Serum or Moisturizer First? A Guide to the Perfect Skincare Routine

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 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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