Applying medicinal cream to your face may appear simple, but proper technique is crucial to guarantee efficacy and avoid negative responses. Creams are frequently advised or prescribed to treat certain skin disorders like inflammation, eczema, or acne.
Applying the product correctly reduces the chance of discomfort while facilitating the active ingredients’ efficient skin penetration. This post will offer a thorough how-to for applying medicated cream to your face safely and efficiently.
1. Understanding the Purpose of Medicated Cream
It’s critical to comprehend the function of medicated cream and the ailment it is intended to treat before using it. Active compounds found in creams may include:
- Cut down on redness and inflammation.
- Treat infections caused by bacteria or fungi.
- Reduce itching or dryness.
- Encourage the restoration and healing of damaged skin.
If you know the intended use, you can prevent misuse and achieve the best results by following the right procedures. Always follow the directions on the product label or from your dermatologist.
2. Preparing Your Skin
For application to be successful, your skin must be properly prepared. Here’s how to accomplish it:
1. Cleanse Your Face
First, wash your face to eliminate debris, oil, and cosmetics. Use a mild, non-irritating cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type.
- To prevent additional dryness or irritation, use lukewarm water.
- Using a fresh towel, gently pat your skin dry, leaving it slightly wet for optimal absorption.
2. Do Not Scrub
Before using medicated cream, refrain from exfoliating or using abrasive scrubs if you have sensitive skin or an inflamed region. Excessive exfoliating may increase your skin’s susceptibility to inflammation.
3. Wait a Few Minutes
After cleansing, relax your skin and return to its natural pH balance. This step is especially crucial if you have used any exfoliating or acidic products.
3. Following the Instructions
There are detailed instructions on how much and how often to use each medicinal cream. Among the crucial pointers are:
- Quantity: Unless instructed otherwise, a pea-sized amount is typically adequate for the face.
- Frequency: Use the cream one or several times a day as directed. Overuse of medicinal cream may result in negative consequences.
- Layering: Use other skincare products in the correct order, which is discussed in the next section.
4. Steps to Apply Medicated Cream
1. Clean Your Hands
Always clean your hands with soap and water to avoid getting dirt or bacteria on your face.
2. Use Clean Tools if Necessary
Ensure the cotton swab or spatula you use to scoop the cream is clean to prevent contamination.
3. Use Minimal Quantities
- Using a clean applicator or your fingers, squeeze a tiny bit of the cream onto it.
- Apply the cream to the facial regions that are afflicted. Pay attention to areas that require attention, such as dry patches or acne spots.
4. Spread the Cream Gently
- Apply a thin, even layer of the cream with your fingers.
- Steer clear of aggressive rubbing since this may cause skin irritation and diminish the efficacy of the cream.
5. Pat, Don’t Rub
Instead of rubbing, softly pat the cream into the skin in sensitive regions, like around irritated spots or under the eyes.
5. Layering With Other Skincare Products
Layering skincare products in the right order guarantees that each one performs as intended if you use more than one. Creams are usually administered before moisturizing and after cleaning.
Order for General Skincare:
- Cleanser: Removes impurities from your skin to prepare it.
- If utilized, a toner balances the skin’s pH, but it shouldn’t conflict with the medicinal cream.
- Serums: Start with any water-based, mild serum.
- Apply the medicated lotion as instructed, paying particular attention to the trouble spots.
- Moisturizer: To avoid dryness, apply an appropriate moisturizer after using the medicated cream.
- During the day, sunscreen shields your skin from damaging UV radiation.
- Advice: Before using the following product, wait for the cream to absorb completely, which normally takes five to ten minutes.
6. Dos and Don’ts of Applying Medicated Cream
Dos:
- Use a Patch Test: To rule out allergic reactions, test the cream on a tiny section of your skin before putting it on your face.
- Use As Directed: Adhere to the suggested dosage and frequency of application.
- Store the cream properly by keeping it out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry location.
Avoid:
Avoid Overlapping Treatments: Irritation may result from using several creams without supervision.
- Don’t Apply to Broken Skin: Do not apply medicinal cream to open wounds or badly injured skin unless directed.
- Avoid Sensitive Areas: Unless instructed differently, keep the cream away from your mouth, nose, and eyes.
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Too Much Product: Using more cream than is recommended won’t hasten the process and could cause skin irritation.
- Ignoring Sunscreen: Many medicated treatments might make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Throughout the day, wear sunscreen at all times.
- Not Removing Makeup First: Before using a medicated cream, ensure your skin is clean and makeup-free.
- Ignoring expiration dates: Applying a cream that has gone bad might be dangerous or useless.
8. Special Considerations for Skin Types
A major factor in how the medicated cream functions is your skin type.
Greasy skin:
- Seek out formulas that won’t clog pores and aren’t comedogenic.
- Use gel-based, lightweight creams to improve absorption.
Dry Skin:
- Select a medicinal cream that has moisturizing qualities.
- To avoid more dryness, always use a moisturizer afterward.
Skin Sensitivity:
- Steer clear of lotions that include harsh chemicals or smells.
- As your skin can handle it, progressively increase the amount you start with.
To read more blog: Best Collagen Booster Skincare for Aging Skin Care
Final Thoughts
There is more to applying medicated cream to your face than simply slapping it on. Effective outcomes depend on careful application, preparation, and following your dermatologist’s directions. You can optimize the advantages of your medicated cream while lowering the possibility of irritation or adverse effects according to the instructions and advice provided in this guide. Remember to seek the opinion of a healthcare expert for specific recommendations based on your skin’s requirements.
