How long should you wait to apply moisturizer after serum? Generally speaking, you don't need to wait for your serums to "soak in" before applying moisturizer. However, if you do want to wait, don't let your serum sit for more than a minute before applying moisturizer, as it could result in dryer skin.
It's recommended to wait about one to two minutes after applying serum before moving on to your moisturiser. This brief waiting period allows the serum to fully penetrate your skin, delivering its active ingredients directly to the target areas.
If the bottle doesn't have clear instructions, 30 seconds to a minute is typically considered enough time for those who don't want to wait too long between products. If you have time to spare, you may wait 15-20 minutes for maximum absorption before moving on in your routine.
Let the serum properly settle into your skin before going in with a moisturiser. The recommended time is usually 4-5 minutes. You know your serum is doing a good job when it is seamless ---- this means no oily residue or tackiness post application.
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.
How long should I leave serum on my face? Serums need time to absorb into your skin so washing them off straight away is counterproductive. Let the product melt into your skin for about 90 seconds before finishing your routine with moisturiser – locking everything in place.
Always make sure to follow with a moisturizer, this is a skincare must in general, but especially when using Hyaluronic Acid Serum because it locks the moisture in. But it's important to wait 30-60 seconds for the serum to absorb before following with other products.
You can skip moisturiser after applying serum on your face. But please don't. Both serum and moisturiser can provide aid to your skin in unique ways.
Moisturiser
A moisturiser could be of multiple types- humectants, emollient, occlusive, or maybe a combination. This will change the thickness of the product. The thicker it is, the more you must wait for it to be absorbed. Although, even the lightest moisturiser would take around 5 minutes to absorb.
Step 1: Take a pea-sized amount (about 3-4 drops) of a face serum from the dropper onto your palms. Step 2: Spread it between your palms without rubbing the product too much. Step 3: Dab the serum all over your face and neck using small and gentle tapping motions.
Apply to Damp Skin
Compared to dry skin, damp skin is more receptive to skincare ingredients, so make sure you apply serum to damp skin after cleansing or mist skin with an soothing, alcohol-free toner for better and quicker absorption. Press serum into skin with an open palm, patting it on then smoothing it out.
Q: Do you wash off face moisturizer? A: No ! You leave it on all day/night between washes and under makeup.
When it comes to layering skincare products, there's one simple rule to remember – always go from thinnest to thickest. So, in this case, serums come before moisturiser.
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.
Our top pick for the best night cream is Kiehl's Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream, as it's great for all skin types and provides long-lasting hydration. Another fantastic option is La Roche-Posay's Double Repair Moisturizer, which leaves the skin feeling nourished, soft, and supple—all for under $25.
There is no wait time required between applying your serum and moisturizer. You can even choose to mix them together in the palm of your hand before applying. (Exception: a daytime moisturizer with sunscreen shouldn't be mixed into other formulas since doing so could hinder the level of protection).
If you decide to use both serum and moisturizer, you should always apply the serum first (lighter products go before heavier ones). After applying, wait a minute or two to allow the product to absorb into your skin. Then, apply moisturizer. Also, pay attention to the type of serum and moisturizer you're using.
If you have dehydrated skin, use hyaluronic acid serum both in the morning and at night. In the morning, it might help hydrate your skin and prepare it for the day ahead. At night, it might help repair and rejuvenate your skin while you sleep. Be sure to follow up with a moisturizer to lock in the hydration.
After applying your retinol product, it's best to wait roughly 10 minutes before moving on to the next step in your routine.
Using a moisturizer is an essential step after applying hyaluronic acid. The moisturizer will help seal hydration into the skin and help hyaluronic acid absorb correctly if the air around you is dry.