Moisturizer is a cosmetic product that helps hydrate and increase skin elasticity, playing a crucial role in an effective skincare routine. But how long should you leave moisturizer on before washing it off? This is a common question among women. Let AVAKids answer this question for you!

1What are the different types of moisturizers?

1.1. Gel

Gel moisturizers are primarily composed of water, alcohol, or transparent fats. Gel products provide a comfortable feeling with their lightweight, non-sticky texture, and are especially suitable for oily and combination skin.

I’m from Vitamin Tree Brightening Gel Moisturizer 75g

1.2. Cream

Compared to gels, cream moisturizers have a thicker consistency, providing the skin with maximum moisture and nutrients. Their main ingredients are water combined with oils that are not water-soluble. However, due to their creamy texture, they can feel sticky or greasy when applied.

Nacific Fresh Herb Origin Calendula Cream

1.3. Lotion

Lotion moisturizers have a relatively thin, milky-white consistency. Their main ingredients are dry, powdered extracts dissolved in water. Lotions don’t leave a sticky feeling like some other moisturizers and contain more hydrating agents, making them suitable for hot and humid days.

Emmié B5 Complex Moisturizer

1.4. Emulsion

Emulsions have a milky-white color, similar to milk, but are thinner than creams and thicker than lotions. Emulsion moisturizers are often used during the summer to keep the skin cool and prevent clogged pores. They can also be used as a preparatory step to increase skin hydration before applying cream.

Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Deep Moisturizer 80ml

2How long should I leave moisturizer on before washing my face? Is it okay not to wash it off?

To allow the nutrients to penetrate deeply into the skin and enhance the effectiveness of your moisturizer, you can use a skincare boosting device. It’s important not to wash your face immediately after applying moisturizer.

The ideal time to cleanse your face is 8 hours after applying moisturizer. If you apply it during the day, you can schedule your face washing around this timeframe. If you apply it at night, wash your face after waking up.

However, for those with oily skin, the maximum recommended time is 4 hours, after which you can wash your face with water. This helps prevent excess oil buildup, which can lead to clogged pores and irritation.

If you’ve cleansed your skin before applying moisturizer, there’s no problem with not washing your face afterward. In fact, this can help the moisturizer achieve its maximum hydrating effect. If you feel uncomfortable, sticky, or have applied too much moisturizer, you can gently rinse your face with water to remove the excess.

Nature Republic Green Derma Mild Cica Cream

3How to wash your face after applying moisturizer

Step 1: Wet your face with warm water

Before applying moisturizer, soften your skin with warm water. Wash your hands thoroughly and wet your face by splashing water or using a towel.

Wash your hands thoroughly before wetting your face with warm water.

Step 2: Use a facial cleanser

After wetting your face, cleanse it. Apply a sufficient amount of facial cleanser and lather it well. Apply the lather to your face and gently massage with your fingertips for 30 seconds to 1 minute, ensuring that every area is covered with a small amount of cleanser.

Step 3: Rinse and dry

Ensure that you completely remove the facial cleanser after it has removed dirt and oil to prevent irritation. Then, pat your face dry with a towel, avoiding rubbing, as this can cause wrinkles.

Step 4: Apply toner

After moisturizing, use toner to help your skin look firmer and brighter. Apply an appropriate amount of toner to a cotton pad and gently wipe it across your face, focusing on areas with larger pores.

Some By Mi 30 Days Miracle AHA-BHA-PHA Toner 150ml

4Criteria for choosing a moisturizer

4.1. Current skin concerns

To choose the right moisturizer for your skin type, you need to identify and assess your current skin condition. You can do a self-assessment or consult a dermatologist.

Furthermore, understand the different skin types: dry, normal, oily, combination, etc., as each type requires specific moisturizers.

You can self-assess or consult a dermatologist about your skin concerns.

4.2. Product ingredients

Product ingredients are crucial for skincare. Choosing the right ingredients will yield significant results, while the wrong ones can be ineffective or even cause irritation and redness.

To avoid adverse reactions, perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying the moisturizer to your face. If there are no signs of irritation, you can safely use the product.

Perform a patch test before applying moisturizer to your face.

4.3. Day cream or night cream?

Due to the varying needs of your skin throughout the day, it’s beneficial to use both day and night creams for optimal hydration. Choose a day cream with SPF and a night cream with enhanced moisturizing properties for radiant, smooth skin.

4.4. Ingredient source and extraction

Prioritize moisturizers with natural ingredients, free from artificial colors, synthetic fragrances, and parabens, as they are generally safer and gentler on the skin.

Prioritize natural, paraben-free moisturizers.

4.5. Price and brand

Providing and maintaining skin hydration is a long-term process that requires patience. Therefore, choose a moisturizer that fits your budget.

Besides price, brand reputation is also an important factor. Choose reputable, well-established brands.

5Recommended usage time and amount

Amount

Use a pea-sized amount of moisturizer for optimal skin regeneration and protection. Avoid overusing the product, as this can lead to adverse effects or skin irritation.

Time

• Time of day: Twice daily, morning and night.
• Within your skincare routine: After cleansing steps like makeup removal, face washing, exfoliation, and toner application.

Avander Babassu Oil Makeup Remover 150ml

6Tips for effective moisturizer use

• Apply to damp skin: Moisturize while your skin is still damp. Avoid applying it to dry, flaky skin. Apply moisturizer immediately after washing your face or 5 minutes after using toner.
• Cleanse before moisturizing: Cleansing is essential. Ensure your face is free of dirt, oil, and makeup residue.
• Use an appropriate amount: Overusing moisturizer can make your skin greasy and reduce the product’s effectiveness. It can also clog pores and lead to breakouts. Use a pea-sized amount.
• Don’t forget sunscreen: Combining moisturizer and sunscreen enhances skincare effectiveness. Sunscreen is crucial during the day to protect your skin from sun damage, dark spots, dryness, and excess oil production.

Some By Mi Truecica Mineral Calming Sunscreen

7Frequently asked questions about moisturizer

7.1. How long does it take for moisturizer to absorb into the skin?

Absorption time depends on the moisturizer’s texture. Most moisturizers take about 3-5 minutes to fully absorb.

7.2. How long after applying serum should I apply moisturizer?

Serum is typically used before moisturizer. Apply moisturizer 1-2 minutes after applying serum.

Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop Vitamin C Serum 35ml

7.3. Should I apply moisturizer immediately after washing my face?

Yes, apply moisturizer immediately after washing your face while your skin is still damp, as this aids absorption. If your skincare routine includes masks or serums, apply those before moisturizing.

7.4. How long after applying moisturizer should I apply sunscreen?

You can apply moisturizer first. However, you can apply either product first, as long as it suits the product’s characteristics and your skin type.

9 Wishes Sun Moisturizer Sunscreen

We hope this article has answered your questions about moisturizers and cleansing. If you have any further questions, please contact our hotline at 1900.866.874 (8:00 – 21:30) or visit avakids.com for assistance!