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Searching for a super dewy, glowy complexion? Who isn’t. Enter: moisture sandwiching – aka the simple but effective skincare technique that guarantees radiant, ultra-glossy skin. The. Dream. With the end of summer on the horizon, we’ll do anything to avoid dry winter skin and get that Hailey Bieber doughnut-glaze finish. From tips and tricks to the best products to use, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about moisture sandwiching – you can thank us later.

WHAT IS MOISTURE SANDWICHING?

In short, it’s the art of layering lighter, water-based products onto damp skin and then finishing with a thicker, heavier formula to retain as much moisture as possible. The key to doing this? The three-second rule. A process where you apply your skincare products straight after washing your face without drying your skin. Why? This makes it easier for your skin to absorb the hydrating benefits of your serums, toners and moisturisers. Think of your skin as a sponge: a dry sponge doesn’t absorb liquid, but a slightly damp sponge? It soaks it right up.

WHY IS MOISTURE SANDWICHING GOOD FOR THE SKIN?

If you suffer with dry, dehydrated skin, this technique is the way forward. Following the moisture-sandwiching routine, helps to trap moisture and encourages any active skincare ingredients to deeply penetrate the skin. Plus, if you’re looking at achieving an all-over luminous base, this is IT. Yes, highlighters and brightening foundations help but a super dewy, glowy base starts with your skincare and if it's that solid, you won’t even need to reach for your makeup bag (or as much).

HOW TO MOISTURE SANDWICH?

There are many reasons we can get on board with the moisture sandwiching trend – top two? It’s great for your skin and it’s so simple to achieve.

Firstly, start with a targeting toner suitable for your skin type and quickly follow with a serum. When selecting a serum, opt for something humectant-based (a formula that attracts water from the air or from deeper in the skin), our go-to? Hyaluronic acid.

Next up, is a super-hydrating moisturiser. This is key for optimising the amount of moisture soaking into the skin and soothing any irritation. Top tip? Keep your eyes peeled for water-based creams like Dr. Jart’s Vital Hydra Solution Biome Water Cream.

After all of your hard work, it’s time to call in the big guns, aka – face oils. Think of a face oil like the lid of your water bottle. Its main purpose is to help to lock in moisture and stop anything from leaking out. Simply put – face oil is key to achieving that ultra-hydrated glow. Plus, they also help to top up the oils that naturally occur in our skin, meaning if you have dry, dehydrated skin, they work a treat.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR?

Moisture sandwiching is generally a safe method for all skin types but, there are certain ingredients that should be avoided. Stay clear of retinol-based products, strong acids, or exfoliating serums that can cause irritation to the skin. These are all active ingredients, meaning they should only be applied to dry skin, (if used when skin is damp, you’re at risk of uneven absorption or deeper penetration). If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for oil-free formulas to layer on your skin and use a gentle but effective cleanser to avoid the build-up of sebum, dead skin and bacteria.