Let’s talk about lotion. It might seem like a simple task—not just because you use it when your skin feels dry—but there’s actually more to moisturizing than just rubbing it on quickly. Your skin is amazing and can absorb your skincare products, but it still needs your help to get the best results. If you’re moisturizing the wrong way, you could end up with problems like dryness, itchiness, irritation, or breakouts. Since hydrating is one of the most important steps in your skincare routine.
01 of 08: You Apply on Dirty Skin
One of the biggest mistakes you can make, especially if you have sensitive skin, is applying lotion on dirty skin. Here’s why: A good moisturizer helps seal your skin’s barrier, which locks in moisture and keeps out harmful things like bacteria, allergens, and irritants. If you moisturize on dirty skin, you’re trapping all that bad stuff in, which can lead to irritation. Also, your skin absorbs products best when it’s damp, so you’ll get the most benefit.
02 of 08 You skip moisturizing acne-prone skin
I get it—if you’ve had breakouts, you might worry about putting lotion on your skin. But not moisturizing at all can actually make things worse because your skin will produce more oil to compensate, which can keep breakouts going.
Not all moisturizers are the same, though. Some are designed to hydrate and fight acne at the same time. The key is to always moisturize but choose a lightweight product for acne-prone areas.
03 of 08 You use the same moisturizer day and night
Your morning and night skincare routines should be different. During the day, you need a moisturizer with antioxidants and SPF to protect your skin, while at night, the focus is on repairing your skin.
04 of 08 You’re not patient enough for results
It’s tempting to give up when a new moisturizer doesn’t show immediate results, but patience is important. Give a product at least four to six weeks to see how it works. However, if a product starts irritating your skin right away, stop using it.
05 of 08 You’re not consistent
As a skincare enthusiast, I know it’s tempting to try a bunch of new products quickly. But consistency is key when it comes to skincare. Give your products time to work and stick to a routine. Skipping or switching things up too often won’t give you the best results. Once you start a routine—whether it's simple or more involved—stick with it.
06 of 08 You skip your neck
A wrinkly neck are major signs of aging. Since your neck gets a lot of sun, it’s important to treat it with the same care you give your face. This means using sunscreen, retinoids, and a hydrating lotion on your neck as well.
07 of 08 You rub too hard
We’ve all probably done this, but how you apply your moisturizer can really affect your skin. Dr. Puza advises not to rub or tug at your skin too much. "If you aggravate your skin, it will react negatively," he explains. To avoid damaging or wrinkling your skin, be gentle. The best way to apply moisturizer is by using clean fingertips in gentle circular motions. For delicate areas, like under your eyes, use your ring finger to apply the product.
08 of 08 You apply fragrances on sensitive skin
We all love products that smell good, but that mango scent might be causing your skin issues. The ingredients list on beauty products can be confusing, especially when it comes to fragrances.
Also, keep in mind that "unscented" doesn’t always mean fragrance-free. Unscented usually means there’s no obvious fragrance, but the product might still contain ingredients that mask the smell of other ingredients. To be safe, always check the ingredients list to make sure there are no fragrances included.