Serums are thinner and lighter than moisturizers and have a greater variety of functions. A serum usually has smaller molecules combined with a high concentration of ingredients designed to penetrate, improve and/or nourish the skin in some way. A moisturizer's job is to hydrate the skin and prevent water loss.
The biggest difference between a serum and a cream or lotion is what the formulation doesn't include. Serums leave out occlusive, or airtight, moisturizing ingredients such as petrolatum or mineral oil that keep water from evaporating. They also contain fewer lubricating and thickening agents, like nut or seed oils.
In most cases, it makes sense to apply serum before moisturizer. This is because serum is usually more lightweight, whereas moisturizer tends to be thicker. Applying serum first can also give the skin more opportunity to absorb the active ingredients. In many skin care routines, moisturizer is the last step.
Serums can be used both morning and night to address specific skin issues more effectively than a moisturizer alone, and will also boost the hydrating effects of your moisturizer. Ensure your serum contains antioxidants to provide protection from environmental damage.
You can use your serum(s) both morning and night. They do not necessarily replace your moisturizer but can boost the hydrating effects of your moisturizer. Moisturizers have a simpler job; they are meant to hydrate the skin and prevent water loss.
If your skin's happy with serum alone, you can skip moisturizer. But only a lucky few with normal and super oily skin can get away with this, in my experience. So, don't be too disappointed if your skin needs both.
It is not necessary to have a serum in your skincare regimen. "Serums are simply an added step for those that have the right skin type and are looking to go the extra mile in their daily routines," explains Dr.
Hyaluronic acid is a common ingredient in skin care products, but the body is also able to produce it naturally. Hyaluronic acid is popular in moisturizers because it can soothe and hydrate the skin, and people can use it alongside other ingredients that add to the hydrating effect of this type of moisturizer.
It's usually liquid and contains more concentrated active ingredients, says San Diego dermatologist Jeffrey Benabio, MD. So while a moisturizer can give your skin the hydration it needs, a serum is typically better for providing treatment benefits.
Do I Need Both a Toner and a Serum? For people who like to keep things simple, a toner may not be necessary. Cleansing, applying a serum, topping the serum off with moisturizer, and using SPF during the day are the only must-do items in a skincare routine designed to address the skin's basic health and aesthetic needs.
“I definitely recommend serums for anyone who is concerned about aging. It's a really good way to get extra anti-aging effects, more than your typical moisturizer and sunscreen,” says Dr. Waldman.
HA has the incredible capacity to attract and hold onto 1000x its weight in moisture. And here lies the key: Hyaluronic acid should be used in a moisturizer in order for it to work—when you add moisture to the skin, you're giving the HA added water to absorb and hold onto, rather than pulling moisture out of dry skin.
Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is a well-tolerated ingredient that can be found in a range of skin-care products for moisturizing, brightening, and anti-acne purposes, among other benefits.
Yes, you can use Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide every day, adding them up to your day and night routine.
If there's one skin-care ingredient that puts you in the fast lane to hydrated skin, it's hyaluronic acid. You'll find it as an active ingredient in seemingly every skin-care product category under the sun — serums, cleansers, moisturizers, and more.
Many topical niacinamide products come in the form of serums. Think of serums as extra treatments that address individual skin concerns outside of regular cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. Your niacinamide serum should be applied after toning but before moisturizing.
To allow serums to fully absorb, apply and wait 5 minutes before moisturizing. Take note: Well-formulated serums absorb quickly and disappear into your skin. If they leave an oily or sticky residue, they're not doing their job well.
While toners prep the skin and help balance its pH levels, serums have more active ingredients that [are designed to] penetrate the [surface layers of] skin and provide targeted skincare.”
“You should start an anti-aging eye serum in your 20s,” Dr. Russak says.
You can use face serum twice a day—before your moisturizer—but reserve products with retinol for nighttime. “Generally, most people should be using a treatment serum twice day,” says Hirsch.
Vitamin C serums can help smooth out fine lines by plumping and hydrating the under-eye area. Although vitamin C is more effective at reducing overall redness, some people say it can help alleviate discoloration associated with under-eye circles.
Remember to apply your facial serum before your face oil and/or moisturizer .
They absorb quickly into your skin, making them an excellent next step after cleansing. There are many different types of serums, each with a unique purpose and ingredients. Some serums help to brighten your skin or reduce blemishes, while others focus on boosting hydration or fighting the signs of aging.
Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide:
When used together, always go with applying hyaluronic acid first, followed by Niacinamide. By following this, you would be able to attract plenty of hydration first. After that, apply Niacinamide to help regulate the sebum production and help with the minimization of pores.