What Is a “Moisture Sandwich” and Why We Are Obsessed
kincare trends are always changing - but every so often there are buzzwords that catch your attention - like the latest, ‘moisture sandwich’.
We aren’t really the ‘trendy’ beauty types. We prefer results-driven, science-based products and rituals that work over fruity fragrances and crazy TikTok advice. However, the latest influencer favorite, the ‘moisture sandwich’, is something we can get behind. Admittedly, sandwiching your skincare doesn’t sound glamorous or luxe, but hear us out on this one.
What is a Moisture Sandwich
The term is pretty loose but generally refers to how and in what order you should apply your skincare. The idea is to apply your skincare in progressively more dense formulations to lock in products and moisture loss through evaporation.
Here’s how it looks:
Start your treatment phase with slightly damp skin. Apply your water-based serums and products. The damp skin allows the serum to absorb more quickly and deeply. Follow your serums with a cream to moisturize. Then - and here’s the top layer of bread - ‘sandwich’ your treatments and lock in moisture by applying an oil or finishing serum.
Why it works
The goal of the sandwich is to avoid transepidermal water loss. By starting with ‘watery’ serums that readily absorb into the skin, then applying creams, you’re ensuring your serums are trapped and have a chance to absorb into the skin. In the same method, your finishing serum protects your cream from evaporation.
If you prefer a more science-based look at the process, we can take a look at the molecular makeup of your products. Sandwiching works by applying smaller molecular structures first and then building to larger structures. Smaller molecules are more quickly absorbed into the skin. Finishing serums and oils tend to have larger molecules that take longer to absorb into the skin. By applying them last, they have a secondary function to prevent the evaporation of other products.
The Results
Happy, hydrated skin. The effect is a glow so good you might be able to skip your highlighter.
Because your super-hydrated and you’ve given your skin a protective barrier, you’ll have a glow that radiates. The best part about this trend is that it’s repeatable. Imagine having that ‘I woke up like this’ feeling every morning. Below are our recommendations for building your own sandwich.
If you aren’t familiar with the Biologique Recherche line, become a member and complete your skin assessment. We’ll provide a complete sandwich customized just for your skin’s needs.
Build Your Sandwich
Lotion P50
exfoliate, moisten, and prepare the skin
shop the P50 range
Serums
amino acids, short peptides, and active ingredients
shop serums
cream moisture
water-based cream formulas
shop creams
finishing serum
stabilize other treatments and protect your skin
shop finishing serums
The truth is that if you’re already using our Biologique Recherche line, this process probably sounds familiar. One reason we can stand behind this beauty buzz is that it’s not new at all. The Biologique Recherche line is set up to do exactly this. From the initialization phase where you dry cleanse and exfoliate to the water-based serums, cream moisturizers, and finishing serum, the system has been sandwiching skin since the 1970s.
