Is Skincare Microdosing the Secret to a Flawless Complexion?
More is better, right?
Not always, it turns out. Especially when it comes to skincare.
Overdosing on your retinol serums and glycolic acid-infused oils can actually reverse the effects of those skincare products, causing redness, itching, flaking, and burning instead.
Does that mean the less-is-more methodology works better? Possibly! And that's where the principles of skincare microdosing come in. And no, we're not referring to psychedelics.
WHAT IS SKINCARE MICRODOSING?
Microdosing is, essentially, a minimal approach to certain skincare actives.
Instead of overloading the skin with the highest concentration of active ingredients like retinol, glycolic acid, and lactic acid, microdosing focuses on deploying a lower percentage -- and applying it more regularly rather than every few days.
Doing this enables greater toleration to active ingredients, keeping the skin healthy, glowing, and irritation-free, all while enjoying the benefits of the ingredient.
According to New York-based dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, "The ingredients most amenable to microdosing are those that are more likely to cause skin irritation when used haphazardly, such as retinoids/retinols, hydroxy acids, and antioxidants like vitamin C."
He adds, "Each holds the promise of fresher, healthier, younger-appearing skin, but the delivery is slow and sustained."
WHY MICRODOSING WORKS SO WELL
All skin types can benefit from microdosing -- particularly sensitive skin.
The microdosing skincare technique is the most effective way to deliver key ingredients like retinoids and acids to the skin without risking adverse effects like dryness, redness, and flaking.
"It’s very common to see people become overzealous with several high-strength products in one routine," says Andre Condit, formulator and founder of Spectacle Skincare. "The skin can only accept so much before you start to create an inflammatory response, which is the opposite of what we are looking to achieve. The skincare journey should be a slow, steady marathon for lifelong results."
And skincare really does work best when applied consistently.
Maintaining an effective skincare regimen and sticking to it will give you the great skin you seek.
Applying too much at once will only end up hurting your skin and in the end, you may not even want to re-use a product if it gives you such unpleasant side effects. That's why microdosing works so well. You get to reap the benefits from a product slowly but surely with a much lower chance of experiencing negative effects from it. Niiiice!
WHAT SKINCARE PRODUCTS TO MICRODOSE
The best candidates for microdosing are those with potent ingredients. Take a look at some of these Truly products that work best with the microdosing method. Make these part of your skincare routine and you'll have a radiant complexion in no time!
Truly's Vegan Collagen Bundle Products
Featuring a facial cleanser, serum, mask, and body lotion, all products in the Vegan Collagen Kit contain two active ingredients that perform best when applied in microdoses: retinol and vitamin C. And these are two ingredients you want in your corner!
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps protect skin cells from UV-induced damage. It also promotes collagen production to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging.
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative proven to boost collagen production and speed cell turnover for younger, brighter, better skin.
How to use: For best results, use all the products in the kit on a daily basis. Apply a small amount of each product to enjoy the benefits and lessen your risk of irritation.
Truly's Anti-Blemish Facial Kit
While it's an effective 4-step routine for battling breakouts, this Anti-Blemish Kit contains several actives that must be applied with care: salicylic acid, glycolic acid, retinol, and vitamin C.
Inside, you'll find a facial cleanser, facial serum, facial mask, and toner. Together, these products help draw out impurities, exfoliate away dead skin, prevent pimples, and promote hydration.
However, they really work the best when applied in precise amounts.
How to use: Apply the cleanser, toner, and serum on a daily basis, using only a minimum quantity. Use the face mask 1-2 times each week, applying a very thin layer in accordance with the rules of microdosing.
From your cleansers to your moisturizers to your hydrating serums, if a product contains actives, stick to microdosing for the most positive effects. It is even more crucial if it's your first time using retinol. That's when your skin's most prone to experiencing negative reactions.
Even if the product contains a nourishing ingredient that hydrates like jojoba oil, if it also contains actives, avoid going overboard. Less is still more, remember!
ARE THERE ANY SKINCARE PRODUCTS YOU SHOULDN'T MICRODOSE?
Absolutely -- sunscreen!
All beauty industry experts agree that if there’s one product you should take an opposite approach to, it’s sunscreen. More-is-more should definitely be your attitude when it comes to sun protection.
"One of the worst approaches is putting sunscreen on in the morning and calling it a day," says skincare expert Dr. Barbara Sturm. "Sweating and other influences reduce its protective effects and expose you to the premature aging and cancer-causing rays you may have thought you’d checked the box on. The more broad-spectrum sunscreen you apply, and constantly reapply, the better."
Invest in a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen. Or SPF 50 if you're fair-skinned. Apply a thick coating 20-30 minutes before leaving the house to ensure it sinks into the skin and works optimally. Re-apply throughout the day for consistent protection.
You'll often find that the less you do and put on your skin, the better it'll look. No, seriously. Take Botox, for instance. Injecting more of the substance into your skin doesn't necessarily mean the result will look better. In most cases, too much Botox looks straight up terrible.
Well, the same applies with active ingredients in skincare products. Overdo it and instead of clarified, radiant skin, you'll end up with itching, scarlet-hued, flaking skin.
That's why skincare microdosing is becoming so popular. It really could be the secret to a flawless complexion.
