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Are serums and toners the same thing?
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Are serums and toners the same thing?

10 September 2024


Are serums and toners the same thing?




I’ll be the first to admit that skincare products can be very confusing, especially when you’re trying to use them in your daily skincare routine. We often get questions about which products we should use, which products go together, and when we should use them.



With that in mind, today I’m going to address an answer I recently got, which is: “Are serums and toners the same thing?” So, if you’ve ever wondered a question like that, stay tuned as we learn more together.




What do serums do for your face?



You’ll often find serums as skincare products that contain powerful active ingredients. You can expect glycolic acid, salicylic acid, vitamin C, and more to be added to the mix, as serums are known for their ability to penetrate the deepest parts. If you’re concerned about premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and dull complexion, I’m sure you’ll find a serum that’s right for you and your skin type.




Serums have a different texture than other products, such as: B. Moisturizers, as they typically have a lighter consistency, meaning they should be applied to the skin before moisturizers or other thicker products. The easiest way to remember what serums actually do for your skin is to think of them as a packaged delivery package designed specifically to target specific areas and concerns.



The main benefits of serums and areas where they can help are as follows:




Have anti-aging benefits as they reach the lower layers of the skin and repair free radical damage that can lead to signs of premature aging, including fine lines and wrinkles.



Fight uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation, such as dark spots caused by overexposure to harmful UV rays, for example.




Deeply nourish and hydrate the skin, restoring the skin’s natural protective barrier, which is often compromised when exposed to various environmental aggressors.



The most effective way to ensure your skin receives the maximum amount of vitamins, active ingredients, and powerful blends.




There are many other benefits to using serums, but I just want to tell you about the most common and most noticeable ones first. Although serums are considered powerful products, it is entirely up to you and your daily routine whether or not to use one.



What does toner do for your face?




Traditionally, toners are part of the famous daily method, better known as cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. Admittedly, a lot has changed since then, and you’ll find that toners have changed in many ways, too. For example, the floral water step that was previously made didn’t do much for the skin other than leave it feeling clean and fresh. Now, you can find a range of toners, all with different active ingredients and chemical exfoliants, such as AHAs and BHAs, with glycolic acid being the most popular. Many times, toners can do the job of a cleanser to benefit the skin. For example, cleansers can remove leftover product and bacteria while loosening up dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. After wiping a cotton pad with your chosen toner, remove any remaining dirt, debris, and dead skin cell buildup.



Here’s a quick rundown of the benefits of using a toner in your skin care routine:




When a toner contains active ingredients and chemical exfoliants, it can help remove dirt, bacteria, dead skin cells, and traces of product left behind after cleansing.



A toner removes any barriers that prevent other skincare products from penetrating the skin and reaching the layers they need to reach.




You can find toners for all skin types, from traditional floral waters to chemical exfoliant hybrids.



If used correctly, you can keep your skin healthy and radiant by removing buildup from the outer surface of the skin and balancing excess sebum.




Can I use a serum without a toner?



This is entirely up to you and what works in your skincare routine. Since I’ve already mentioned the benefits of using a toner, there’s no law that says you have to use all of these products. The key points to remember when using a serum with or without a toner are:




Serums can penetrate the dermis as long as your skin is clean, but if you use a toner first, it may not be as fast.



By using a serum instead of a toner, you can avoid overdoing it with a strong formula that can cause dry skin if not used correctly.




People with oily or blemish-prone skin may find that skipping a toner can lead to an imbalance in excess sebum, which can be controlled with other ingredients and products.



Each product works perfectly as a standalone product, but you may find that using them together creates a powerful duo with skincare benefits.




We’ve already given you tips on the effects of using a serum and toner together. I’ll explain this to you in more detail now. However, if you feel that serums are a topic that needs further explanation, or you need help choosing the right product for your skin, check out our dedicated serum blog post.



Can toners and serums be used together?




Anyway! As mentioned before, serums and toners are a potent power duo that can provide your skin with a variety of skincare benefits. While both products work well on their own, using them together can provide additional benefits such as:



Treat your skin with complementary ingredients for optimal results


Toners remove the barrier, allowing serums to absorb into the skin faster

Serums regenerate and soothe the skin after using a toner with a chemical peel like glycolic acid

I would even go so far as to say that if you haven’t incorporated any of these products into your daily skincare routine before, you’ll notice a huge difference in your skin.

Should serums be used before or after toners?

Toner is considered the second step in your skin care routine and helps prepare the skin for absorption and further penetration of other products. Therefore, it is recommended to use a toner before applying a serum to achieve the best results and reap the benefits of using the product correctly and effectively.

I hope this answered some of your questions about serums and toners. If you have skincare questions, don’t forget to head over to our Instagram and leave us a comment. We look forward to seeing you there!

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
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