Are you supposed to rub serum on your face?

Author: Ms. Delpha Considine  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Use light tapping motions with your fingertips. Remember, you need to be gentle. Don't rub the serum into your skin.

Should we massage serum on the face?

Should you massage a face serum or pat it gently on your skin? Using a face serum isn't tricky at all. Thick face creams and moisturizers require massaging or rubbing the product into the skin in an upward direction for complete absorption.

Are you supposed to wipe off face serum?

No. You don't wash off serums.

How long do I leave serum on my face?

How long should I leave serum on my face? It's best to apply serum and then let it soak into your skin for five minutes. This lets your skin absorb its benefits before you apply moisturizer.

Why do serums rub off?

Not giving one product enough time to absorb into your skin before applying the next one. Hastily applying the second layer causes friction that results in the first layer rubbing off. What to do instead: Don't rush the process. Give a product time to absorb before applying the next layer.

Find the 1st Step for Your Skincare Routine | Importance of Skincare Steps & Rules of Layering

Should I use face serum everyday?

Many facial serums can be applied every day, but some need to be slowly introduced or used less often. Be sure to check the directions for use related to your facial serum of choice or consult a skincare expert. Serums are designed to be applied after cleansing but before moisturising.

Do you put serum on wet or dry skin?

According to Women's Health, wet skin is 10 times more permeable than dry skin. This means that applying serum especially one with hyaluronic acid with its water-binding properties to wet skin can help quicken or enhance absorption of vitamins and nutrients in the formula.

How many drops of serum should I use?

Pinch 3-6 drops — or the equivalent of a pea-sized amount — out of the pipette into the palm of your hand. Though the amount you need is based on you as an individual (some people need more than others) and how the serum applies.

Should I sleep with serum on my face?

Ingredients in serums are fine to use day or night, except those that can make your skin sensitive to the sun such as AHAs and retinol. ¹⁷ But if you're looking to keep your serum usage as stress-free as possible, stick to using them at night and let them do their work while you sleep.

What is the disadvantage of serum for face?

Even when used daily, you should only use a small amount of serum. Any overuse can lead to skin imbalances, dryness, and even acne or pimples. 4. A wrong combination of multiple serums can do more harm than good.

What not to do after applying serum?

What not to do after applying serum? After applying face serums you should never use any other skincare product immediately. Wait for a few minutes to allow it to get absorbed in your skin before you follow up with a moisturizer and sunscreen.

Should serum be massaged?

Massage serum into the face using wave motions

After applying face serum, perform a gentle facial massage to help work the product into your skin. The key to a successful facial massage is using light pressure and upward motions that help to lift the look of your face.

Should you dab or rub skincare?

Dabbing and patting motions is much better than sweeping or rubbing, and reduces puffiness at the same time.

Can I apply serum without moisturizer?

Well, it depends. 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.

How to apply face serum correctly?

Because of their potency, there's no need to slather serums on—a little goes a long way, so use just a pea-sized drop or two. Smooth the serum over your clean, dry skin, then wait 30 seconds to layer on any other products, including moisturizer and sunscreen, which can help seal in the serum further.

Do face serums really work?

The lightweight consistency of serums enables these active ingredients to penetrate the skin's deeper layers for targeted treatment. For this reason, we consider serums to be a crucial step in an effective skincare routine.

How long should you wait for serum to dry?

How long does it take for serum to absorb? It typically depends on whether it's oil- or gel-based, but most serums start absorbing immediately. Some skincare formulas can take up to 30 minutes to fully absorb — but that doesn't mean you have to wait that long between skincare steps.

Can I leave serum overnight?

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.

Does serum remove dark spots?

You can always use a serum for dark spots to fade blemishes and ensure an even-toned complexion. The nourishing ingredients present in a dark spots serum can easily improve skin tone and texture. Using dark spot correcting glow serum will leave you with a radiant and clear complexion.

Do you press or rub serum?

Instead, gently pressing in things like serums and moisturizers is a better way to go. Rubbing can irritate and overstimulate sensitive skins (more redness). The same goes for skin with chronic hyperpigmentation (lots of stubborn brown spots) as rubbing can stimulate already overactive melanin cells.

Should face serum be rubbed in?

Gently tap the product into your skin

Most serums are designed to absorb into your skin, so you shouldn't need to harshly rub them in. Also, you shouldn't need to use a lot of product—generally, a pea-sized amount will do. If your bottle has a dropper, you can also use it to apply your serum directly on your face.

Can you overdo serums?

While it is generally safe to use multiple serums, avoiding overloading your skin with too many active ingredients at once is important, as this can lead to irritation or other adverse reactions.

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