If you’re curious about the ideal quantity of skin care products to apply at each stage of your beauty regimen, you’re not alone. The amount you use truly matters; whether it’s a tiny drop or a generous dollop, it can significantly influence the efficacy of your routine. Using insufficient product can prevent you from reaping its full benefits, while overapplication may lead to skin irritation and excessive buildup. The key lies in striking a perfect balance. Continue reading to explore our comprehensive guide on how to apply your skin care products effectively for the best results.

Cleanser | Toner | Essence | Exfoliant | Face Masks & Treatments | Serum, Oil Or Concentrate | Moisturizer For Face Vs Body | Eye Cream | SPF | When To Apply Skin Care

Discover the Ideal Amount of Skin Care Products to Use

One of the most prevalent mistakes individuals make in their skin care routines is applying more product than necessary. Particularly when it comes to professional-grade skin care products, it’s crucial to understand that these formulations are often highly concentrated, meaning you require significantly less to unlock their full potential. Our guide provides specific recommendations for application quantities that are just right for achieving glowing, healthy skin:

The Right Amount of Cleanser for Healthy Skin

Blueberry-sized amount

Using too much cleanser over time can damage your skin’s moisture barrier, which is essential for maintaining hydration and balance. This can lead to a dry, irritated complexion. Conversely, using too little face wash may leave behind dirt and impurities, resulting in clogged pores and potential breakouts. To maintain a healthy moisture barrier and ensure a thorough cleanse, we recommend using a blueberry-sized amount of your favorite cleanser. For instance, the Stone Crop Gel Wash incorporates botanical extracts that help enhance your complexion and minimize blemishes. Remember to cleanse gently using lukewarm water and avoid vigorous scrubbing to protect your skin’s integrity.

Maximize Your Skin’s Potential with Toner

3 spritzes

Toners serve as the final step in the cleansing process and prepare your skin for subsequent treatments. These fast-absorbing mists effectively remove any remaining impurities while replenishing essential moisture. According to Eminence Organics Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar, toning acts as the “conditioning” phase of your regimen, balancing your complexion and laying the foundation for better absorption of following products. It’s best to use toner both morning and night immediately after cleansing. Spritz three times directly onto your skin or dampen a cotton pad and sweep it gently over your face and neck.

Pro Tip: For optimal absorption, apply toner while your skin is still slightly damp — this enhances the efficacy of the active ingredients.

Enhance Hydration with Essence Application

A large blueberry-sized amount

Using an essence post-cleansing and toning is a great way to enhance your skin’s hydration and prepare it for further treatments. Essences are packed with nourishing ingredients that help your skin look more radiant and smooth. For example, the Kombucha Microbiome Balancing Essence is formulated with pre, pro, and postbiotics to boost your skin’s luminosity. Dispense a generous, large blueberry-sized amount either into your hands or on a cotton pad. Gently press it into your skin until fully absorbed, allowing it to remain on your skin to maximize its benefits.

Why Exfoliation is Key to Radiant Skin

Raspberry-sized amount

Regular exfoliation is a vital aspect of maintaining healthy skin. Although your skin naturally sheds cells, it can become overwhelmed with oil, dead skin, and impurities. Exfoliating helps accelerate skin cell turnover, allowing fresh cells to emerge. However, over-exfoliation can lead to damage, so it’s essential to find the right balance. For optimal results, we suggest the following methods:

• Powder Exfoliant: For a product like our Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant, use three shakes into your palm for a raspberry-sized amount. Combine it with a few drops of water before gently massaging it into your skin and rinsing thoroughly.
• Exfoliating Peel: Apply a raspberry-sized amount (or one to two pumps) of your exfoliating solution onto a cotton round, and use circular motions to cover your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Leave it on to let the ingredients work.

Revitalize Your Skin with Face Masks and Treatments

Cherry-sized amount for the face and neck

Utilizing face masks is a fantastic way to provide your skin with an immediate surge of nourishment. These masks are rich in vitamins and nutrients, delivering concentrated benefits that are better absorbed under occlusion. There’s a mask available for every skin type and concern, and all can benefit from hydration. The Strawberry Rhubarb Masque, for instance, contains a Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex that hydrates deeply and smoothes the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

When applying a face mask, remember that less is often more. Natalie suggests using a thin, pantyhose-like layer over your face or neck. Begin by emulsifying a cherry-sized amount with a few drops of water, apply it evenly, and allow it to dry for five to ten minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water. One standout option is the Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Masque, which refreshes the skin with a blend of citrus, leafy greens, and avocado oil, helping to minimize signs of aging.

