How to Use Skin Care Ampoules

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If you love keeping your skin clear and healthy, ampoules can be an excellent addition to your skincare regimen. Ampoules are a Korean skin care product that have a higher concentration of active ingredients, such as vitamin C, that help promote skin health and may reduce signs of aging. To apply them directly, massage the ampoules into your skin. You can also add a few drops to moisturizers and foundations. If ampoules work for your skin, you may begin seeing results in only a few weeks.

Using an Ampoule in Your Skincare Routine

  1. Cleanse your face and apply a toner.
  2. Massage a few drops of the ampoule into your skin until it’s fully absorbed.
  3. Finish your skincare routine with a serum, essence, or moisturizer.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Applying Ampoules Directly

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    Before you apply any products to your skin, you should always wash your face. Use your regular cleanser and lukewarm water to give your face a gentle, thorough washing, making sure to remove any makeup during the process. [1]
    • If you don't have a regular skin care cleanser, you can pick one up at a department store or drug store. Go for a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser with a smaller ingredients list that’s made specifically for your skin type--sensitive, dry, oily, or acne-prone, or normal. [2]
    • Wash your hands thoroughly before washing your face.
    • Avoid using hot water to wash your face, as it can dry out your skin.
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    A toner is a product designed to balance the pH of your skin. Applications vary by type, so look at your product's instructions, but toner is usually applied with a cotton pad. However, you usually massage a small amount of toner into your face using your fingers. [3]
    • Look for a toner that contains antioxidants, as this is particularly good for your skin.
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    Ampoules are sold in different containers. Most have a small dropper found under the lid. Unscrew the lid and squeeze and release the end of the dropper to suck up a small amount of the ampoule. Then, add a few drops to your face. A little bit goes a long way, so stick to small drops. [4]
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    Massage it gently onto a small area of your inner forearm twice a day for 4-5 days. If you have no adverse reaction -- like irritated skin or hives--you can start using them on your face.
    • If you do have an adverse reaction, stop using the ampoules immediately. If the skin is painful or doesn’t clear up after a few days, see your dermatologist.
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    Massage the product gently into your skin using your fingers. Keep massaging until the ampoule is completely worked into your skin.
    • Always read your package's instructions, as they may provide specifics on the precise amount of ampoules to use.
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    [5] Serum or essences contain ingredients to address specific skin issues. You can purchase a serum to treat any skin problems you have a drug store. For example, if your skin has dark spots, look for a serum or essence designed to target discoloration. Work the serum or essence into your skin to finish up your routine. [6]
    • There isn't a huge difference between serums or essences. Essences tend to be more lightweight, so they're a great choice if you prefer lighter products.
    • Avoid a serum or essence with the same active ingredients as the ampoule.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Adding Ampoules to Other Products

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    If you don't have time to apply products one by one, you can simply add ampoules to your regular skin cream. Each time you add a dollop of your regular moisturizer to your hand, add a few drops of your chosen ampoules as well. This way, you can quickly apply your ampoules while moisturizing in the morning.
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    Another way to quickly work in ampoules is adding a few drops to your foundation. In addition to saving your time, some people find ampoules add a little extra glow to their makeup when added to foundation. They can also help counteract any negative effects makeup has on skin. [8]
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    If you'd prefer to concentrate your ampoules in specific areas, you can work it into your foundation after you've already applied it. Add a few drops of ampoules over your foundation and then press it into your skin with your fingertips. This helps set your makeup and can add an extra glow.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Taking Precautions

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    Any bad reaction you might have to the ampoule should be caught during your 4-5 day testing period, when you apply the ampoule to your forearm. However, if your facial skin reacts badly, developing redness or swelling, stop using the ampoule right away.
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    Luckily, there are a variety of brands of ampoules on the market, so if one doesn't work for your skin, you can try another product. It may take some trial and error to find an ampoule that works for you.
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    Ampoules have very high concentrations of active ingredients. Therefore, the majority of ampoules are meant to be used once or twice a week at most. As ampoules are becoming more popular, however, some are being designed for daily use. Check the label on your ampoule to see how often you should use it.
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    As ampoules have a high concentration of ingredients, spot treatment is better than applying them to your full face. Dab ampoules onto to problems areas, like wrinkles and dark spots, to spot treat your skin. [10]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I use ampoules and serums at the same time?
    Mohiba Tareen, MD
    FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
    Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.
    Mohiba Tareen, MD
    FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
    Expert Answer
    You can, but be careful not to over-exfoliate with multiple other products since it can make your skin red and irritated.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://fashionista.com/2015/02/korean-skin-care-essence-serum
      2. ↑ https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/--small-changes-in-skin-care-routine-can-significantly-improve-skin-affected-by-acne-and-rosacea
      3. ↑ https://fashionista.com/2015/02/korean-skin-care-essence-serum
      4. ↑ https://fashionista.com/2015/02/korean-skin-care-essence-serum
      5. ↑ Mohiba Tareen, MD. FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
      6. ↑ https://fashionista.com/2015/02/korean-skin-care-essence-serum
      7. ↑ Mohiba Tareen, MD. FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
      8. ↑ http://theklog.co/serum-ampoule-booster-differences/
      9. ↑ Mohiba Tareen, MD. FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
      1. ↑ http://theklog.co/serum-ampoule-booster-differences/

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