How Much Moisturizer Should I Apply Daily?
Here's How Much Moisturizer You're Actually Supposed to Use
Have you ever wondered how much moisturizer you should be applying every time you moisturize? The directions on most jars will tell you when to put it on, like in the morning and at night, but they rarely indicate the dollop size of cream you're supposed to be rubbing all over your face in order to prevent dryness and keep your skin happy.
To answer that question (and to hopefully help you ration properly), we reached out to Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist.
"About a nickel-sized amount of moisturizer should be a good amount for your face," Dr. Garshick said. "If you are including your neck, it may be best to use about a quarter-sized amount to ensure you have enough for the whole area."
She added that, no matter the type of moisturizer, you should aim to achieve a "nice, even layer" on your skin. However, if you have areas of dryness on your face, a slightly thicker layer of moisturizer may be used in those spots to help remedy the issue.
Remember, similar to how undermoisturizing can contribute toward issues like dryness and irritation for your skin, applying too much moisturizer can also cause problems.
"Using too much moisturizer can lead to difficulty with absorption and lead to a sticky or oily residue on the surface, can make it harder to apply additional products such as sunscreen or makeup on top, and can sometimes lead to clogged pores, depending on the skin type, type of moisturizer, or product used," Dr. Garshick explained.
As for how frequently you should be moisturizing? That answer may change based on your skin type and personal skin needs, but Dr. Garshick said it's generally best to moisturize one to two times a day.
If you're unsure what routine (and products!) will best serve your skin, reach out to your dermatologist for personalized advice.
