I’m back! I had a few long weeks of chaos, vacationing and coming down with The Actual Plague, but I’m here with something fun today.
You know that saying, “less is more?”
Well, when it comes to skincare, I tend to disagree.
Generally speaking, my skincare mantra is “more is more.”
So today, I’m going to do my best to convert you guys to my More is More Cult of Skincare.
(Don’t worry, there’s no Kool-Aid or weird sex stuff.)
Why I Love the “More is More” Way Of Life
The whole idea behind “less is more” is conscientiousness, frugality and simplicity. While I understand that and subscribe to that way of thinking for things like jewelry, makeup and the junk I keep in my car, I’m not a fan of this mindset for skincare.
Before you ask, yes, I do have limits. I do not think anyone needs 20 hydrating toners or 12 types of face wash.
That being said, when it comes to slapping products on my face…well. More is more, friends.
I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t benefit from an extra layer of hydrating toner or a few more drops of this serum and that essence. What’s better than five layers of watery toner? SEVEN OF COURSE.
(I’m not crazy! That’s the idea behind the 3-, 5- and 7-Skin Method. Check out this awesome Glow Recipe write up about it!)
The same goes for most essences, serums and ampoules. You probably don’t need seven layers…but a few extra drops can’t hurt! The point here is to maximize the absorption (and FUN) of every single product you use. When you skimp on product, you miss spots or tug the product across your skin so sparsely that you can’t get all of the benefits.
How “More is More” Can Help Your Skin
First of all, just say it out loud to yourself a couple of times. It’s fun. It sounds like it’s going to be awesome, right?
The concept of going a little crazy with the thinner, more watery products in your arsenal is ideal for anyone with dehydrated or dry skin. Dehydrated skin always needs more water, and dry skin always needs more moisture.
Normal and oily skin types can benefit from this too, but you guys may want to start the party a little slower until you know how the extra layers will affect your skin.
Other than the fun, luxury aspect of it, adding extra layers will make you pay more attention to the state of your skin. You’ll take more time patting in each layer, and you’ll start to be able to notice when your skin is feeling hydrated enough to move on.
Extra layers always make me slow down and relax a little more, too. I’m gonna be there for awhile, so I should at least enjoy it, right?
When More Actually Isn’t More
There are times when you actually shouldn’t go wild with products.
(See? I totally do have limits. I’m very responsible.)
A lot of times, these cases where you should apply sparingly are also the times where we tend to think that more is better.
Chemical exfoliants, scrubs, and clay masks are a few examples of the whole “more is not more” idea. As much as you (ahem…who am I kidding, we) want to go hard in the acids and scrubs, most of the time this actually ends up hurting your skin. Acids should be used sparingly and carefully, and scrubs and clay masks should too.
Too much harsh and drying product is a recipe for an angry, flaky disaster on your face.
In the case of redness and flakes…more is NOT more.
Tell me what you think!
How do you feel about my “more is more” approach to skincare? Do you agree that we should go wild? Or do you like the Spartan, efficient method? Let me know in the comments!