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.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
