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Are you using too much skincare? (Or just too little?)

More product = better skin? Not really.

With skincare, it's not just about which products you use, but also how much. Using too little can make your routine less effective, but using too much can irritate, clog, or overwhelm your skin.

Here’s how much your skin really needs.


Cleanser - the size of a coin

Your cleanser doesn’t need to foam up completely to work well.

A small coin-sized amount is usually enough to:

  • SPF
  • dirt
  • oil
  • make-up

remove.

Using too much cleanser can dry out your skin barrier and make your skin feel tight or taut.


Toner - a few drops

A toner should lightly hydrate your skin, not soak it.

Use:

  • a few drops in your hands
  • or a lightly dampened cotton pad

Using more toner does not make it “more effective”.


Serum - 2 to 3 drops

Serums often contain high concentrations of active ingredients.

More application = not more results.

On the contrary: too much serum can:

  • cause irritation
  • cause pills under makeup
  • overstimulate your skin

2 to 3 drops are usually perfect for the whole face.


Eye cream - grain of rice per eye

The skin around your eyes is extremely thin.

A mini amount is sufficient:

  • about a grain of rice per eye
  • gently tap in, do not rub

Too much eye cream can cause:

  • milia (small white bumps)
  • puffy eyes
  • irritation


Moisturiser - size of a blueberry

Your moisturiser should make your skin feel comfortable, not greasy.

Think:

  • about a blueberry-sized amount
  • a bit more for dry skin
  • a bit less for oily skin

A thick layer of moisturiser will not make your skin recover faster.


SPF - most people use far too little here

This is the biggest mistake.

For SPF you need approximately:

  • 2 fingers of product for face + neck
  • every morning
  • even when it’s cloudy


These are the general guidelines for an adult:

  • Face + neck: 2 finger lengths

  • 1 arm: about 1 teaspoon

  • 1 leg: approximately 2 teaspoons

  • Chest + abdomen: approximately 2 teaspoons

  • Back: approximately 2 teaspoons

For the full body, this amounts to approximately:

  • 30 to 40 mL per full application
  • or approximately a shot glass of sunscreen


Applying too little sunscreen means that you often get much less protection than stated on the packaging.

Applying SPF 50 in a too thin layer? Then you might only achieve SPF 15–20 protection.

Layering tip: let products 'set' for a moment

You don't need to wait 10 minutes between each step, but do give products a short time to absorb.

Especially with:

  • retinol
  • acids
  • SPF

layering too quickly can lead to:

  • pilling
  • irritation
  • less beautiful makeup


More products = not automatically better skin.

The skincare world has made us believe that we need 12 steps.

But often a simple routine works better:

  • cleansing
  • moisturising
  • protecting with SPF
  • possibly 1 active serum

Consistency almost always wins over overconsumption. Your skin does not need an overload. It mainly needs balance.