Do you know how much of your skincare and SPF you should actually be applying? If not, and it turns out you're under or over-applying your products, your skin could be suffering for it.
"Under-applying your skincare will lead to sub-optimal results, while over-applying runs the risk of irritation, with unhappy, red and dry skin," says cosmetic dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting.
To address the issue, Dr Bunting has a trick, dubbed the "13 dot technique", which will ensure you never apply the wrong amount of skincare again. And, it's super simple. All you need are your fingers, a biro and, of course, your skincare products of choice.
Dr Bunting demonstrated the technique on Instagram using SPF, though it supposedly works with any product that needs an all-over application, like cleanser.
In the video, you see Dr Bunting apply a few pumps of product into the palm of her hand, but rather than rubbing it into her skin straight away, she applies small dots to specific areas of her face instead. There are three dots for the forehead, three dots down each cheekbone, one dot either side of the nose and two dots on the chin. Then, any residue left on the hands is used to blend the product in.
View full post on InstagramSo why is this approach helpful? "How you apply a product is almost as important as what’s in it: it’s vital you quantify the amount you use (so you can be systematic about it)", explains Dr Bunting. "But it’s also imperative that you apply a product evenly, like you’re painting a wall. I find a structured approach works best, which is why my 13 Dot Technique makes it simple. It ensures the product doesn't end up absorbed into the palms of the hands too."
When it comes to potent, active skincare - for example retinoids - Dr Bunting also has a technique you can use, this time involving a biro. Many brands advocate a pea-sized amount of product, but Dr Bunting visually communicates this to her patients by drawing a 2-inch long line on the patient's finger.
"It’s important to dose active skincare like retinol to ensure skin has time to adapt and acquire tolerance over a sensible period. For the first two weeks, I typically suggest using approximately ¼ gm of product, which is a pea-sized amount, every other day, before slowly building up to daily use and doubling the quantity. I demonstrate the right amount by drawing a line on the patient's fingertip."
Dr Bunting developed the techniques after feedback from patients who kept asking for a way to take out the guesswork from their skincare routine. "I think that most people apply product inconsistently because they lack clear guidance and a structured routine. This is one of the most valuable things we offer at the clinic - a prescriptive skincare routine with explicit guidance on how to use everything."
