How to Apply Face Cream

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Ever wondered how to apply face cream in the correct way? It's easy to learn how to pick the face cream that's best for your skin and to apply it properly.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Applying Face Cream

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  1. Wash your face with lukewarm water and a face cleaner suitable for your skin type. Splash your face with cold water and gently pat it dry with a soft towel. [1]
  2. The toner will help restore your skin's pH. It will also help tighten the pores. This is especially important if you plan on wearing makeup later. [3]
    • If you have dry or sensitive skin, opt for an alcohol-free toner.
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  3. Place a tiny amount onto your ring finger, and gently dab the cream under your eyes. Avoid pulling on the skin under your eyes.
    • The ring finger is the weakest finger, making it ideal for the delicate skin under your eyes.
  4. Don't worry if you squeezed out too little. A little bit often goes a long way. You can always apply more later, if necessary. [4]
    • If the cream comes in a jar, then scoop out a small amount using a small spoon or scoop. This will prevent your fingers from contaminating the product inside the jar. You can find scoops at most beauty supply stores.
  5. Dab the cream onto your face in small dots. Focus on trouble areas, such as the cheeks and forehead. Avoid areas that tend to get very oily, such as the creases to either side of your nostrils.
    • If you have combination skin, focus more on the dry areas and less on the oily areas.
  6. Gently massage the cream into your skin using small, upward, circular motions. Never drag downward on your skin. Be sure to leave a ½ inch (1.27 centimeter) margin around your eyes. Most face creams are not suitable for the delicate, sensitive skin around your eyes.
  7. Look over your face. If there are any bare patches on your face, apply a little bit more cream. Don't slather the cream on, however; more cream is not necessarily better or more effective.
  8. Many people tend to forget this area. The skin on your neck is delicate, and tends to age the fastest. It needs some attention as well.
  9. Look over your face carefully. If you notice any clumps or lumps of cream, gently dab those off using a tissue. This is excess cream.
  10. During this time, you can do your hair or brush your teeth. You can also start putting on your lower garments, such as underwear, socks, pants, and skirts. This way, you won't risk rubbing off your face cream and getting it on everything else.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Choosing a Face Cream

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  1. Your skin might change as the seasons go by. For example, it might be more dry in the winter and more oily during the summer. As such, the face cream that you use in the winter might not be suitable during the summer. It might be a good idea to switch your face creams out with the seasons. [5]
    • If your skin is dry, especially during the winter, opt for a richer, moisturizing face cream.
    • If your skin is oily, especially during the summer, opt for a light-weight face cream or moisturizing gel.
  2. This is great for those who wish to even out their skin tone but don't want to wear makeup. Choose a moisturizer that matches your skin type and skin tone.
    • Most tinted moisturizers come in three basic skin tones: light, medium, and dark. Some companies might offer a wider range of skin tones.
    • If you tend to have oily skin, consider getting a tinted moisturizer with a matte finish.
    • If you tend to have dull or dry skin, consider getting a tinted moisturizer with a dewy or luminizing finish. This is also great for giving any skin type that healthy glow during the winter months.
  3. Sunlight provides lots of vitamin D, which is essential for skin health; however, too much sunlight can also cause wrinkles and other skin damage. Protect your skin by wearing a face cream with some SPF in it. [6] You will not only be moisturizing your skin, but protecting it from the sun's harmful rays as well.
  4. If you have oily skin or acne, you might still want to use some sort of face cream or moisturizer. [7] If your skin becomes too dry, it will produce even more oil. A face cream will keep this from happening. Here are some things you should look for:
    • Look for face creams that say they are meant for oily skin (or acne) on the label.
    • Opt for a light-weight, moisturizing gel instead.
    • Consider getting a matte-finish cream. It will help reduce shine and make your skin appear less oily.
  5. [8] Look for products that say they are intended for dry skin. If you can't find any, then look for labels that say "hydrating" or "moisturizing."
  6. Read the labels carefully, and avoid buying anything that has too many chemicals; many of these chemicals can be problematic for sensitive skin types. Consider instead creams that have soothing ingredients, such as aloe or calendula.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Do I need to apply face cream every day?
    Community Answer
    Yes, unless the directions on the bottle say otherwise. It can balance out your skin's pH levels.
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 16
  • Question
    Did I need to wash my face after applying the cream?
    Community Answer
    No. The cream is meant to saturate your skin. Leave it on.
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  • Question
    What can I do if I have a lot of acne?
    Community Answer
    Try washing and moisturizing your face once a day, and use a charcoal exfoliator. A DIY face mask might also help. You can find instructions on how to make them here on wikiHow, or on YouTube.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      Tips

      • If you got a new face cream that you have not used before, consider doing a patch test first to see whether or not you are allergic to it. Dab a small amount on the inside of your elbow and wait 24 hours. If no redness or irritation occurs, you can safely use the cream. [9]
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      • If you are using a new face cream, give it about two weeks before deciding whether or not you will continue using it. Not all cream will work right away; sometimes, you skin needs time to adjust. [10]
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      • Everyone's skin is different. What works for your friend or family member may not necessarily work for you. Always get a face cream for your skin type. You may have to try a few different ones before you find one that's right for you.
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      Warnings

      • Do not wear face creams to sleep unless they are labeled as a "night cream." Normal face creams are usually too heavy to be worn at night. They can block your pores and prevent them from breathing.
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      • Be sure to read the ingredient list when buying a new face cream. Some face creams may contain ingredients that you might be allergic to, such as nut butters.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Face wash
      • Water
      • Towel
      • Toner and cotton ball/pad (optional but recommended)
      • Face cream

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      References

      1. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/skin-tips.html
      2. ↑ Lydia Shedlofsky, DO. Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 14 May 2021.
      3. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-does-toner-do/
      4. ↑ https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2006/0301/p810.html
      5. ↑ https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-care/skin-care-for-every-season
      6. ↑ Lydia Shedlofsky, DO. Dermatologist. Expert Interview. 14 May 2021.
      7. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/oily-skin
      8. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5849435/
      9. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/types/contact-dermatitis/patch-testing-rash
      1. ↑ Huffington Post, How to Moisturize Your Face

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To apply face cream, start by cleaning your hands and face with lukewarm water and a suitable cleanser. After a gentle towel-dry, squeeze a pea-sized amount of face cream onto the back of your hand and dab the cream onto your face in small dots, avoiding areas that tend to get oily. Next, blend the cream in with your fingers, using small, upward circular motions, then consider using some of your cream on your neck. Lastly, wait for your skin to absorb the cream before putting on makeup. To learn how to choose a face cream, keep reading!

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