When To Use Serum (2024)

FAQs

When To Use Serum? ›

When to use a face serum? Face serums should be part of your morning and nighttime skin care routine and are ALWAYS applied BEFORE your moisturizer, although they can be used alone. A full skin care routine includes cleansing, toning, applying a facial serum, and then moisturizer and sun protection.

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.

Serums typically have more lightweight formulas; however, moisturizers create a protective barrier over the outermost layer of the skin to lock in moisture. 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.

Some, such as those with vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, are better to use in the morning. Other serums are designed to be used at night. For example, always use retinol at night. Retinol can increase sun sensitivity in skin, making it a no-go for daytime wear.

For most people, the answer is yes. You should use both face serum and moisturizer as part of your total skincare routine, especially to get the most effective results if you're working to improve your complexion. Keep in mind that skincare products work over time.

While most serums provide some level of hydration for the skin, the exact benefit of any given serum will depend largely on the ingredients and the skin concern(s) it's meant to address. Lightweight serums with vitamin C, for example, generally target issues such as dullness and discolorations.

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.

Typically, it is okay (and recommended) to use face serum daily. Depending on the type of serum, you may want to use a retinol serum only a couple of times a week to avoid irritation, while something like a vitamin C or hyaluronic acid serum is recommended for daily use.

Your skin can benefit from both serum and moisturizer, and it's recommended to use both of these products. However, it's not strictly necessary when you are using a moisturizing face serum. You can adjust your skincare routine to suit your individual skincare needs, concerns, and goals.

How many drops of serum should I use? ›

It's recommended to use about a pea-sized amount, which is the equivalent to 3-4 drops, but you might prefer more or need slightly less. This also depends what type of serum you're using, typically the more potent, the less you're going to need.

If the skin-care product has a lightweight, watery consistency like a Japanese lotion, plan to pat. This applies to toners (see the 7 Skin Method), serums, gel moisturizers, "or even the extra essence from a sheet mask," Kerr adds.

They should be used once or twice daily after cleansing but before moisturizing. To apply a facial serum, clean your face thoroughly and pat dry with a damp towel. Then, massage a small amount of product into your hands and use circular motions to apply to wrinkles, blemishes, or other areas of concern on the face.

Allow The Serum To Fully Absorb Before Applying Other Products Or Makeup. If you have more steps to your routine after the serum, you must wait for the serum to fully absorb into your skin. Post that, you can go ahead and apply any other products or create a makeup look.

Serum should be applied after cleansing and/or toning and before moisturiser every morning and evening, unless your serum is specifically for night time, such as our Pure Shots Night Reboot Serum.

Face serums boost the collagen of your skin to keep it firm, plumper and reduce the effect of maturity in your skin. Serums make your skin more radiant and help in reducing fine lines. One of the many benefits of serums is that they reduce inflammation and calm your irritated skin.

“When it comes to hyaluronic acid serums or creams, I recommend applying them to damp skin,” Dr. Schlessinger. Hyaluronic acid is one of the most popular hydrating ingredients in skin care, and applying it to skin while it's still damp after cleansing, bathing or showering can help maximize its effectiveness.

Night cream, moisturizer and serum are equally important for your skin. You should include each of them in your daily skincare routine but based on your skin type and needs.