Moisture Sandwich: The Best Way to Hydrate Skin?
Do you ever feel like your skin is lacking that extra level of hydration and moisture? Let’s face it, while absolutely essential, moisturizer alone can only do so much. And if your regular skincare routine just isn’t cutting it anymore, then you may want to consider the increasingly popular “moisture sandwich” method for keeping your skin looking dewy and fresh all day long! We know, it sounds pretty funny, but it’s actually a thing among skincare enthusiasts and professionals. You can even create different types of “sandwiches” in skincare depending on what you’re trying to achieve, but for now, let’s focus on the moisture sandwich method and if it’s really the best way to hydrate skin.
What is a moisture sandwich?
The moisture sandwich method is a skincare technique that involves layering skincare products in a specific order (lightest to heaviest) to maximize their effectiveness in providing skin hydration and moisture, and then occluding them into the skin to avoid trans epidermal water loss.
What are the benefits of the moisture sandwich method?
Trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) is a term used to describe the process of water evaporating from the skin through the outermost layer, called the epidermis. It’s a natural process that occurs in everyone. However excessive TEWL can lead to dry, dehydrated skin and can exacerbate skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
Fortunately, you can combat this by applying the moisture sandwich method. In fact, this skincare method has several potential benefits, including:
Improved hydration: The method is designed to provide your skin with multiple layers of hydration, which can help plump and moisturize it, leaving you looking and feeling soft and supple.
Strengthened moisture barrier: Providing your skin with the necessary nutrients it needs and locking them in with a moisturizer and sunscreen can help strengthen your moisture barrier and prevent moisture loss, keeping your skin hydrated over time.
Enhanced absorption of active ingredients: layering hydrating toners and serums underneath a moisturizer helps your skin in becoming more receptive to other active ingredients in your skincare routine, allowing them to penetrate deeper into your skin and provide added benefits.
Overall improvement in skin texture: since you’re providing your skin with ample hydration and moisture with this skincare method, you’ll be able to see improvement in the overall texture and appearance of your skin, making it smoother, softer, and more radiant.
Does this method work for all skin types?
While the sandwich method can be beneficial for many different skin types, it still depends on the specific products being used and the individual’s skin type. It does work best for people with dry or dehydrated skin as it helps to replenish and retain moisture in the skin. However, for people with oily or acne-prone skin, using occlusive moisturizers and/or face oils could potentially exacerbate their condition.
It’s always a good idea to patch test new skincare products and techniques before incorporating them into your skincare routine and to consult with a licensed esthetician if you have any concerns about your skin.
How to do the moisture sandwich method
When doing the moisture sandwich method, remember to layer your skincare products from lightest to heaviest. Don’t know how? Read this guide on the best way to layer your serums!
Step 1: start with a clean face
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat semi-dry with a soft towel (slightly damp skin will allow your skincare products to absorb deeper into your skin).
Step 2: Apply toner
For this step, it’s important that you’re not using a treatment toner. Spalina Skincare’s Lipid Refresh Hydrating toner is a great healing toner for dry and dehydrated skin. Not only does it help balance your skin’s pH levels and remove any remaining dirt or makeup, it also provides intense hydration to your skin.
Step 3: Apply serum
Next, apply the serums suited to your skin type. If you’re using multiple serums, don’t forget to layer them on from the thinnest to the thickest consistency in order for your skin to effectively absorb the products. But keep in mind that vitamin C should be the last in your sequence of serums because vitamin C creates an umbrella to protect you from free radicals.
Step 4: Seal it all in with a moisturizer
After the serum/s have absorbed into your skin, apply a moisturizer. This will seal in all the serums that you have applied on your skin. Make sure to choose one that is suited for your skin type to prevent clogged pores and breakouts.
Step 5: Don’t forget your SPF!
This step is very important during the day. Our mineral sunscreens also act as an occlusive, locking all the nutrients into your skin while protecting it from harmful UV rays and providing added hydration.
Of course, the moisture sandwich method can be adjusted depending on the time of year, your current environment, as well as what your natural skin state is in and your skin goals. Overall, this skincare method can be a helpful technique to try if you’re looking to improve your skin’s hydration and overall health. Just be sure to choose products that are suited for your skin type and to be gentle when applying them to avoid any irritation.
