Keep It Simple: It's best to layer no more than two serums at a time. Too many layers can possibly prevent the ingredients from absorbing as effectively. Thin to Thick: Layer by lightest to thickest consistency.
Yes! It is completely okay to mix two serums together, or even more. However, there are a couple of guidelines to abide by when mixing. Firstly, you need to mix each serum in the palm of your hand before applying to your face.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"When applying serums apply the most active first, and go with the ingredient that you want your skin to benefit from most," says Lucy. For instance, "if your biggest concerns are acne and blemishes, go for a salicylic acid serum - if its pigmentation, opt for Vitamin C first," she says.
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.
“The order of application is incredibly important,” says Dr. Rogers. “The skin's job is to keep things out, but many of the skin care products we use have ingredients we want to get in. Only a very small amount of these key ingredients can penetrate the skin, even when perfectly formulated and perfectly applied.
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.
The best rule of thumb we have is to layer from 'thin to thick. ' This means that, after washing your face, the first product you should apply is the one with the thinnest viscosity (another word for texture/thickness when talking about a liquid.)
Not only can you use vitamin C and hyaluronic acid together, but when you do, they can help create a more effective skincare routine. Each one has skincare benefits, some of which we mentioned, but when combined, they can form a more potent formula that offers increased results.
Should I use Hyaluronic Acid before or after Retinol? You should use hyaluronic acid after retinol. And to maximise the benefits, you should use retinol first and then wait at least 30 minutes before applying hyaluronic acid.
There's no problem with using both retinol and vitamin C as part of your skincare routine, dermatologists say. In fact, Shirazi calls this combo a "power couple" when it comes to aging well.
The best way to apply serum is with your fingertips or your palms. Drop the serum onto your fingertips, gently apply it to your face and neck, then lightly tap, pat and smooth out the serum. You can also apply drops to your palms and gently rub them together to activate the serum.
Spread it between your palms without rubbing too much. Dab the serum all over your face and neck using small and gentle tapping motions. Wait for a couple of minutes for the serum to completely penetrate your skin before continuing with your skincare regime.
Wait, then Moisturize Serums are not moisturizers.
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.
Serum. A pea-sized amount of serum gives your skin a concentrated boost of ingredients that help with hydration, exfoliation, acne, or dull skin. If you use too much: Using too much of any product leaves active ingredients sitting on your skin. Some, such as exfoliating serum, can lead to stinging or peeling.
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.
Can hyaluronic acid and retinol be used together? Unlike many other skin care ingredients out there, hyaluronic acid and retinol can be used in the same skincare routine. Not only that, but using them together can help to lessen the severity of the side effects that often come with retinol usage.
“Hyaluronic acid plays well with most ingredients, while caution must be taken when using retinol in combination with alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, and some types of vitamin C.” Linkner echoes the tip about avoiding vitamin C.
How do you mix serums with different consistencies? According to dermatologists, a good rule of thumb when layering skincare products is to apply the product with the thinnest/lightest consistency first, and then work your way up to the heaviest products.