Do I Use a Serum Or Moisturiser First?
Finding the best routine for your skin and lifestyle has never been so easy, I must admit we are really spoilt for choice when it comes to potent formulas giving you optimal results. With all these positives there is one negative that doesn’t seem to want to go away and that is the slight confusion on which product should be applied onto the skin first. If you have ever found yourself to think of something along those lines, then today will hopefully clear up a few things. So, let’s find out together about how to use your skincare in the correct routine and which product should come first, serum or moisturiser.
What goes first serum or moisturiser?
You’ll find that applying serums first they absorb quickly into the skin and don’t usually leave behind any greasy residue, due to the fact it is a lot lighter than a moisturiser it is best to apply a serum beforehand. Avoid applying them after your moisturiser as they are usually thicker creams and the oils in their formulas can create a barrier over the skin making it harder for serums to reach the lower layers of dermis. The barrier created by moisturisers are a lot more effective when applied over serums helping to combat any skin damage caused from environmental aggressors such as cold weather, UV exposure and wind.
In what order should you do your skincare routine?
Here are some examples of simple but effective skincare routines that can be used for the morning and evening, not forgetting you can change or add extra steps if you needed or wanted to.
Morning routine:
Cleanse/ Face wash
Toner containing chemical exfoliant
Serum
Eye cream
Moisturiser
SPF of 30 and above
Evening routine:
Makeup remover
Cleanse/Face wash
Toner containing chemical exfoliant (if not used in the morning)
Serum
Eye cream
Night moisturiser
Facial oil (optional)
Overnight face mask (optional)
As I have previously mentioned you can chop and change the products around to best suit how your skin is feeling and looking. Remembering the fact that the ingredients also play an important role and require some consideration when using them together in your daily regime.
How long should you wait between serum and moisturiser?
It is believed that paying close attention to the time you should wait to apply a moisturiser after serum to gain the optimal skin results. Much like applying the moisturiser at the right time there are other methods and habits to use when using your skincare routine to help your skin look and feel it’s healthiest.
To ensure you are getting the best out of your skincare, particularly serums and moisturisers there are some key points to remember:
Always make sure your skin is fully cleansed with any build-up of dead skin cells are removed allowing maximum absorption when the serums are applied to the skin.
Apply to damp skin, especially if your serum contains a humectant ingredient such as niacinamide and hyaluronic acid
Less is more, don’t forget serums are super concentrated meaning you do not need a lot to reap the rewards
Wait, then moisturise, if a serum is well formulated it will absorb into the skin rapidly and effectively disappear into the skin. The ideal time to allow the serum to fully absorb is about 5 minutes before applying your moisturiser
There you have some tips on making sure your skin is looking its best and getting the most out of the active ingredients and high performing skincare products you use every day.
Can you use 2 serums on your face?
You can indeed! But it is considered best for the skin to not use any more than 2 in each skincare routine they are also very effective when layered on top of each other but there are some pointers to remember to avoid any unwanted skin reactions to the skin.
Be mindful of ingredients
This can often be the main culprit of unexpected skin reactions when serums are layered containing active ingredients that do not work well together. If you are using ingredients such as retinol or vitamin C it is best to use them by themselves to gain the best results without any added irritation.
Do not over-exfoliate
When you over-exfoliate the skin you will find it becomes stripped of the vital oils and water it needs to remain healthy. If you then apply a serum on the top you may find it is not as effective as it is either overcompensating and helping the skin restore itself or causing some irritation and sensitivity.
Limit the layering to 2 serums
By using 2 serums with complimentary formulations you will find the skin is consistently gaining benefits to the skin from the various ingredients, vitamins and minerals found in the blend. You can combat signs of ageing, loss of firmness, uneven skin tone and counteract other free radical damage caused from pollution, central heating and environmental skin stresses.
Don’t forget to nourish the skin
By applying multiple serums does not mean you no longer need to apply a moisturiser or face oil. These products target different areas of the skin and provide complete, overall protection to the face and if you are wanting to give it an extra hydrated and nourishing boost, you can do so with the help from face oils and moisturisers all formulated with potent ingredients to restore and replenish the skin, whilst protecting the serum that are busily working in the lower layers of the skin.
Is serum or moisturiser better?
Using these products together have a marked improvement on the appearance of the complexion, especially if you have a more dry and sensitive skin type that is prone to skin conditions. While the moisturiser provides a protective shield on the skin preventing any factors from the elements to cause damage, it is also able to slow down moisturise evaporating as quickly from the skin. Whilst it is being protected you can expect to find serums busy working in the lower layers of the dermis and benefiting the complexion by restoring and repairing any deep-rooted damage caused over time.
So, I hope you have found this post to be of some use to you today and has helped to clear some of this skin confusion up! Don’t forget you can find us on Instagram if you have any questions, our DMs are always open.
