The reason why people suggest a maximum of two or three serums comes down to layering and penetration. Heaps of brands, salons and experts recommend leaving time between applying your serums and moisturisers, and doing it in a specific order so as to allow all of the ingredients to actually sink into your epidermis.
Limit to Two Serums Per Routine
We recommend you use no more than two face serums per routine. Again, alternating skin care items is a strategy here. If you have many serums that you like, use one or two in your morning routine and two different serums in the evening.
You can mix serums together in the palm of your hand before massaging them into your skin. This works best if all the serums are of the same consistency – otherwise, they won't blend together super smoothly, and you might end up with serums that feel (excuse this word), curdled.
While there is no limit to how many serums you can add to your regimen, esthetician Enrique Ramirez, founder of Face to Face NYC, suggests stopping at three. Piling on more products than that is not only time-consuming, it also reduces the chances of each ingredient getting properly absorbed by your skin.
You can totally layer all the serums you need. Just make sure you apply those with the lightest texture and most important actives first.
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.
A Vitamin C serum should be used in your bedtime routine and a couple of drops of it should suffice. Tap it on your skin using your fingertips and leave it on overnight. Wash your face in the morning and apply SPF to avoid any skin irritation.
Hey Sneha, yes, I dont see any harm in using two serums in the day. Active ingredients penetrate better when skin is clean, warmed and slightly moist, so cleanse thoroughly first.
Yes, you can use Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide every day, adding them up to your day and night routine.
Serums are applied after cleansing and before moisturizing, and the latter works to seal it in as it goes to work on your complexion. Generally, if you're going to use more than one serum at a time, your best bet is to stick with two to three max, says Dr. Marisa Garshick, M.D., a New York City-based dermatologist.
Use no more than 3 serums at the same time. If you're wanting to use more than this split them out to three in the morning and three in the evening. Avoid using Niacinamide products with Vitamin C products.
Don't Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol. As for benzoyl peroxide and retinol, they cancel each other out.
"Because vitamin C serum helps protect your skin from free radicals, most dermatologists have recommended applying it in the morning to prevent damage during the day," says Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
Vitamin C works best in combination with Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid, Vitamin B, and Hyaluronic Acid. Designed to deliver a high concentration of actives, Vitamin C booster serums are a popular choice in skincare.
NT: Yes, you can use hyaluronic acid everyday, in the morning and at nights. Just make sure it's applied on damp skin.
How often can you use it? It's always best to follow specific product instructions and to start off slowly. Generally, though, you can safely use hyaluronic acid both morning and night.
While some skincare ingredients, like retinol, are best used at night and others, like vitamin C, work their magic in the daytime, hyaluronic acid can be used both morning and night. “I recommend use of an HA serum up to twice daily, depending on your skin's needs,” says Abdulla.
Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C Together? Not all powerful skincare ingredients can be mixed, but hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are two that become even stronger when paired with one another. These ingredients can provide both immediate and lasting results when used together in anti-aging formulations.
If you are applying a Vitamin C serum and hyaluronic acid separately, it's suggested that you apply the Vitamin C first, and then add the hyaluronic acid afterward in order to help fortify the skin barrier and lock in the moisture.
Use your vitamin C serum first, and let it dry.
Then "Let vitamin C completely dry prior to placing niacinamide," says Lamm. That way, the ascorbic acid has a chance to settle into the skin, and there's a smaller chance of combining the two actives.
So, anything that is water- or alcohol-based should come first, followed by your gels, then your light lotions, then heavier creams, thick serums, and, finally, anything ointment-based (i.e. water-free).
Vitamin C serum benefits
If you're wondering when to apply a vitamin C serum, the answer is both morning and night, after cleansing and toning. One study even recommends applying a vitamin C serum every eight hours, or twice daily for the pinnacle of protection.
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.