or fragrances.
- Combination skin: prefer oil-free formulations containing panthenol, zinc oxide and lycopene. They help balance oily areas and at the same time hydrate dry ones.
Step 3. Wash and prepare your face for applying the cream
To make sure you get all the benefits it offers, you need to prepare your skin well. Wash your face twice a day (as soon as you get up in the morning and before going to sleep) with a suitable cleanser. Gently massage it with your hands or a clean sponge following slow, circular movements. Once a week, use an exfoliator in place of the cleanser to remove dead skin cells and other dirt build-ups, which can prevent the creams and active ingredients from being absorbed. Keep the following in mind:
- The water should be lukewarm. If it's hot, it can damage the skin, while cold water closes the pores, trapping dirt and bacteria.
- Don't rub your skin too hard, otherwise you risk causing irritation, redness and blemishes.
- Rinse your face well: product residues can clog pores, cause irritation and imperfections.
Step 4. Blot your face with a soft, clean towel until the skin is only slightly damp. Do not dry it completely, but it must not be too wet either, otherwise the cream will slip when applied. The humidity favors the penetration of the active ingredients when the cream dissolves. In addition, a protective layer will be created on the epidermis that will better promote hydration and nutrition. Change the towel regularly to prevent clean skin from coming into contact with bacteria.
Step 5. Apply the right amount of cream to damp skin
Since each product responds to specific needs, the consistency varies a lot from one cosmetic to another. The package indicates how much to apply, but in general, more liquid creams require a slightly higher dose than thick ones. However, the quantity of product should usually be limited. Gently apply the cream in circular motions with clean fingers. For particularly dry areas, gently press it against the skin during application. Other tips:
- Do not apply it in the eye area, which is very delicate, moreover almost all face creams tend to be too rich for the eye contour. As a result, the area can retain fluid and swell. Only specific lotions for the eye contour should be used on this area.
- The cream should have an SPF of at least 15 to protect the skin, but avoid using sun protection factor products at night, as they can clog pores and cause blemishes.
Step 6. Extend the application on the neck
Many remember to apply the cream after washing the face, but the neck is often overlooked. The skin of this area is more similar to that of the face than that of the body, so it is good to take care of it together with the face, immediately after cleansing. To apply the cream, start from the base and proceed towards the jaw making long and gentle movements. This way she will look hydrated and young.
Step 7. Allow the cream to absorb after applying to the face and neck
Wait about 5 minutes before getting dressed, wearing makeup, or going to sleep. You need to give it time to absorb before taking any action that could stop the formation of a moisturizing and protective barrier on the epidermis. By putting on your makeup right away, the cosmetics can penetrate the pores along with the cream, clog them or create a streaked effect. If you get dressed immediately or put your face on a pillow, the fabric will absorb the product, so it will benefit your skin less.
Method 2 of 3: Body
Step 1. Find out what your skin type is
Just as recommended in the first section of the article, you need to use a cream that is suitable for the skin of the body. Don't assume it's the same as your face. Sometimes the skin on the body is drier or acne-prone, so it is important to examine it well.
Step 2. Buy a body cream with active ingredients suitable for your skin type
Just like you did with your face cream, you need to look for a product that includes the best ingredients to hydrate you. This is why it is so important to first determine the type of skin, as assuming that it is the same as that of the face can damage it or cause imperfections. Here are some ingredients that are ideal for various types of skin.
- Normal skin: Look for full-bodied creams or moisturizers containing ingredients such as vitamin C (to achieve an antioxidant effect) and vitamin E (to moisturize). Licorice helps fight pigmentation damage.
- Oily skin: use light, non-oily formulations, especially those that are quickly absorbed or contain witch hazel, a great natural ingredient that helps decrease sebum production and fight acne by clearing pores. Avoid full-bodied, fatty products containing alcohol or petrolatum.
- Dry skin: Look for full-bodied or soothing creams, especially if they contain shea butter or coconut oil, extremely moisturizing ingredients that repair the skin barrier. Avoid products containing alcohol, which will dry out the skin further.
- Sensitive skin: Look for products containing soothing ingredients such as echinacea and avocado oil, which is rich in fatty acids and vitamin B, which moisturize the skin and regulate cell function. Avoid products containing chemicals, dyes and fragrances.
