Moisturizing is a non-negotiable step of any skincare routine. But beyond knowing you should apply a cream or lotion, knowing how much to use is also important.
How much moisturizer should I use? How often should I use moisturizer? Should I follow a "less is more" mentality or slather it on? Valid questions—and we're here to answer them.
The Importance of Using the Right Amount of Moisturizer
Applying a non-comedogenic facial moisturizer daily (ideally twice a day) is a critical component of good skincare. But it's possible to use too much or too little.
Not applying enough could leave your skin less than hydrated, making it dry out quickly or feel tight. Plus, you might not be fully reaping the benefits of the hero ingredients.
On the other hand, piling on a whole bunch of facial cream could lead to clogged pores, especially if the formula contains comedogenic, pore-clogging skincare ingredients1. That’s why it’s so important to know how to layer skincare products and in what amounts.
Overdoing it with moisturizer might also simply be too much of a good thing. You could overload your skin with active ingredients it only needs a little of, or the product might not absorb properly because it's just sitting on top of your skin.
How Much Moisturizer to Use for Each Skin Type
Different skin types have unique skincare needs, and this can affect what the ideal amount of moisturizer is. For instance, someone with dehydrated skin might need more compared to those with oily skin types. When practicing skin flooding, which involves layering multiple hydrating products, you may also find that a lighter application of moisturizer is sufficient to lock in all the added moisture.
How Much Moisturizer Should I Use If I Have Dry Skin?
If your skin is more on the dry side, you may want to use a little more moisturizer than average. But you still don't need to go overboard—about a quarter-sized amount for your face and neck should do. If you bring it down to your décolletage, you can use an additional dime-sized amount.
The idea is to replenish your skin and help it maintain its natural moisture levels without overwhelming your skin barrier by flooding it with products. Also, you don't want your face to be so slippery that your makeup can't grip your skin effectively.
If your skin is still thirsty after moisturizing in the evening, try dabbing on a few drops of facial oil or smearing on a moisture mask. On the other hand, if your sunscreen doubles as a hydrating face cream, you might not need as much moisturizer during the day.
How Much Moisturizer Should I Use If I Have Oily or Acne-Prone Skin?
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may not need as much moisturizer as those with dry skin. But that doesn't mean you should skip this skincare step. It depends on the formula, but a dime-sized amount should be enough.
The type of moisturizer matters too. People battling breakouts or facing greasy T-zones should go with lighter-weight, non-comedogenic formulas that absorb fast and don't clog pores.
Think of it like conditioner for your hair—you should always follow shampoo with conditioner, but if your hair gets greasy quickly, just use a very small amount or a lightweight formula.
How to Apply Moisturizer for Maximum Absorption
Here's how to apply moisturizer, morning or night:
- Start with clean, damp skin. Dampened skin changes its pH slightly so it absorbs topical products more easily.2
- Follow the serum with a moisturizer. After cleansing, you can apply toner and serum if you're using those, then moisturizer.
- Use a small amount of moisturizer. Depending on your skin type, anywhere from a dime-size to a quarter-size amount is good. When in doubt, follow the directions on the product label.
- Gently warm the product between your fingers. This can make thicker formulas, like a rich night cream, easier to spread around your face.
- Apply evenly to your face using upward strokes. Some believe this method works against gravity to provide a subtle lifting effect.
- Focus on dry areas, but avoid over-applying on oily zones. This can help balance your skin's hydration levels. If you have combination skin (parched in some areas, greasy in others), you might even consider using different products for each zone.
- Gently massage the moisturizer into your skin until fully absorbed. If you can see leftover product on your face or it feels like it's just sitting on top of your skin, you might be using too much.
- Consider adding facial oil. If you have dry skin, try applying a facial oil after a moisturizer to lock in all that hydration. To take it a step further, you can also use different facial oils for gua sha, which can also improve skin hydration by providing an extra layer of nourishment and sealing in moisture for a glowing complexion.
Why Should You Care About Non-Comedogenic Products?
Non-comedogenic skincare products don't contain any ingredients that might clog pores or contribute to acne breakouts, no matter your skin type.
Though applying a small amount is still a good rule of thumb, it's harder to overdo it with a non-comedogenic moisturizer. When it comes to moisturizers, what’s important here is to avoid products that contain skincare ingredients that cause acne breakouts.
A Personalized Approach to Moisturizing
The right amount of moisturizer to apply varies from person to person. When you try a new product, you can experiment with slightly different amounts to see how your skin responds. If you're unsure what products to use or how much, get in touch with a dermatologist for personalized advice.
But if you're in the market for a new face moisturizer, our HYDRAGLOW™ plant stem cell cream is a stellar choice that plays well with all skin types and concerns, even sensitive skin and irritation. To take your hydration to the next level, pair it with our GOLDENHOUR watermelon face oil.
Learn about watermelon seed oil benefits for the skin in our guide.
Sources:
1Wei J, et al. (2023). In vitro and in vivo study of the efficacy of a new sebum control essence. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15764
2Sethi A, et al. (2016). Moisturizers: The slippery road. Indian J Dermatol. ;61(3):279. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.182427
