8 Reasons Why your Skin Feels Sticky after Applying Skincare Products

Sticky skin will attract excess dirt and grime from the surrounding. This situation can be quite disastrous for the oily skin type, which already produces excess oil. Hence, it is necessary to find out why and address it ASAP to prevent nasty skin problems.

That radiant glow you are hoping for? Sometimes it feels more like a sticky mess. You have carefully applied your skincare products, yet instead of a radiant, supple complexion, your skin feels sticky and uncomfortable. What's the culprit? Here, we list eight common reasons why your skin might feel sticky after applying skincare products. Bookmark this guide to get rid of that annoying, sticky feeling!

If your face feels sticky after moisturizing, you are likely applying too much product. Portion size matters a lot when it comes to skincare. Using too much of one product is not going to give you faster or better results. Since your skin has the capacity to only absorb so much product, the rest will stay on the surface and feel sticky. Every product in your skincare routine, right from sunscreen to night cream, should be used in the right proportion. Clueless about beauty serving size? Watch how your skin reacts to see what works best.

If you have thought 'why does my skin feel sticky after skincare,' you could be using the wrong skincare product. Every skin type has different concerns and, therefore, different needs. If you have oily skin and you are using a product meant for dry skin, it will only aggravate your skin problems and make absorption difficult. Using the right formula and ingredient is super important when it comes to skincare products. The Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser with Borage Seed Oil + Pro-Vit B5 + Vit E is a great skincare product for dry, dehydrated skin.

Applying skincare products one after the other may seem like a simple job, but it's not that easy. Following the right order of application will ensure product efficacy. For example, moisturiser is thicker as compared to serum, applying it first will prevent your serum from penetrating the pores and staying on the surface, making it look sticky.

If your skincare product worked well all this time and has suddenly started making your skin sticky and greasy then it's time to check the expiry date. In fact, keeping your skincare product in front of sunlight can also change its texture and efficiency. So, it is advised to store your product in a cool, dark place. Using an expired product is a very common mistake.

Sometimes, the issue is not your skincare regime, but the products themselves. Certain formulations, particularly those with high concentrations of thickeners or film-forming polymers, can inherently feel sticky, even when used cautiously. This is particularly true for some sunscreens or heavier moisturizers. To avoid this, use lighter, more easily absorbed formulations, especially if you have oily skin.

Certain formulations, while great on their own, don't work well when mixed with other skincare products. For instance, some products with heavier oils might not complement products with certain silicones, resulting in a sticky texture. Similarly, mixing too many humectants (ingredients that draw moisture to the skin) without proper occlusives (ingredients that seal in moisture) can get rid of moisture, leaving your skin looking dry and dehydrated.

Humidity interacts with some ingredients in your skincare routine, resulting in your skin to feel sticky. If you live in a humid area, choose lighter, non-comedogenic products and use a setting spray after your skincare regime to create a barrier against environmental conditions. Moreover, it's a good idea to adjust your skincare regime seasonally, using lighter formulations in warmer, more humid months.

Oily Skin: Absorbs lighter, water-based products rapidly. Rich creams and oils sit on the skin surface, resulting in stickiness and potentially clogging pores. Dry Skin: Needs moisture and quickly absorbs heavier creams and oils. Additionally, dry skin doesn't work well with products that are too drying or consist of harsh ingredients. Combination Skin: Requires a thoughtful approach, utilising lighter products on oily areas and heavier ones on dry areas. Normal Skin: Can tolerate a wider range of skincare products, but still benefits best from those suited to its specific issues.

1. Know Your Skin Type: This is the first step. Choose lightweight gels, serums, and lotions if you have oily skin. If you have a dry complexion, heavier creams and balms will work best.
2. Layer Smartly: Use products from thinnest to thickest consistency. Begin with serums, then moisturisers, and lastly oils. This enables each product to absorb properly without creating a barrier.
3. Don't Overload: Too many products can overload your complexion, leading to stickiness and other concerns. Keep your skincare regimen simple and focused.
4. Exfoliate Consistently: Getting rid of dead skin cells will enable products to penetrate your skin more effectively. Thus, there are several reasons why your skin feels sticky after moisturizing. If you have persistently sticky skin and do not think it's because of any of the above reasons, it's advisable to consult a dermatologist or a skincare expert. The professional will be able to figure out the underlying cause and give you a personalised skincare regime. If you're doing your skincare routine correctly, your complexion should not feel too dry or sticky.