Moisture sandwiching was a Korean skin care trend that became all the buzz on social media earlier this year. I just love this application of skincare, and I have always applied mine this way.

How does it work?

Applying serums and moisturisers immediately after cleansing without patting skin dry so the skin is still damp upon application. It follows the Korean three-second rule of moving on to the next product three seconds after washing the face. Damp skin is more receptive and will help get the most out of the skin care routine.

The idea behind this trend mainly lied within trapping moisture into the skin to prevent transepidermal water loss, and keep the skin looking glowing and hydrated. Moisture sandwiching can be done with tap water or a skin care mist we love our Sothys Lotions for this step.

It is recommended that the skin is damp from the first cleanse prior to applying active and hydrating products. The flow of each product supports an enhanced result that locks in moisture and “sandwiches” the accumulative benefits of the formulations.

Retinol sandwiching on the other hand is quite literally sandwiching your retinol between two layers of moisturiser to help avoid retinol burns or irritation. This method of using retinol can also lessen any discomfort that may happen during the initial use of retinol which can cause dry, flaky skin.

The Benefits of Retinol

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that is best known for its anti-aging benefits. Retinol decreases melanin synthesis while also aiding in skin cell proliferation, leading it to even skin tone and texture. It also exfoliates the skin and increases collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. On top of helping with ageing, this ingredient has been known to aid with acne and unclog pores as well. Retinol is often added to creams, serums and lotions when it comes to skin care. 

5 Step Retinol Sandwiching Routine

1. Cleanse your skin

2. Apply a layer of moisturiser to damp skin

3. Allow this to dry completely

4. Apply your retinol

5. After giving retinol time to absorb, finish your skin care with a second layer of moisturiser.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-white-plastic-bottle-4938450/