A trending hack on TikTok, wet skincare is not a new concept, even if it’s currently getting a lot of airtime right now. The idea is simple - skincare products are applied to damp skin rather than dry skin. Rather than waiting for the skin to dry before applying your moisturisers and serums, produces are layered while your skin is still damp.
The goal of wet skincare is to help products absorb more easily into the skin. When products are applied to dry skin, it becomes much harder to penetrate through the skin’s barrier. When applied to damp skin, on the other hand, moisture is trapped into the skin, increasing the effects of your products.
Wet Skincare - The Ultimate Hydration Boost
What do the experts say about wet skincare and why should you be using this skin hack? Let’s take a look.
In their guide to damp skincare, Healthline interviewed board-certified dermatologist Dr Dina Strachan. She explained that moisturisers help to hydrate, lock in hydration or perform both actions.
She adds, “Some skin care products, such as moisturizers, work better when applied to damp skin as part of their function is to seal moisture in. When skin is already damp, it’s hydrated. The moisturizer can then either provide more hydration or just seal it in.”
Products containing humectants, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, actively absorb water into the skin, making serums work especially well when applied to damp skin.
To get the most from this hack, you’ll need to follow the three-second rule. This rule is commonly used in K-Beauty routines (and we know how well those work for glowing skin). It’s a very simple rule. Once your skin has been cleansed, there is a three-second window to apply your moisturiser.
That doesn’t mean your skin needs to be sopping wet, of course. Despite its name, wet skincare is about adding any product to damp skin. Use a damp cloth and make sure that your skin is evenly damp to avoid any dry patches.
Does it really work, though?
Refinery reporter Jacqueline Kilikita put the trend to the test, sharing her results. She noticed a huge improvement in her skin’s moisture levels. She even noted that she didn’t have to focus on foundation as much as she did before. The many TikTok fans who’ve tried this hack all agree, too… wet skincare is a trend that is well worth trying.
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Sources
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/damp-skin
https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-make-skincare-work-better
https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/applying-skincare-wet-skin-benefits
FAQs and Answers
1. What is wet skincare?
Wet skincare is the practice of applying skincare products, such as moisturisers and serums, to damp skin rather than dry skin. This helps products absorb more effectively and boosts hydration.
2. Why does wet skincare work better than applying products to dry skin?
When applied to damp skin, skincare products can penetrate the skin barrier more easily, trapping moisture and enhancing the effectiveness of active ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
3. What is the three-second rule in wet skincare?
The three-second rule, inspired by K-Beauty routines, suggests applying moisturiser or serum within three seconds of cleansing while the skin is still damp to maximise hydration and absorption.
4. Which ingredients work best with the wet skincare method?
Humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are especially effective when used on damp skin, as they actively absorb and retain moisture in the skin.
5. Does wet skincare require soaking wet skin?
No, wet skincare does not require soaking wet skin. Your skin should be evenly damp, which can be achieved with a damp cloth or by leaving the skin slightly wet after cleansing.
6. What are the benefits of wet skincare?
Wet skincare enhances hydration, improves product absorption, and helps maintain a glowing complexion. Many users report needing less makeup due to improved skin moisture levels.
7. Who recommends wet skincare, and why?
Experts like dermatologist Dr Dina Strachan recommend wet skincare because moisturisers perform better on damp skin, either by adding hydration or sealing it in.
8. What results can you expect from wet skincare?
Many users, including beauty reporters and TikTok enthusiasts, report improved hydration, enhanced skin glow, and reduced reliance on makeup after adopting wet skincare.
