So, you have finally brought home face serums - the little vials of magic that can transform your skin and help you flaunt radiant, youthful, spot-free, healthy, and beautiful skin. And now comes the important question – do you know how to use a face serum? Although it might sound like a lame question to ask, the truth is that not everyone knows the correct order of using a face serum, which is crucial to reap the maximum benefits of this wonder product. In this article, we’ll show you how to use a face serum the right way, and how to layer it correctly in your skincare routine.
Step-by-step guide on how to use a face serum
Get healthy, radiant, and happy skin by using a face serum and following these steps:
Step 1: Take a pea-sized amount (about 3-4 drops) of a face serum from the dropper onto your palms. (For best results, you can use a vitamin C serum.)
Step 2: Spread it between your palms without rubbing the product too much.
Step 3: Dab the serum all over your face and neck using small and gentle tapping motions. Wait for a couple of minutes before continuing with your skincare regime.
Should you massage a face serum or pat it gently on your skin?
Using a face serum isn’t tricky at all. Unlike other skincare products like thick face creams and moisturisers that require massaging or rubbing the product into the skin in an upward direction, serums are meant to be applied to your face in small tapping motions for the serum to completely penetrate your skin.
What should you apply first - face serum or moisturiser?
So, now that you have got the answer to how to use a face serum, let’s address another pressing concern – when should you use it in your skincare regime? And most importantly, should you use it before or after a moisturiser? Remember this golden rule of using a face serum, thinner products go first on the skin. For instance, apply products like face serums first and then move to products with thicker consistency like moisturisers and night creams. It is because thinner products can’t penetrate thicker products to function fully but thicker products can easily do so.
Wondering when to apply face serum? Most face serums are safe to be applied twice daily – once in the morning on a cleansed face, and then later at night. So, start your skincare routine by cleansing your face with vitamin C face wash, next apply the face serum, and then finish the routine with SPF moisturiser (if you’re using it in the morning) and vitamin C night cream (if you’re using it at night).
Pro tip: To get the most out of your face serum and ensure quick and deep absorption, apply it on a damp face.
Now that you have a better understanding of how to use face serums, go ahead and get your hands on the best serum based on your skin type. And browse through the Garnier skincare products and genius skincare tips to start your journey towards getting healthy and glowing skin.
FAQs
Step 1: Take a pea-sized amount (about 3-4 drops) of a face serum from the dropper onto your palms. (For best results, you can use a vitamin C serum.) Step 2: Spread it between your palms without rubbing the product too much. Step 3: Dab the serum all over your face and neck using small and gentle tapping motions.
How to use serum on face step by step? ›
Tips for Using Face Serum
- Wash your face to remove impurities before you apply your face serum, so it makes direct contact with the skin.
- Apply the serum and small amounts.
- Use light tapping motions with your fingertips. Remember, you need to be gentle.
- Don't rub the serum into your skin.
Best Face Serums: Top 10 Options For Indian Skin Types
| Best Face Serums | Approx. Price on Amazon |
|---|
| CETAPHIL Bright Healthy Radiance Brightening Glow Serum | Rs. 2,069 |
| Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C serum | Rs. 1,242 |
| The Face Shop Pomegranate & Collagen Face Serum | Rs. 1,720 |
| La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol Face Serum | Rs. 1884 |
6 more rowsMar 19, 2024
Can I leave serum overnight? Leaving a serum on over night is ideal! As stated above, serums need time to absorb and your skin is most receptive when you're asleep so having a serum on before you go to bed is a great way to have your skin get the most out of the serum.
Can I apply moisturizer after serum? ›
As such, a serum should always be applied before a moisturizer, as this maximizes the contact it has with the skin, helping to achieve the desired effect. The moisturizer then works to lock those ingredients in and provide additional benefits.
What goes first moisturizer or serum? ›
It's best to apply face serum first, as it can penetrate the skin more deeply and deliver active ingredients. Wait a minute or so after applying the serum to let it absorb before applying moisturizer on top.
Can I use serum without moisturizer? ›
If you don't have dry skin and aren't in a dry environment or climate, it's easily possible to use just serum without moisturizer. However, using both may harness the most benefits for your skin. When you use a serum, it delivers active ingredients deep into the skin.
Which serum is best for night? ›
7 best night skin serums for glowing skin
- Minimalist Multi Peptide Night Face Serum. ...
- Foxtale 0.15% Beginner Friendly Retinol Night Serum. ...
- Plum 1% Retinol Anti-Aging Night Face Serum. ...
- Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum. ...
- Indiabulls Retiglow Night Serum. ...
- RYLLZ Essentials Retinol 0.5% Anti Aging Night Serum.
Yes, vitamin C serums are generally suitable for Indian skin tones. They can help brighten the skin, reduce pigmentation, and promote a more even skin tone. However, it's essential to use sunscreen alongside vitamin C serum, especially in a sunny climate like India.
Should I refrigerate my face serums? ›
Any oil-based skincare product can harden and separate if it's kept too cool, making it unusable. So keep your oil-based serums and balms at room temperature. If your serum is water-based then definitely keep it in the fridge, especially if it contains an active ingredient listed above.
No, you typically don't need to wash off serum. Allow it to absorb for a few minutes before applying other products. If it's a leave-on serum, leaving it overnight may enhance its benefits. Always check product instructions for specific guidance based on the serum's formulation.
How long should I let my serum absorb before moisturizer? ›
Goldenberg's go-to recommendation for timing between serums and moisturizers is about one minute. This wait has the same reasoning: Sixty seconds — give or take — gives each product a moment to delve into your pores.
How many drops of serum should I use? ›
Step 1: Take a pea-sized amount (about 3-4 drops) of a face serum from the dropper onto your palms. (For best results, you can use a vitamin C serum.) Step 2: Spread it between your palms without rubbing the product too much. Step 3: Dab the serum all over your face and neck using small and gentle tapping motions.
Can I use sunscreen after serum? ›
SUNSCREEN BEFORE OR AFTER SERUM
When using a physical sunscreen, always know that it must be applied after all other products so that it can create a barrier. Apply physical sunscreens after serums and moisturisers.
In what order do you apply face serums? ›
Order of Face Products Matters: Serums are applied after cleansing and toning and before your moisturizer. If you don't use toner, then apply serum directly after cleansing. Keep It Simple: It's best to layer no more than two serums at a time.
Which face serums to use first? ›
For maximum absorption, serums should be applied to freshly cleansed skin. Apply the thinnest facial serum first, or, if serums are the same consistency, start by addressing your primary skin concern. Massage a few drops into the skin, then wait until absorbed before applying your secondary serum.
Do you rub serum into your face? ›
Gently press the serum onto your cheeks and then your forehead and chin, then down to your neck and chest. You should find that the serum soaks in quite quickly and you don't need to rub it in too much.
Do you wash off serum after applying? ›
No, you typically don't need to wash off serum. Allow it to absorb for a few minutes before applying other products. If it's a leave-on serum, leaving it overnight may enhance its benefits. Always check product instructions for specific guidance based on the serum's formulation.
