Damp or Dry Skin?
Putting serums on dry or damp skin will dramatically influence how much is absorbed and how fast it is absorbed. You can alter how well your skin care routine works by the type of water you wash with, the temperature of water you use, and how damp your skin is when you apply skin care products.
Wet skin allows hydrophilic ingredients like Vitamin C pass faster through the skin.
Warm wet skin lets even more serum pass through.
Oils, on the other hand, absorb slower on wet or damp skin because they are lipophilic.
Should I Put Vitamin C on Damp or Dry Skin?
Vitamin C is a hydrophilic ingredient. It should be placed on skin after it is cleansed with warm water and ideally a low pH cleanser. (Cleanser choice depends upon your Baumann Skin Type.)
Pat skin dry so that it is still damp and apply the Vitamin C serum before the skin dries. Cover with a moisturizer.
Learn more here about why applying Vitamin C to damp skin is better.
ascorbic acid, vitamin c
What is Damp Skin?
The word “damp” originates from the Middle Low German word “damp”, which means “vapor” or “steam.” The term began to be used in the English language around the mid-14th century. Initially, it referred to noxious vapors—often those found in mines—and later evolved to represent the broader concept of moisture or humidity. Today, “damp” is commonly used to describe something that is slightly wet, such as skin after a shower or grass after a light rain.
Damp skin is a term used to describe skin that is slightly wet or moist, often right after bathing or washing. Imagine the state of your skin after you’ve stepped out of the shower and lightly towel-dried; it’s not dripping wet, but there’s still some residual moisture. This is damp skin.
Why applying Products on Damp Skin is Good?
There are two main reasons:
Increased penetration of ingredients
Easier spreadability of creams and serums
Increased penetration of ingredients
The residual moisture on skin can be beneficial for skin care product application as products can absorb more effectively on damp skin.
Better spreadability
When skin is damp, the presence of a thin layer of water can significantly enhance the spreadability of creams. To understand this, it’s helpful to think about how water behaves. It has a certain fluidity that allows it to spread across surfaces with ease, including the skin. When you apply a cream onto damp skin, the cream mixes slightly with this water layer. This mixture, being more fluid than the cream alone, spreads more easily across the skin’s surface.
The water essentially acts as a temporary carrier for the cream, helping it disperse evenly. As the water begins to evaporate, it leaves the cream behind on the skin. This improved spreadability not only ensures a more even application of the product but can also make the application process feel more pleasant, contributing to the overall skincare experience.
niacinamide
Should I Put Niacinamide on Damp or Dry Skin?
Niacinamide is hydrophilic and should be placed on damp skin. Niacinamide is a PAR-2 blocker used to lighten skin, decrease inflammation and increase cellular energy stores.
retinol
Should I Put Retinol on Damp or Dry Skin?
If the skin is warm or damp, more retinol is absorbed. if you are having retinol side effects, then dry skin more thoroughly after cleansing before you continue with your skin care routine steps. To learn more about when to apply retinol in your skin care routine, read this blog.
salicylic acid
Should I Put BHA (Salicylic Acid) on Damp or Dry Skin?
I prefer giving my patients a salicylic acid cleanser rather than a BHA cream if they are a Baumann Skin Type that needs BHA. If you are using a BHA toner, cream or serum, I recommend applying t to dry skin to prevent skin irritation. Make sure you are using the best skin care routine for your Baumann Skin Type.
benzoyl peroxide
Should I Put Benzoyl Peroxide on Damp or Dry Skin?
Always let skin dry before applying benzoyl peroxide. It can be very irritating and putting it on wet skin increases absorption. Keep in mind that if you use a skin care product with hyaluronic acid in it after applying the BP product, it will increase benzoyl peroxide absorption and increase the chances of side effects.
Should I Put Skin Medications or Skin Treatments on Damp or Dry Skin?
All medications except retinoids and benzoyl peroxide should be placed on clean skin that is still damp and warm from washing. This will help absorption.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
