Remember that episode of FRIENDS where Ross is really upset because his sandwich has gone missing? While we may not feel so strongly about sandwiches, one kind of ‘sandwich’ that has caught our eye is the ‘moisture sandwich’.
It’s another week and another skincare technique is doing the rounds. ‘Moisture sandwiching’ seems to be the latest trend and everyone from skincare experts to skinfluencers is talking about it.
Though the name is pretty self-explanatory, the technique entails ‘sandwiching’, or ‘locking in’ the moisture into your skin by way of layering products, trapping in the moisture and reducing transepidermal water loss. Sounds great in theory, but how does it work?
Getting b-ready
When moisture sandwiching, use lightweight, water-based products on damp skin and stack on something thicker a bit later. This ensures that the water gets locked into your skin, resulting in a happy, dewy and healthy glow. The technique can be slightly altered and used for your lips as well, giving you the same result.
For your one-way ticket to plump central, dab some tap water onto your lips, followed by a simple moisturiser before layering on a thick lip balm. By dampening your mouth before application, you’re giving the humectants (or water-loving ingredients) ample opportunity to hold onto your lips for longer. By using something occlusive, aka a thick lip balm, you’re protecting your lips from the evaporation of water, giving a hydro-boost to your lips, allowing them to heal. According to Dr Madhu Chopra, MBBS DORL & Managing Director at Studio Aesthetique, using glycerine and sugar as a scrub cleanser before moisture sandwiching is a great way to prep your lips to hold on to the hydration.
Jam-packed
When it comes to your face, the technique varies according to your skin type. For instance, individuals with acne-prone skin should not opt for any rich creams that may result in breakouts. For dry skin ladies, Dr Madhu recommends adding a face (coconut) oil with a soft wipe or cotton after dampening your skin, and a moisturiser with a texture more like a balm which could be your saving grace.
Something to keep in mind when moisture sandwiching your face, is to apply your moisturiser of choice to skin that has been dampened with a mist, rather than tap water. Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, Medical Director & Founder of Isaac Luxe mentions that more often than not, individuals forget to slather up their necks as well. And when choosing the products to include (specifically for acne-prone skin), it’s important to consult a dermatologist before using products that may be recommended. Keeping the weather in mind while following this technique is also important.
Is this something your skin will loaf?
The benefits of this technique are definitely worth a mention. Including it in your routine essentially makes your products work harder for your skin. Product penetration is essential to make a difference to you skin and this helps you do exactly that. Apart from being highly effective and giving you a glow, moisture sandwiching also doesn’t require much commitment, and is light on the pocket too.
Let’s slice it down, what’s the catch?
It’s important to keep in mind that moisture sandwiching may not be a fool-proof method – climatic conditions, different skin types and products being used on the daily also have to be factored in. So it’s best to keep these in mind and alternate your routine accordingly. Dr Geetika advises staying away from retinol, harsh exfoliating agents, or other active ingredients while moisture sandwiching. She mentions that using the right products and agents with this technique can significantly increase the innate water trapped within the skin’s layers.
