Of all the noteworthy skincare trends that we’ve stumbled upon while scrolling through TikTok and Instagram (from glass skin to glazed lips, to slugging), the “moisture sandwich” may just be the buzziest. Word on the beauty street is that the term originated from Reddit, but when Dieux Skin co-founder and CEO Charlotte Palermino took to IG to break down the term “moisture sandwich,” the trending skincare routine went viral.
While it sounds pretty straightforward, the recipe for creating a moisture sandwich does have a particular method for how it’s layered. And as it turns out, a moisture sandwich might be exactly what your dry skin and lips crave. Here’s the lowdown on the skin-quenching beauty trend with some expert tips from Jordana Mattioli, a licensed esthetician in New York City.
Meet the Expert
Jordana Mattioli is a licensed medical esthetician in New York City.
What Is a Moisture Sandwich?
A moisture sandwich essentially incorporates layering moisturizer and an occlusive over damp skin after your cleansing to help trap much-needed moisture inside, making it a game-changer for dehydrated skin. In her Instagram reel, Palermino details two different versions—a “face sandwich” and a “mouth sandwich”—that help skin look soft, supple, and glowy AF. “I always start with tap water, particularly on my mouth. I then go in with moisturizer. On my face, I dampen it with tap water, then I go in with a serum, then my moisturizer, then an occlusive,” Palermino says on Instagram. Palermino then dives into lips which involves layering moisturizer followed by a thick lip balm over pre-dampened lips.
How Does It Work?
This is where those age-old beauty tips (like moisturizing immediately post-shower and slathering on rich face cream before bed) ring true. Hydration will forever be the tried and true secret to gorgeous, healthy skin. “This process simply provides a barrier on top of the skin to prevent water loss, in turn, stopping dehydration. Super dry skin usually deals with lack of oil and dehydration, so providing a rich barrier to lock in a moisturizer can really help soften the skin quickly,” says Mattioli.
What Are the Benefits?
• It’s a glow-maker. The immediate result of adding heavy-duty hydration to dampened skin is a serious GLOW. Why? Because applying products to dampened skin helps your skin absorb them better and adding the layer of an occlusive (like Aquaphor or Vaseline) helps them continue the absorption of products. “Vaseline was invented in the late nineteenth century, (and I’m sure animal fats and plant oils have been used for centuries), so I think it's safe to say occlusives used in skin care have been around for a long time! I can't tell you how many times I’ve heard from my clients ‘Oh, my grandmother had gorgeous skin, she'd sleep in a thick layer of vaseline every night,’” Mattioli tells us.
• It can help with some skin conditions. If you’ve got skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, a moisture sandwich may be helpful, too. On the topic of people with eczema and psoriasis, Mattioli says, “They will at lethis ast get some skin softening benefits that will minimize the appearance of any flakiness or rough spots.”
• It can lead to more makeup-free days. Thanks to the enhanced absorption of your good-for-skin skincare products, you’re likely to have healthier-looking skin (not to mention an easy built-in highlight).
What Else Should I Know?
While we’re all about all-inclusive beauty, when it comes to skincare, not all regimens are one-size-fits-all (that’s a good thing!), and this one does come with a disclaimer. So if you identify with the following skin types, be sure to tweak your technique. “If you have oily skin, acne-prone skin, or have a lot of areas with visible pores, I would avoid using occlusives and stick with thinner textured humectants in the forms of serums, sprays, and light lotions. You can always dab on a thicker, more emollient product on extra dry areas. Be selective about where you dab on occlusives!” Mattioli advises. In other words, lighten up on the thickness of your products to help avoid breakouts.
Also, take the climate into consideration. “Your skin will typically get drier in the winter from lack of moisture in the air inside and outside, so that's a good time to switch to a richer moisturizer and/or oil if you find your current routine isn't keeping your skin hydrated enough. Warmer weather is for mists, serums, gels, and lotions,” Mattioli says. And lastly, avoid using this method with retinoids or retinols. “Don't use this technique over acids or retinoids as it could possibly enhance penetration leading to inflammation and irritation,” Mattioli advises.
And last but not least, be sure to only perform a moisture sandwich on super clean skin. Why? While you’re locking in moisture, you want to be sure that you’re not also trapping in dirt, oil, and bacteria so make sure your skin is squeaky clean before you start.
Want in on the buzziest beauty trends? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram @IPSY.
Like this article? Share it with your friends by clicking the icons below!