Is Your Facial Mist Drying Out Your Skin?

Despite your best efforts to create a glowing complexion, sometimes the way you use products can counteract their benefits. This is the case with facial mists, a product many people swear by because of their ability to tackle dryness with a simple spray. There are many reasons to add mists to your routine, but using them incorrectly can reduce their effectiveness by allowing moisture to evaporate off skin. Read on to learn how to maximize the benefits of your facial mist.

Why Mist?

Mists are effective at refreshing and plumping skin because of their ultra-hydrating properties. When skin is dehydrated, the acid mantle weakens, allowing moisture that’s usually locked underneath your lipid barrier to evaporate out of the skin (a phenomenon also known as trans-epidermal water loss). Collagen and elastin –key anti-aging proteins– also break down faster in dehydrated skin. Facial mists combat these damaging effects by flooding your skin with water.

Proper Use

Although it may seem appealing to just mist and move on, there are a few steps you must follow to ensure you are reaping the benefits of this product. When using a water-based mist as part of your morning routine,

follow these steps:

1.Cleanse face and gently pat dry.

2.Saturate the skin in mist to re-wet skin.

3.Immediately apply hydrating serum and moisturizer.

Because water molecules are attracted to one another, skin is best able to absorb moisture when it is slightly damp. If you don’t stack a serum and moisturizer on top of your mist, it simply evaporates into the air; in fact, the dry air will pull the mist and any retained water away from your face, leaving your skin drier than before. Misting your skin may hydrate it momentarily, but the beneficial ingredients will be wasted if not bound to the skin with a thicker serum and moisturizer.

Recommended Formulas

There are mists aimed at a variety of skincare concerns. Look for products that are more than just mineral water in a spray bottle. Why? A good mist should have moisture - locking ingredients in addition to water to bind hydration into the skin. Look for products containing the following ingredients to target these issues, but remember: none of them will be as effective if you don’t immediately follow-up with moisturizer.

Hyaluronic Acid: This natural product holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a perfect option for dry skin sufferers.

Rose Extract: Naturally anti-inflammatory and gently astringent, rose extract reduces redness and balances sebum production.

Black Raspberry Seed Oil: Because it is rich in omegas and vitamin B3, this hydrating oil protects skin and decreases sensitivity while helping moisture retention.