A moisturiser is perhaps one of the most crucial steps to include in our skincare regime. We however often might experience the downside of a product given the fact that we are presented with way too many choices. And it is no wonder that with so many products on the market today, we often buy them without thinking whether they will make a difference to our skin.
And although we may not think about it consciously, our skin can let us know when something’s off. Perhaps the question you may have now is why your face feels sticky after applying moisturiser.
So, in this brief blog, we will break down the reasons why it occurs and how you could avoid it.
Reasons why your face feels sticky after applying moisturiser
According to many skincare experts, one of the main reasons why your face might feel sticky are due to:
*Not using the right moisturiser for your skin: always consider using product design for your skin types.
*Not applying the products in the right order: you should always cleanse, possibly add additional skincare products (depending on your skin concerns), wear moisturiser and then put on sunscreen. Don’t apply the products randomly as it might cause stickiness.
*Applying too much cream: unlike facial masks, there is no excuse when it comes to how much product you put into your face. The more product you apply, the more your skin can experience stickiness due to the excess residue.
Check the related article: Do sheet masks leave your face sticky?
And to avoid applying too much product, Dr Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, recommends applying a dot on each cheek, your nose, chin, and forehead and massaging it in.
*Not giving the product enough time to absorb fully into the skin: it is important to give the moisture time to penetrate, absorb and hydrate your skin properly.
* The moisturiser is outdated: make sure to check the date and label, and if it’s not available, check to see if the texture has changed. Expire products usually have been contaminated or have too much sun exposure.
If the stickiness persists despite following the points above, you should stop using the moisturiser.
What is good moisture supposed to feel like?
According to experts:
*You should not feel the cream/moisture: dermatologist Singh stated that moisturizer should absorb into the skin well, relieve tightness and dryness, and be light enough to not feel like a layer.
*It should have any odour – should smell like nothing: it is, therefore, crucial to look for a moisturiser that has no fragrance to avoid irritation.
You may also look for moisturisers that contain SPF. This will protect the skin against the sun rays however if it makes your skin appear shiny and oily, stop using it.
Check out this article: Is a face moisturisers with spf needed? Dermatologists opinion
*It should contain NMF (natural moisturising factor): these are molecules that help the moisture penetrate the layer of the skin. A proper moisturiser should absorb quickly and leave no greasy feeling.
According to dermatologist Kavita Mariwalla, the best consistency for dry skin is a creamy formula.
*It should not feel oily: according to dermatologist Annie Chiu, moisturizing products should hydrate, not oil your skin.
They should absorb leaving the skin with a clean finish, and they should make the skin look plump and fine lines look softened when they do.
Moreover, it should allow you to layer makeup over top without pilling.
*It should be silky and easily gliding on your skin: Patricia Ceballos (a dermatologist in NY) says that dimethicone should be the key ingredient in moisture. The latter creates a protective barrier to your skin surface. It often comes along with minerals like jojoba oil.
What are the major/main signs to look for?
Apart from your skin feeling sticky, make sure to also look out for these signs after applying moisture:
-Skin is tight & stretched: since many moisturisers can strip the skin of its natural oils, the skin can become dehydrated, itchy, and dry due to some moisturisers, which can result in breakouts and premature ageing.
-The texture of your skin changes: If your skin’s texture has changed, you should consider switching to a new moisturiser.
When harsh creams strip the protective layer of our skin, our skin shifts into repair mode.
It produces excess oil to compensate for the damage, making our skin feel like a grease trap.
-Skin burns or feels stingy: Your moisturiser is likely too strong for you if your face feels warm and tingly after applying it. Sensitive skins are especially at risk of suffering from this, so choose your moisturiser carefully.
If it burns, make sure to wash your face immediately.
You should check this related article: Why does everything I put on my face burns?
-The face has bumps/Milia: Milia are tiny white bumps that cluster under the skin, turning into almost solid pearls under the surface, and appear when pores clog and then seal up.
If you notice milia, it may be because your moisturiser is too heavy and clogging up your face.
It may take a few weeks, but if you notice milia developing, stop using your moisturiser. Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to make sure the milia are removed correctly.
-Formula balls up on skin: You may be using too heavy a moisturiser if you find the formula balling up and rubbing away as soon as you touch it.
To conclude, when should you consider using a new moisturiser? & What should you consider looking for?
Consider changing your moisturiser only after your skin has calmed down. It is advisable to allow at least a couple of days until the skin has fully recovered by itself.
When looking for a new moisturiser:
Always consider looking out for a balanced pH product, with natural and gentle ingredients that help nourish the skin properly.
If breakouts occur, make sure to switch to a non-comedogenic product.
You should look for a lighter formula that soaks into the skin more easily, preventing stickiness from occurring. I would highly raccomend to visit healthline.com -safety healthy facial moisturizers to help you assess the right moisturiser for you.
Guys, with all the endless options that products offer, we should be selective when we choose the best type of product that matches our skin condition to avoid the stickiness and all the issues along with it.
