Healthy Skin
The correct amount of skincare to apply
When it comes to skincare, size does actually matter. That’s why we’ve created a general guide to the correct amount of skincare to apply for each product.
Not only is using too much skincare wasteful, slathering an excess of certain products over your complexion can also cause unwanted irritation. Not using enough can also mean you’re not getting the most out of your skincare products, either. This can lead to things like dry skin or even acne breakouts.
Here, we reveal how much you should apply of each beauty product, and share some top tips for application.
Our guide to the correct amount of skincare to apply
Cleanser
Cleansing should be the first step of any good morning and evening skincare routine.
A cleanser removes a build up of dead skin cells, grime and makeup to keep your complexion clear.
Whether you prefer a gently foaming wash or a cream cleanser, aim to use the size of a 50 pence piece every time you cleanse your face. Ensure you rinse thoroughly to avoid residue clogging pores.
Read our pick of the best cleansers for mature skin
Toner
If you like to use a toner to prep and balance the skin, you should use around a dessert spoonful of this skincare staple after cleansing your face.
Most toners are designed to work when dispensed onto a cotton pad.
Simply sweep across your complexion to remove any excess dirt and oils.
Serums
Depending on the ingredients, serums often lightly moisturise your skin, helping to keep it plump and firm. They may also help to brighten, even out tone and target hyperpigmentation.
However, this is one skincare product that many often use too much of. You actually only need to use a five-pence-piece-size amount of serum to reap its benefits.
Eye cream
An eye cream can help to soothe and nourish the under-eye area, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
A pea-sized amount for two eyes (half a pea per eye) is plenty here.
The skin under your eyes is fragile, so apply gently using a finger to avoid dragging the skin.
Moisturiser
Moisturiser helps to keep our skin feeling supple, hydrated and nourished. If you struggle with dry skin, you’ll know how important this skincare star is.
You need an amount that resembles a 10 pence piece to cover your face and your neck to keep them moisturised.
If you struggle with extra dry skin, you may need to increase this amount or do a double layer.
Read our pick of the best moisturisers for mature skin
SPF
While we often overuse some beauty products, SPF is one that many of us don’t use enough of – or place it in the correct position in our skincare routine.
As a rule of thumb, experts say that we should be using two fingers-worth of SPF to cover our face and neck.
SPF should be applied as your final step after moisturiser in your daytime skincare routine. And yes, you should wear it every day, all year round – even when it’s cloudy.
Retinol
Retinol should be used in your evening skincare routine. This star ingredient can help to increase collagen production in the skin to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
That being said, it can be a harsh ingredient (and some skin types may not tolerate it at all). You should use retinol sparingly. A five pence piece sized amount is enough. You may want to start with less before building your way up, and only using it a couple of times a week.
As this ingredient increases skin sensitivity to sunlight, only apply at night and ensure you’re wearing the correct amount of SPF in the day, too.
