Should you moisturize on damp skin?

The answer is yes, you can, but should you? That depends on what you prefer on your skin. Applying not only moisturizer but most of your skincare on damp skin can give better results. Very simply put (apologies to any professional), it can help the products penetrate easier and seep deeper into the skin. Moisturising on damp skin can also help trap and lock in the hydration. 

So, what is damp skin? 

Its exactly as the word suggests. It’s neither sopping wet nor completely dry. It’s between just washed and towel dried face. Damp but not wet. 

Ways to dampen your skin

Water: The least hassle of all is good old water. After cleansing your face with a water based cleanser or facewash, don’t completely dry off your face and tap in the excess water or just leave it as it until it dries up a little and carry on with your skincare routine.

Toner: Toners are a great way to add in some extra nutrients for the skin as well as hydrate it which in turn would help the other products to work better. Make sure you’re using a hydrating toner and not a stripping one.

Essence: Essences fall somewhere between toners and serums and is a great way to boost the hydration with the additional benefit of dampening your skin. 

Facial mist: Again, great for hydration and unlike the other products this can also be used in between every step for a boost of hydration. 

But, are the toners, mists or essences necessary? Not really, but you can use it if your skin likes it and if you want to. 

A list of products that should (read: can) be applied to damp skin:

💜 Toners

💜 Essences

💜 Serums (as long as they don’t have exfoliating or skin irritating ingredients like retinol) 

💜 Moisturisers

💜 Face oils

I saw a noticeable difference when I started putting skincare on damp skin. The skin felt and looked more hydrated than it previously would and also, the very loved word in the skincare area, plump. It isn’t magic (no skincare or skincare tips are) but it surely makes a difference to how my skin feels and looks!

I’d love to know if you practice layering your skincare on damp skin or if you’d give it a try!

Photo by Sora Shimazaki from Pexels