11 Skincare Hacks for Smooth, Clear, Radiant Skin
At Biossance, we believe in working smarter, not harder. That’s why our sugarcane squalane in every formula we create. Not only does it mimic your body’s natural moisture, it drives active ingredients 40x deeper, making them work harder so you get more out of your skincare.
But squalane is just the beginning. As skincare experts, we’ve discovered a plethora of tips and tricks that can help you get more out of your skincare with minimal effort on your part. Today, we’re sharing our 11 skincare hacks to help you get more value out of your products while also promoting smoother, clearer, more radiant skin.
1. USE ONE TOWEL FOR YOUR FACE, ANOTHER FOR YOUR HANDS AND BODY
A damp towel offers the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Using the same towel for your face as you do for your hands or body can transfer these microscopic nasties to your face, which can potentially cause acne. In addition, the products you use on your hair, hands, and body aren’t always the friendliest to your face. This can lead to irritation and clogged pores, creating the perfect conditions for a breakout.
Of course, bacteria and fungi can live on your face, too. Be sure to wash your facial towel every few days to prevent these microorganisms from causing problems.
2. APPLY PRODUCTS LIGHTEST TO HEAVIEST
If you use a layered routine, apply your products in order of lightest to heaviest consistency. The order should be as follows:
Cleanser, Toner, Serum, Moisturizer, Eye, Oil
Can’t remember? Stick a Post-It to your mirror as a reminder.
3. APPLY SERUMS AND OILS DIRECTLY TO YOUR FACE
You’re looking to treat your face, not the palms of your hands. But applying serums and oils to your fingers and palms means that valuable product isn’t being absorbed in the right place.
Instead, apply serums and oils directly to your face before massaging or pressing into the skin to ensure no product is wasted. Just be sure not to touch the dropper to your face so you don’t transfer bacteria into the product.
4. CHILL FACIAL TOOLS BEFORE USING
Chilling your facial roller or gua sha can help relieve puffiness by constricting blood vessels and reducing inflammation. It may also cause pores to temporarily appear smaller, making the skin look firmer and smoother.
It also feels amazing on a hot day, or after a late night.
5. TRADE EYE MAKEUP REMOVER FOR A DOUBLE CLEANSE
You don’t really need to use eye makeup remover. While it’s important to gently remove your eye makeup every night, an effective cleansing oil – such as our Antioxidant Cleansing Oil – will dissolve even waterproof makeup.
Many people also make the mistake of using eye makeup remover to take off the rest of their makeup. But formulas meant only for eyes tend to use heavier oils that can clog your pores. Instead, clean out pores with a satisfying double cleanse using cleansing oil, followed by a gel cleanser.
Much like sweeping before you mop, a double cleanse ensures you’re actually cleaning your face. We recommend following our Antioxidant Cleansing Oil with our Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser for a powerful deep clean along with a burst of soothing hydration.
6. MASSAGE EXCESS PRODUCT INTO THE BACKS OF YOUR HANDS
Between frequent handwashing and near-constant UV exposure, the backs of your hands take a beating. Give them some daily TLC by massaging any excess product you find on your fingertips into your hands. Not only does help to avoid waste, it can also keep your hands moisturized, hydrated, and younger-looking.
7. APPLY TONERS + TREATMENTS CONTAINING HYALURONIC ACID TO A DAMP FACE
Hyaluronic acid hydrates by bonding with water molecules from the environment and pulling them into the top layer of your skin. Toners and treatments containing hyaluronic acid – such as our Hyaluronic Acid Facial Mist, BHA Pore Minimizing Toner, and Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum – should therefore be applied to a damp face. This enables the hyaluronic acid to bond with those water molecules, maximizing its plumping, hydrating effects.
8. SANITIZE YOUR PHONE DAILY
Scientists from the University of Arizona recently found that the average person’s cell phone is 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat. The bacteria picked up by your hands ends up on your phone while you’re using the touch screen and can then be transferred to your face when you pick up a call, potentially causing bacterial infections and breakouts.
Keep your face clean by washing your hands multiple times a day and wiping down your phone daily using a cotton pad saturated with a mixture of 60% rubbing alcohol and 40% water. And while you’re at it, it’s not a bad idea to wipe down your sunglasses and eyeglasses, too.
9. GIVE YOURSELF A QUICK FACIAL MASSAGE WHILE CLEANSING
No time to gua sha? Multitask by giving yourself a quick facial massage with your fingertips while cleansing. Not only will this increase circulation, but it also helps work cleanser into your pores for a satisfying deep clean.
10. GIVE PRODUCTS TIME TO ABSORB
While treatments containing hyaluronic acid should be applied to a face that’s still damp from cleansing or toning, using your serum, moisturizer, and facial oil in quick succession an prevent products from absorbing properly. This not only wastes product, it can also prevent you from getting the skincare benefits that inspired you to use those products in the first place.
It’s best to wait 30-60 seconds between these steps to give the product time to completely absorb.
11. DRINK MORE WATER
While drinking more water won’t magically turn back the clock on fine lines and wrinkles, staying hydrated enables your body’s largest organ function as it should and can help prevent dehydrated skin.
Drinking water, limiting alcohol, and eating a diet rich in healthy fats can help keep your skin hydrated, healthy, and radiant.
As a lifestyle writer and journalist, I love sharing my passion for ocean conservation and obsession with clean beauty. I’ve tried almost every trend and ingredient, and Biossance’s science-backed formulas are the only ones that consistently calm my reactive skin and make it smoother, clearer, and healthier. I’m so excited to be on this journey of skincare innovation with Biossance, and to share it with you!
