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Should I use a serum or moisturizer first?
Beauty

Should I use a serum or moisturizer first?

1 October 2024


Should I use a serum or moisturizer first?




Finding the best routine for your skin and lifestyle has never been easier. I have to admit that we are spoilt for choice when it comes to effective formulas that provide the best results. Despite all these positives, there is one downside that just won’t go away and that is the confusion about which product should be applied to the skin first. If you have ever wondered about this, hopefully today will clear things up. So let’s find out together how to use your skin care routine the right way and which product should be applied first: serum or moisturizer.



Which should I use first, serum or moisturizer?




You will find that serums applied first will absorb into the skin quickly and usually do not leave a greasy residue. Since they are much lighter than moisturizers, it is best to apply a serum beforehand. Avoid using them after moisturizers as they are usually thicker creams and the oils in their formula will form a barrier on the skin, making it difficult for the serum to reach the lower dermis. When moisturizer is applied over a serum, the barrier created by the moisturizer is more effective, helping to fight the damage caused by environmental aggressors such as cold weather, UV rays and wind.



In what order should you perform your skin care routine?




Below are some examples of simple yet effective skin care routines that can be used morning and night. Not to mention, you can change or add additional steps if you want or need to.



Morning Routine:




Cleanser/Face Cleanser



Chemical Exfoliant Toner




Serum



Eye Cream




Moisturizer



SPF 30 and above




Evening Routine:



Makeup Remover




Cleanser/Face Cleanser



Chemical Exfoliant Toner (if not used in the morning)




Serum



Eye Cream




Night Moisturizer



Facial Oil (optional)




Night Mask (optional)



As I mentioned, you can mix and match these products to best suit the feel and look of your skin. Keep in mind that the ingredients also play an important role and must be taken into account when using them together in your daily routine.




How Long Should You Wait Between Serum and Moisturizer?



It is believed that you should pay close attention to how long you should wait after your serum before applying your moisturizer to get the best results for your skin. Similar to applying moisturizer at the right time, there are other methods and habits you can adopt in your skin care routine to keep your skin looking and feeling its healthiest.

To ensure you get the most out of your skin care routine, especially serums and moisturizers, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Always make sure your skin is thoroughly cleansed and cleared of any accumulated dead skin cells so that the serum can be optimally absorbed when applied to the skin.

Apply to damp skin, especially if your serum contains moisturizing ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.

Less is more. Don’t forget that serums are highly concentrated, i.e. you don’t need much to achieve results.

Wait, then moisturize. When a serum is well formulated, it absorbs quickly into the skin and disappears into it effectively. The ideal time to let a serum fully absorb is about 5 minutes before applying your moisturizer.

These are some tips on how to keep your skin looking its best and how to make the most of the active ingredients and powerful skin care products you use every day.

Can you use 2 serums on your face?

You actually can! However, it is considered best for the skin to use no more than 2 in any skin care routine. They are also very effective when used on top of each other. However, there are a few tips you should keep in mind to avoid unwanted skin reactions.

Watch out for ingredients

When using serums with active ingredients that don’t work well together, this can often be the main cause of unexpected skin reactions. If you use ingredients like retinol or vitamin C, it’s best to use them separately for the best results without added irritation.

Don’t exfoliate too hard

Exfoliating too hard can strip your skin of the important oils and moisture it needs to stay healthy. If you then apply a serum on top, you may find that it’s not as effective because it either overcompensates and helps the skin regenerate itself, or causes irritation and sensitivity.

Limit use to 2 serums

When you use two serums with complementary formulas, you’ll find that your skin is constantly benefiting from the different ingredients, vitamins, and minerals in the mix. They fight signs of aging, loss of firmness, uneven skin tone, and counteract other free radical damage caused by pollution, central heating, and environmental skin stressors.

Don’t forget to take care of your skin

Using multiple serums doesn’t mean you never have to use a moisturizer or facial oil again. These products target different skin areas and provide comprehensive protection for the face. If you want to provide your face with extra moisture and nourishment, you can use facial oils and moisturizers, both of which are formulated with powerful ingredients to restore and regenerate the skin while protecting the serum that works in the lower layers of the skin.

Which is better, serum or moisturizer?

Using these products together will significantly improve your complexion, especially if you have a drier and more sensitive skin type that is prone to skin conditions. While moisturizer forms a protective shield over the skin and prevents damage from external influences, it also slows down the evaporation of moisture from the skin. While the skin is protected, you can expect the serum to work in the lower dermis to benefit the complexion by restoring and repairing deep-rooted damage that occurs over time.

I hope you found this article useful today and helped you solve some of your skin problems! Don’t forget that you can find us on Instagram if you have any questions. Our direct messages 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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