Q: How much cleanser, toner, serum, and moisturizer do you need? Is there such a thing as too much?
A: That is an excellent question, as the amount of product you use is essential to achieve your desired results. How much cleanser should you use? In general, a nickel-sized amount is a good rule of thumb, which varies depending on the type of cleanser, whether you wear make-up and/or use sunscreen, and if it is your p.m. cleanse or a.m. refresher. It also depends on the formula. Concentrated cleansers allow you to use less product to achieve thorough cleansing, whereas others will require more passes. With a well-formulated sulfate free foaming cleanser, you only need to foam a dime-sized amount between wet palms. When you wear make-up, you can double cleanse for a deeper cleanse in the evening, whereas a single cleanse suffices in the morning.

With an oil based face cleanser that converts to foam, you only need to place a minimal amount into your palm and work gently with a little warm water and wet fingers until a foam develops. This type of formula can serve as a make-up remover or a first cleanse to be followed with one for your specific skin type or concerns, such as an exfoliating facial cleanser with salicylic acid for acne-prone skin.

With a creamy or milky gentle cleanser, you only need to apply a small amount directly to your face and neck. Gently work moistened fingertips to allow it to lift and entrap impurities. You will need more for a second pass if you wear make-up or sunscreen. Pevonia’s top-selling face cleanser for sensitive skin and moisturizing facial cleanser for early signs of aging thoroughly remove dirt, oil, and pollutants while preserving the skin’s protective barrier. After cleansing, I recommend following with an alcohol-free toner or toning lotion.

How much toner should you use? With toners in spray bottles, I recommend spritzing four to six sprays onto a cotton pad to dampen the pad and swipe over your face and neck. I am often asked, “How much toner do you use?” I am a fan of toning lotions that have treatment properties, so I follow the method above with a few more spritzes directly to my face and neck for an extra dose of moisture and care for a spa-like touch to my routine. I also keep a moisturizing formula with Hyaluronic Acid and Green Tea on my desk and a travel-size toner in my purse for a mid-day refresh.

How much serum should you use? How much serum to use depends on the area to be treated. Generally, one pea-sized amount covers the face, and two “peas” cover the face and neck. For example, Pevonia’s Hyaluronic Acid serum, Vitamin C serum, or face oil for dry skin call for 1-2 pumps or drops to cover your face and neck. And if your décolleté is exposed, I recommend an additional pump of your favorite serum for your chest, with leftovers applied to the backs of your hands. But, a spot cream for breakouts or a moisturizing eye cream or lip balm requires even less, like the size of a dried lentil, as you only apply these to the affected area. Follow with a moisturizer to seal in the active ingredients and keep out geo-aggressors.

How much serum is too much? If you notice small white bumps called milia, that is a sign you are applying too much serum and/or moisturizer. But this usually only occurs with formulas that contain occlusive and/or comedogenic ingredients.

How much moisturizer should I use for face? Skin type and the type of regimen dictate this answer. A nickel-sized amount of moisturizer is ideal for covering the face, neck, and décolleté. Remember, you have already applied a serum, so the main job of your moisturizer is to seal in all that goodness. But how much moisturizer to use on dry skin may require a little more to truly quench parched complexions. Regarding how much moisturizer for oily skin, a “lighter-handed” approach suffices with closer to a dime-sized amount pressed over the skin for a lightweight veil of moisture. Two-step “skinimalists” who stick to cleansing and moisturizing will need a quarter-sized amount to moisturize their face and neck thoroughly. How much moisturizer to use on body is significantly more due to the area to be covered, close to a couple tablespoons, give or take, according to your size.

How much mask should I use? A quarter-sized dollop will do the trick!


Q: Is grapefruit good for your skin? How?
A: The benefits of Grapefruit Essential Oil for skin care are plentiful. Also known as Citrus Grandis, this bioactive oil is derived from the rind of grapefruits from a subtropical evergreen citrus tree. Discover the benefits of Grapefruit Essential Oil extract and why it is vital for skin health here:

• Antiseptic - It helps inhibit the growth of microorganisms, delivering cleansing and purifying properties. As it supports reducing the possibility of multiple types of infection, it is especially effective for helping acne-prone skin.
• Astringent - Its tightening properties can help minimize the appearance of pores and deliver a smoother, tighter-looking skin texture. This makes Grapefruit Essential Oil ideal for those with elasticity concerns and sun damage.
• Balancing - With an inherent acidity, it absorbs excess oil and normalizes oil production. This equalizing effect makes it suitable for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types.
• Rich in Vitamin C - Grapefruit Essential Oil contains Vitamin C, which provides antioxidant protection against pollution, sun damage, and early signs of aging due to oxidative stress. Ideal for all skin types, especially those with aging skin and uneven skin tone concerns, it boosts collagen production while increasing skin’s glow and radiance.
• Aromatherapy - It also provides a fresh, aromatic scent. Grapefruit Essential Oil in Pevonia’s CleanRefreshTM Foaming Oil Cleanser,Hyaluronic Acid HydraMist™, and De-Stress Escape Aromatic Oil eases anxiety and stress while simultaneously enhancing energy and minimizing aches and stiffness. It is also thought to cleanse the aura and mind and encourage creativity, confidence, and intelligence.
• Multiple sources credit it as a natural anti-inflammatory agent; others indicate it may also have anticarcinogenic benefits.

If you are sold on the benefits of grapefruit peel oil and extract, check out Pevonia's SpaTeen® Blemished Skin Cleanser, an exceptional acne cleanser for teens and adults alike, and the Pure Skin Charcoal Mask, for double the citrus power.

Note: Although grapefruit essential oil is bursting with benefits for the skin, it should not be used too close to the eyes or nostrils.