- Combination skin: Look for oil-free formulations with panthenol, zinc oxide, and lycopene. Avoid thick creams and water-based gels: the former can be too heavy, the latter can dry out.
Step 3. Prepare the body for application
The skin on the body is not as delicate as that on the face, but you still need to prepare it thoroughly to reap the benefits. Shower or bathe every day, using an appropriate cleanser for your skin type. Gently exfoliate it with a clean sponge or loofah in circular motions. Twice a week, use an exfoliant instead of the cleanser to remove dead skin cells and buildup to help absorb the cream. Keep the following in mind:
- Limit the duration of the shower to 5-10 minutes, so that the skin retains the moisturizing properties of the cleanser.
- Use only warm-warm water. It needs to be slightly warmer than the one you use for your face, but not too much, or the oil will dry up.
- Rinse your body well to prevent product residues from blocking the pores or causing irritation and imperfections.
- Hair removal also exfoliates the skin, so don't scrub on days when you shave your legs, chest, or other areas.
Step 4. Blot the skin with a soft, clean towel until it is slightly damp
Just like it was recommended for the face, you don't have to dry it completely. It must remain slightly moist to allow the cream to fully absorb and hydrate. Do not open the bathroom door, in order to maintain a good level of humidity. The combination of moist air and skin warmth will help activate the ingredients of the cream and achieve a good result.
Step 5. Apply the cream immediately
Considering the consistency and the instructions on the package, squeeze a good amount of product into the palm, but do it gradually, so that you focus on one area of the body at a time. Rub your palms to warm the cream and apply it. Gently press it on the skin making large, slow movements. Focus on particularly dry areas, such as knees and elbows.
Step 6. Let it absorb
Before you leave the bathroom or get dressed, wait 5 minutes. The moisture will keep the pores open, so the cream will absorb sooner and moisturize the skin better. Lining up or wrapping your body in a towel will eliminate it immediately, so all the benefits will fade away.
Method 3 of 3: Special Creams
Step 1. Consider the needs of the skin
Both on the face and on the body it can be affected by factors such as stress, climate and age. Consequently, there are different products to meet various needs. When buying, evaluate your goals and look for suitable creams. In addition to products that treat standard types of leather, you can also find special ones, such as:
- Firming or toning products.
- Self-tanners.
- Acne Treatments.
- Anti-aging treatments.
- Wrinkle treatments.
- Treatments for eczema.
Step 2. Use eye creams around the eyes
Many face moisturizers are too rich for this area, one of the most delicate on the body. Treating it roughly or with the wrong products can cause premature skin wrinkles and sagging. Use a specific eye cream. Create dots by tapping it under the eye. Work inside out with your ring finger. This finger exerts a lighter pressure, so it is gentler on the skin, especially when associated with a light and quick motion such as tapping. Still with the ring finger, distribute the cream by tapping it gently.
Step 3. Moisturize your hands and cuticles
Since you use them constantly, your hands are often mistreated and dry out. Washing and using antibacterial sanitizers drain the sebum, causing dryness, redness and cracking. To combat these problems and soften them, apply the cream several times a day, especially after washing or sanitizing them. A specific hand product is preferable, which is often more full-bodied than others. Having a thick consistency, it stays longer on the skin and moisturizes it better.
Step 4. Apply the cream to your feet before going to sleep
Feet play a huge role in daily life, yet many forget to hydrate them. Just like the hands, they endure a lot throughout the day, not to mention that they too have delicate cuticles that require some attention. Extremely dry feet can crack in the heel area, cause intense pain sensations, or be unsightly. To remedy cracks, dryness and flaking, apply a full-bodied cream before going to bed. This way they will have all night to absorb the nourishing active ingredients. For best results, you can put on a pair of socks to prevent the product from being absorbed by the sheets.
Step 5. Don't forget your lips
The skin in this area is also quite delicate and prone to drying out. Smiling, talking, exposing yourself to the wind or sun can dry out the skin, especially that of the lips. Many notice that they are only dry when they start to crack, so take action right away to treat this delicate area and apply a conditioner before it dries. Try to use one that contains natural oils such as coconut or argan oils to soften them as much as possible.
