What is a Skin Spritz and do I need it?
We love a good skin spritz, and for good reason. A good Spritz can feel amazingly hydrating, sooth the skin and (depending on the formula) can be used to set makeup and help refresh it as the day goes on.
But navigating the array of available spritz products can be a challenge when trying to find the ones which truly enhance skin health. Just like with cleansers, moisturizers, or supplements, the effectiveness of a spritz largely depends on its specific formulation. It's worth emphasizing that spritzes should not be confused with toners or cosmetic setting sprays (we'll delve into those distinctions at the end).
So what is a skin spritz?
A skin spritz is a facial mist or facial spray. It typically contains water or a water-based solution along with various active ingredients such as hydrating agents, vitamins, antioxidants, herbal extracts, and sometimes fragrances.
The primary purposes of a skin spritz to be
Hydrating: Skin mists are often used to provide an instant burst of moisture to the skin, helping to alleviate dryness and the feeling of tightness, especially in dry or arid environments.
Refreshing: A quick spritz of a facial mist can provide a refreshing sensation, making it a popular choice for use throughout the day, especially in hot weather.
Setting Makeup: Some facial mists are designed to set makeup, helping it last longer and look fresher throughout the day.
Beneficial: Depending on the ingredients, a skin spritz can offer additional benefits, such as soothing irritated skin, reducing redness, or providing antioxidant protection.
If you are prine to oily skin, spritzing can be beneficial for oil control. By keeping your skin adequately hydrated, you maintain the skin's pH balance at an optimal level, preventing your pores from going into overdrive with oil production and leaving you with excessive shine.
If the spritz is fragranced, it can provide a tiny moment of blissful solitude in anotherwise manic day.
Spritzing is not toning.
Toners are normally astringent (which means the ingreident tightens and constricts the skin and pores) to help remove any residue after cleansing. Toners (as a rule) have faded into the back of the beauty closet since the 90's as many of the formulations striped the skin and compromised the acid mantle plus many modern cleansers are more effective and leave less residue, so the need for toning has decreased. (See our earlier post on whether you need toners here)
Spritzing and toning serve distinct purposes. Spritzing is essentially about nourishing your skin, whereas toning typically involves removing impurities rather than adding beneficial substances.
How often should you Spritz?
As often as you can! It really depends on your daily routine and availability. The key is to introduce as much hydration to your skin as possible. Having a bottle conveniently placed on your desk is a great strategy to keep up with it. Why not tie it into the habit of drinking water to get a double hydration bonus - a quick sip and a spritz every hour on the hour.
As for whether you need a skin spritz, it depends on your individual skincare goals and preferences. Here are some factors to consider:
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Skin Type: If you have dry or dehydrated skin, a hydrating facial mist can be a valuable addition to your routine to keep your skin moisturized throughout the day. Those with oily skin might prefer a mattifying mist to help control excess oil.
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Climate: Your environment plays a role. If you live in a dry or hot climate, a skin spritz can help combat the effects of environmental stressors like dry air or excessive heat. Air con = spritz.
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Makeup Use: If you wear makeup, a makeup-setting spray can help your makeup stay in place and look fresh. Its also a great way to avoid any flakiness! The same isn't true in reverse though - a make-up setting spray isn't a spritz.
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Skin Sensitivity: Some facial mists are formulated with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile, making them suitable for sensitive or irritated skin.
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Personal Preference: Ultimately, whether you "need" a skin spritz comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy the sensation of misting your face and find it adds to your skincare routine, then it can be a beneficial step.
And that's our 101 on Spritz'ing.
Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-black-dress-sitting-on-window-4153787/