Are you overusing skin care products? Here’s how to tell if you’re using too much.

If you’re overdoing it with your skincare products, you might want to tone it down a notch or two, for both your budget and your face.

You might be wasting a lot of money slathering on a product that is already absorbed as much as possible. You can also clog your pores.

And products like retinoids can have even worse problems, as applying too much can irritate the skin. “I always tell my patients that excessive use of retinol, both in the amount applied and the frequency of application, will not accelerate the anti-aging benefits or reduce acne faster,” the dermatologist warned. and clinical instructor Mount Sinai Dr. Rachel Westbay. “This it will only lead to dryness, redness, flaking or burning.

If something is good for your skin, why not better? According to chemist and science educator Michelle Wong, “deposit effectjoin the game.

“This means the ingredients will absorb into the upper layers of the skin and slowly absorb into the lower layers over time. And once the top layers are saturated, nothing more will add much,” said Wong, who is also the founder of Lab Muffin Beauty Science, a resource that explains the science behind beauty products.

“This doesn’t happen with stronger retinoids because they are already very irritating before they reach saturation point. But with many other products, it means that applying something five times a day is not going to be much better than applying it twice.”

If you are concerned about over-application of retinol, in particular, dermatologist Dr. Karyn Grossman provided helpful insight. “We are often told to limit application to ‘the size of a pea’, but some people have no idea how big or small a pea is. So I tell them to think about the size of a mechanical pencil eraser,” said Grossman, who founded skincare company Raf Five. “I recommend placing a small dot on the palm of your hand, then use your finger to tap this dot and blend small amounts onto forehead, cheeks, nose and chin.”

Westbay emphasized that it’s good to start slow. “Start using a retinol product just one or two nights a week at first and increase the frequency,” she advised.

Even the instructor at Mount Sinai noticed this acne treatments are often over-applied. “Unless the product has been specifically designed to cover an entire area, such as a roll-on, it should be applied in a micro-dot amount, like the tip of a pen,” he said.

Other products, even moisturizers, require careful application. “IIf you’re using occlusive moisturizers that can clog pores, applying a very thick layer could lead to acne or other skin blocking issues,” noted the dermatologist. Dr. Jeremy Fenton.

The toner, which can dry out, must also be applied in the correct amount. “I generally recommend using enough product to dampen a cotton ball that can then be dabbed onto desired areas,” said Dr. Courtney Rubin, dermatologist and co-founder of the skincare brand. figure 1. “If you’re not using a cotton ball, probably a dime or nickel in the palm of your hand can then be pressed into the skin.”

Joie Tavernise, esthetician and founder of JTAV Clinical Skincare, cautioned that a little toner goes a long way. “If you see the cotton is dirty after one swipe on your face, you can apply more on a second cotton. Continue until it feels clean after drying your face,” she said.

Serums don’t require a lot of product to be effective, said dermatologist Dr. Nkem Ugonabo, then save by applying with a light touch. “I usually tell my patients that a little goes a long way,” she said. “Usually only a few drops are needed for the entire face. I also recommend applying it with your hands rather than using the dropper and tapping it directly onto your face.

The one exception to these recommendations is sunscreen, which requires a heavier application than you probably realize.

“Most people only apply 25 to 50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen,” the dermatologist said. Dr. Hadley King. “For our body, apply to a small glass and use a nickel on the face.”

But if you overdo it a little, that’s fine, according to Tavernise. “This is the one product you can’t use too much” to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, “and you would have to reapply it throughout the day,” she said.

As long as you’re thinking about how much to apply, it makes sense to also think about the order of application, experts said. “Start with a double cleanse, then a toner, then a treatment product like a serum, and finally a moisturizer with SPF. [sun protection factor] for day or no SPF at night,” suggested esthetician Rachel Roff, founder and CEO of Urban Skin Rx.

Another good rule came from Jennifer Weiss, physician assistant in the Office of Dermatology Medical marble, who said: “A skin care routine should always start with the thinnest products to the thickest. To prevent possible irritation, apply retinol sandwich with moisturizer before and after application.

Many experts offered a “your mileage may vary” caveat, suggesting that you pay attention to each product and how your skin responds to it. “With highly nutritious products, you may not need too much. And other times it’s important to apply liberally, taking extra time to massage a nourishing mixture into the skin,” said the esthetician. Tammy Fender. “I like to see how a product absorbs as I massage it in, giving it time and making sure my skin is enjoying the benefits. Otherwise, you risk over-application.

Being cautious and paying attention can save you money in the long run, experts say. Dermatologist Dr. Ksenia Kobets offered this advice: “Of course, companies want you to sell their products faster so you can buy more. But a lot of times if you take out your serum or eye cream, you can do half a pump and see if it spreads over both eyes. If there is additional product that does not absorb after a few minutes, you may have applied too much. And if you notice new bumps, whiteheads or breakouts, reconsider how much you’re using.”

Dermatologist Dr. Michele Enrico agree. “If you’ve just applied moisturizer and your skin is really sticky and sticky and oily, then chances are you’ve used too much,” she said. “Your skin should feel rejuvenated and not weighed down by your skincare products.”

She also suggested adding some patience to your routine. “On average, our skin takes two to four weeks to show positive or negative reactions to new skin care products,” Henry said. “If you notice new breakouts, irritated skin or dry patches, these could be signs that you’re using too much or even the wrong products.”

Be sure to read the label before applying anything. “Use only products that have been clinically tested in the stated amount and follow the product directions,” she said. facial plastic surgeon Dr. Amir Karam.

“It’s about finding the right skin care regimen that works best for you and your skin,” Henry said. “Be patient, listen to your skin and look for specific ingredients that work well for your skin type. Start with a new product and work your way up slowly.”

If you’re wondering if all this effort is worth it, the experts HuffPost spoke with were overwhelmingly positive about the long-term benefits of a well-planned and well-applied skin care regimen. Dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marblewho founded the brand MMSkincareprovided this inspiration: “Reward yourself with a $50 “virtual” bonus every time you moisturize your skin. A happy skin barrier will make you look brighter and younger, which is like money in the bank, so you won’t have to spend as much on make-up or laser treatments afterwards.”