Take that mist opportunity

When you decide to try facial mists, don’t make these mist-akes!   

In Anti Aging

Facial mists have become increasingly popular because of their hydrating qualities. If you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon already, should you start?

What makes a good facial mist?

Facial mists are specially formulated to deliver high concentrations of active ingredients to your skin. They have been likened to toners, but are not quite interchangeable, as toners are part of a cleansing routine, while mists are portable and can be used throughout the day, even spritzed over your makeup.

There are different types of mists that address different skin concerns depending on their ingredients. Some help to refresh and cool down skin, some are meant to set your makeup, and some are simply aerosol versions of mineral water.

For a truly hydrating mist, you need to look for one that introduces moisture through natural moisture ingredients, like rose water and aloe vera, and forms a barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss in dry environments.

Can I just spray it on and leave it? 

You can, and most people do — they spritz and let their skin absorb the mixture. But this doesn’t work for all mists. Formulas with natural oils in them are safe to leave on the skin because of the barrier it forms, but water-only mists can’t. The latter does not form a barrier, so if excess water isn’t dabbed off after a minute, what’ll happen is that it may draw moisture from the skin as it evaporates, drying out your skin in the process.

It sounds like the right facial mist is a toner and moisturizer in one!

No, it’s not. Never think for a minute that you can replace a good toner and moisturizer with a hydrating facial mist. Facial mists should only be used to give your skin a quick hydrating boost during the day, in addition to a regular morning and evening skincare routine.