Trending On Social: What Is Moisture Sandwiching?

Here at Skin + Me, we’ve always got our thumbs posed on the next skincare trend, and if it’s backed up by science, all the better. You might have heard about moisture sandwiching (or #moisturesandwiching) on TikTok and Instagram – it’s up there with slugging when it comes protecting the skin’s hydration barrier, especially as the temperature falls.

What is moisture sandwiching?

The analogy here comes from sandwiching ‘layers’ of hydration in your skin. If you have a dry skin type, you may have been doing moisture sandwiching as part of your regular routine without even putting the trending hashtag to the practice. Consider yourself totally ahead of the curve.

The standard moisture sandwiching recommendation that you’ll see is damp skin, serum (like hyaluronic acid) and then a moisturiser to seal the deal. Obviously based on your skin’s unique needs (and the opinions of influencers who champion the dermatologist-approved trend) this routine can change. 

Essentially the sandwiching piece is just about layering your products to minimise dry, sensitive skin compromised by environmental changes. A bonus? Locked in hydration should give you glossy, flake-free winter skin. 

How do you trap moisture in your face?

Trapping moisture in your face is all about using the right products in the right order. Start with damp skin and then as a general rule, use thinnest products first to lock that in. If you plan to finish with an occlusive barrier (beware, they can be pore-clogging) then use that last.

A counter to this. Remember too that less more. Skinimalism is all about using the least amount of products possible and keeping things simple. If you feel your skin regularly needs layers of moisturiser to stop feeling tight then make sure your cleansing routine isn’t stripping your skin of its natural oils. Switch to a hydrating cleanser that cleans your skin without making it feel dry.

Moisture sandwiching vs. slugging

Moisture sandwiching is locking moisture on your face, by wetting the skin then applying moisturiser while the skin is still damp. The water is literally ‘locked’ into your skin with a layer of moisturiser. This is also where using products containing hyaluronic acid to lock in that moisture can benefit your complexion.

Our Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Ben Esdaile explains, “Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that pulls in and holds moisture, plumping and hydrating the skin on contact.”

Moisture sandwiching as a concept is very similar to slugging, except that slugging includes finishing that ‘sandwich’ with an occlusive moisturiser like Vasaline to lock everything in place and prevent moisture loss. 

Should I try moisture sandwiching?

Maintaining a healthy skin barrier is always a good idea, and if your skin’s feeling dry this trend certainly won’t do any harm. Check that your cleansing routine isn’t stripping your skin beforehand and if your skin feels parched by central heating indoors, a humidifier (or a bowl of water next to a radiator) can help.

Hydrated, glossy skin is  the goal and skin sandwiching (along with the right combination of active ingredients) is a useful routine booster to get you there.