A client's simple comment about her home routine made me rethink my advice

I had a new client come in about two months ago for a facial focused on her dry, flaky skin. We were chatting during the cleanse, and I asked about her current skincare steps at home. She said, 'Oh, I just use that gentle cream cleanser and a thick moisturizer, but I put the moisturizer on while my face is still a little damp from the toner.' I paused my massage for a second because that's such a small, smart detail I realized I wasn't stressing enough. I always tell people to apply to dry skin. Her skin felt so much more hydrated by the end of the service, and I credit her technique. Now I specifically demonstrate that damp-skin method for all my clients with dryness concerns. Has anyone else had a client teach them a better application trick?

3 comments

3 Comments

lisa_grant3mo ago

Ever try it with a serum or does it only work for moisturizer?

jamiesingh3mo ago

Moisture locking is key. That client was onto something big. I see the same principle with concrete, sealing it while it's still curing holds in the strength. Skin probably works in a similar way, trapping that water in. Makes total sense to apply lotion to damp skin. Why don't more people know about this basic hack?

ryanprice1mo ago

Honestly, that concrete comparison is spot on. It's all about locking in that moisture before it has a chance to evaporate. Ngl, I've started doing it with my face wash too, right after I pat dry but my skin is still a little damp. The whole point is you're giving your moisturizer something to seal in, not just sit on top of dry skin. It makes that product work way harder for you, so you're not wasting good stuff. Tbh, it's such a simple change but it really does make a difference over time.