Unlock the Benefits of Serums, Oils, or Concentrates

Pea-sized amount or about 2-3 drops

When using oils, serums, or concentrates, remember that less is often more. These highly concentrated formulas are designed to deliver active ingredients that enhance your skin’s overall health while addressing specific concerns. You can choose to use them individually or layer them to maximize their effects and tackle multiple issues simultaneously.

For serums or oils, a pea-sized amount or three drops is generally sufficient to experience their full benefits. For instance, the Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum is an excellent hydrator; you can apply a thin layer over your entire face or focus on targeted areas one to three times daily for a radiant glow. For lotion-like concentrates, such as our Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Concentrate or Bamboo Firming Fluid, just one to two pumps are recommended for optimal results.

Understanding the Difference: Face Moisturizer vs. Body Moisturizer

Blueberry-sized for the face
Cherry-sized amount for the body

It’s common to use too much moisturizer, but applying excess product can actually hinder your skin’s ability to absorb beneficial ingredients, leading to congestion and a dull appearance. To maximize the effectiveness of your moisturizer, apply a blueberry-sized amount to your face, neck, and décolletage with gentle, upward motions. This technique not only stimulates circulation but also enhances your skin’s glow. You might adore the Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Hydrator, a lightweight vegan gel-cream that rejuvenates dull skin. Natalie also suggests the Firm Skin Acai Moisturizer, which utilizes botanical hyaluronic acid for a plumping effect.

For body care, a cherry-sized amount of moisturizer can be applied to combat dryness anywhere on the body. Apply generously to legs, arms, hands, neck, elbows, and stomach. The Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Body Lotion is a delightful choice, providing full-body hydration thanks to its blend of aloe, panthenol, and a Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex that locks in moisture.

Gentle Care for Your Delicate Eye Area

Grain of rice amount for each eye

The skin around your eyes is the thinnest and most delicate on your face, making it prone to dryness, puffiness, dark circles, and visible signs of aging. Eye creams are rich in vitamins and nutrients designed to hydrate and soothe the skin, while also minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Given the fragility of this area, it’s essential to apply eye cream with care. A pea-sized amount is usually sufficient for both eyes. We recommend dispensing one pump of your chosen eye cream and gently patting it around the skin, avoiding any pulling or stretching.

Learn the proper application techniques by watching this informative video from Natalie:

Essential Sun Protection: How Much SPF to Use

Pea-sized amount
1/4 to 1/2 tsp of the Radiant Protection SPF Fluid

Applying sunscreen is a crucial step in any skin care routine. Adequate sun protection is vital to shield your skin from irreversible damage caused by UV rays. Whether you opt for a physical (mineral) or chemical sunscreen, this step is non-negotiable. But how much sunscreen should you apply? A pea-sized amount of our all-mineral SPF moisturizers is ideal for covering both the face and neck. For our Radiant Protection SPF Fluid, we recommend using between 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon. For a visual demonstration on how to apply sunscreen correctly, check out Natalie’s informative video.

Optimize Your Routine: When to Apply Your Skin Care Products

The timing of your skin care application is just as crucial as the quantity of product you use. While many skin care products should be used both morning and night, there are additional weekly and monthly treatments that can enhance your daily routine. Here’s a detailed guide on when to incorporate each product:

Daily Application (Morning and Night)

• Cleanser
• Toner
• Serum/Oil/Concentrate
• Moisturizer
• Eye Cream
• SPF
• Weekly (1-2 Times)
• Exfoliate (after toning)
• Mask (after toning and/or exfoliating)

Monthly and Seasonal Treatments

To discover the perfect products suited for your skin care routine, visit an Eminence Organics Spa Partner — utilize our Spa Locator to find a spa near you.

*Does not contain live probiotic cultures.

This article was originally written in October 2016.