Find out how much you really know about skin hydration-“True or false” quiz-
Are your skincare techniques based on misconceptions?
Is everything you know about skin hydration actually wrong? Take our “true or false” quiz to find out right now!
Q1. The more skin lotion you apply, the better.
Q2. The longer you leave a sheet mask on, the better.
Q3. Skincare products labeled as “shittori” (moisturizing) are better at hydrating your skin than products labeled as “sappari” (refreshing).
Q4. When applying a skincare product, it’s best to slather it on generously, applying enough to leave a perceptible residue on your skin.
Q5. If you’re concerned about dry skin, it’s best to use a facial serum spray.
How many questions could you answer? Now let’s look at the right answers and the reasons behind them.
Q1. The more skin lotion you apply, the better.
A1. False
Applying facial serum too generously won’t do any harm, but unfortunately applying twice as much won’t deliver twice the effect. Basically, the right amount to apply is the standard amount recommended by the manufacturer. This will be given on the product package, or on the manufacturer’s official website. However, when your skin feels dry, applying a little extra serum to the affected areas is a good idea. The state of your skin varies from day to day, so use your judgment about how much to apply when carrying out your skincare routine. Skimping on serum is not advisable.
Q2. The longer you leave a sheet mask on, the better.
A2. False
The sheet part of a sheet mask forms a seal that locks in the active ingredients so that they can intensively hydrate your skin, leaving it plumped-out and dewy. You might think that leaving a sheet mask on for a longer time would help the active ingredients permeate better, but in fact this is not the case. Although there is some variation between products, a sheet mask will typically start drying out after it’s been on your face for about 15 minutes. This is because your body heat causes the mask’s moisture content to evaporate. The sheet mask is highly absorbent, so when it dries out, it will actually suck moisture out of your skin, leaving it drier than before. To get the most out of a sheet mask, it’s best to remove it after the period of time stated on the product package.
Q3. Skincare products labeled as “shittori” (moisturizing) are better at hydrating your skin than products labeled as “sappari” (refreshing).
A3. False
Facial serums and skin emulsions are often labeled as “shittori type” (moisturizing type) or “sappari type” (refreshing type). You’ve probably wondered which type you should be using. In fact, both types have essentially the same hydrating power. The difference lies in the way they feel on your skin. There’s no need to choose a “shittori type” if you have dry skin, or a “sappari type” if you have oily skin. Just decide which type feels most pleasant on your skin, and go with that.
Q4. When applying a skincare product, it’s best to slather it on generously, applying enough to leave a perceptible residue on your skin.
A4. False
If your skincare routine leaves your skin feeling slippery or sticky, you’re doing it wrong. The active ingredients in your moisturizer, facial serum or skin emulsion are simply sitting on top of your skin rather than being absorbed into it. This means they can’t do their job properly. If you leave your skin like that, when the moisture on the surface evaporates, the drying film of the product could even suck moisture out of your skin.
If you use a moisturizer, apply it with the palm of your hand. When your hand feels as if it’s sticking to your face, this is a sign that the serum has sunk in properly. When applying a skin essence or skin emulsion, you should also wait until it has sunk in properly before going on to apply the next skincare product.
Q5. If you’re concerned about dry skin, it’s best to use a moisturizing spray.
A5. True
Applying a moisturizing spray when your skin feels dry will temporarily hydrate your skin. Dryness lies at the root of various skin problems, so hydration should not be neglected. However, you need to be careful about your technique. After spraying, gently dab your face with the palm of your hand, pressing the moisture in. Otherwise, it will evaporate, taking some of your skin’s own moisture with it. This is known as “overdrying”. So, after spritzing your face with a facial serum spray, don’t forget to press in the moisture with the palm of your hand to prevent overdrying.
We’ve now covered five questions about skin hydration. Did you get all the answers right? No matter how conscientiously you care for your skin, misconceptions about technique can halve the effectiveness of your routine. Armed with a correct understanding of skincare principles, you’ll be able to care for your skin properly every day.
