Should I apply a serum or moisturizer first?
Discovering the best routine for your skin and lifestyle has never been more simple, I admit that we are overpriced for choice when it comes to powerful formulas that will provide you with the greatest results. With all of these positive aspects, there is one negative that doesn’t seem to want to dissipate, and this is the slight confusion regarding which product should be applied to the skin first. If you’ve ever considered something of this type, today should hopefully clarify a few issues. Let’s all find out how to utilize your skincare in the appropriate regimen and which product should be first, a serum or a moisturizer.
What is the order of things serum or hydrating?
You’ll discover that applying serums first will lead to an absorption of the serum into the skin that is quick and will typically leave no greasy residue, because of the lighter weight of the serum than the moisturizer, it’s best to apply a serum prior to applying it. Avoid applying them following your moisturizer, as they are typically thicker creams and the oils in their formulas create a barrier over the skin that hinders the serum’s reach to the lower layers of dermis. The barrier created by hydrating products is more effective when applied over serums that help to mitigate any damage to the skin caused by environmental predators like cold weather, ultraviolet exposure, and wind.
In what order should you follow your skincare regimen?
Here are a few examples of simple, yet effective, skincare rituals that can be employed during the morning and evening, not forgetting that you can alter or expand the steps if necessary or desired.
Routine during the mornings:
Cleanse/ Face wash
Toner that contains a chemical that exfoliates.
Serum
Eyelash line
Moisturiser
Age of 30 or more
Routine during the evening follows:
Makeup remover
Cleanse/Facial wash
Toner that contains chemical depoliant (if not used during the morning).
Serum
Eyelash line
Nighttime moisturizer
Facial grease (recommended)
Overnight mask (recommended)
As I mentioned earlier, you can shave and alter the products around you to best match your skin’s feel and appearance. Remembering that the ingredients also have an important role and should be considered when incorporated into your daily regimen.
How long should you wait between the serum and the moisturizer?
It’s recommended that you pay attention to the amount of time you should wait before applying a moisturizer after using a serum in order to receive the most effective results on the skin. Similar to the application of the moisturizer at the appropriate time, there are other methods and rituals to follow when utilizing your skincare regimen in order to help your skin appear and feel its healthiest.
To maximize the benefits of your skincare, especially serums and moisturizers, there are several important things to consider:
always make sure your skin is completely hygienic with any remaining dead cells from previous skincare removed, this will allow for the greatest amount of absorption when applied to the skin.
Apply to damp skin, especially if your serum contains a humectant like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid.
Less is more, don’t forget that serums are highly concentrated, which means that you don’t need a lot to enjoy the benefits.
Hold on, then hydrate, if the serum is well conceived, it will quickly and effectively disappear into the skin. The optimal time for the serum to completely soak in is around 5 minutes before applying your moisturizer.
There, you will learn some methods of ensuring that your skin is performing its best and taking the most from the active ingredients and superior skin care products that you utilize on a daily basis.
Can you combine 2 different serums in your facial application?
You may actually! However, it’s considered best to avoid using more than 2 in each of the skincare regimen, additionally, they are effective when combined, but there are some guidelines to remember to avoid any adverse reactions to the skin.
Pay attention to the ingredients.
This is often the cause of unexpected skin reactions when multiple ingredients with active properties are combined. If you’re utilizing ingredients like Retinol or vitamin C, it’s most effective to utilize them alone in order to receive the greatest results without having to add any extra irritation.
Don’t over-exfoliate.
When you excessively scrape the skin, you’ll discover that it lacks the essential oils and water necessary for it to remain healthy. If you then utilize a serum on the top, you may not find it as effective as it is intended to be, either way, it will help the skin regrow or cause some irritation and sensitivity.
Reduce the number of serums to 2.
By combining 2 serums that have complementary formulas, you will consistently derive benefits from the various components, vitamins and minerals in the composition. You can battle the effects of aging, loss of fermeté, uneven skin tone, and mitigate the free radical damage caused by pollution, central heating, and environmental stress.
Don’t forget to take care of the skin.
By using multiple serums doesn’t mean that you no longer need to utilize a moisturizer or face oil. These products target different areas of the skin and provide comprehensive, total protection to the face. If you want to enhance the hydrating and nourishing effects of your face oil, you can do so with the help of oils and moisturizers that are formulated with potent ingredients that will restore and replenish the skin, while also protecting the serum that’s already busy in the lower layers of the skin.
Is it better to use serum or a moisturizer?
Combining these products has a significant effect on the appearance of the complexion, especially if your skin is dry and sensitive and you have a prone complexion. While the moisturizer shields the skin from the elements, it also enables the slowdown of the evaporation of moisture from the skin. While it’s being safeguarded, you can expect to observe serums spending time in the lower layers of the dermis, this will help to improve the complexion by restoring and mending any longstanding damage that occurred over time.
I am therefore optimistic that this post will be of some help to you today and has helped to clarify some of the confusion associated with the skin. Don’t forget we can be found on Instagram if you have any questions, our DMs are always available.
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.
