Products are important to any skin care regimen and considering you’ve spent your hard earned money on them, you want them to last! Nothing is more frustrating than reaching for your moisturizer and realizing you’re all out even though you swear you just purchased it. Even worse, you’re using it every day and seeing no results. Believe it or not, this could be due to a mistake that we’ve all been guilty of. Using too much or too little of a product can either make you run out too fast or can interfere with your wanted results. So we’ve prepared a nice little guide for you to hopefully make that product last a little longer!
- Face Wash: Use only a dime size for cream or gel cleansers. For foam, use a single pump.
Using too much may dry out your face. - Retinol: Most are pre-measured to a single pump, but ask your provider just to be sure.
- Toner: Try just a few drops. Always use a cotton round or a cotton ball. Using a few drops ensures that not too much is being soaked up by the cotton and being wasted.
- Serums: A few drops. Serums are usually fairly concentrated, so you only need a few drops. If the serum is more solid, use a pea sized amount.
- Daytime Moisturizer: If it has SPF, quarter-sized. Without SPF, nickel-sized.
- Face Masks: A nickel size is perfect for those problem areas. If it’s a hydrating or firming mask, feel free to use a little bit more.
- Night Creams: Quarter-size. If it’s a heavy cream, be careful not to use too much or it can clog pores.
- Acne Treatments: The size of a pea or less should be sufficient. Using too much can dry you out.
- Eye Cream: Pea size will work for this, too. Make sure to use your ring fingers for application because this finger applies the least amount of pressure so it won’t drag your skin and cause wrinkles.
- Sunscreen: Quarter-size for the face. A shot glass full for the entire body. It’s actually okay to be a little more generous with sunscreen.
If you’re unsure about the amount you should be using, ask your provider for advice. If you feel you’re going through a product too fast, dial back how much you use and see if you’re still getting the results you want. The key to products making a lasting effect is using them consistently and using the right amount.
