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.
Poor absorption can be due to dead skin cells or clogged pores. Ensure that you are exfoliating regularly to allow your serum to penetrate.
Comments Section Applying an active over damp skin enhances absorption which is why, if you are new to an ingredient like retinol, they advise applicator on dry skin. If you are habituated to an active (eg vitamin C) you can definitely apply to damp skin for better absorption and thus enhancing its efficacy.
Apply Products to Damp Skin
This is particularly useful for people with dry or eczema-prone skin," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. David Kim. “Damp skin is more permeable than dry skin,” Debbie Thomas adds. “So technically, you should get better absorption of your products if applied directly after cleansing.
Higher strength Niacinamide has the potential to irritate skin so best used on dry skin. If it's in combination with Hyaluronic acid it goes on damp skin. Outfit : @anokhijaipur.
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.
Serum: Serums are a high-performance treatment step and usually packed with all the good stuff that helps improve your complexion. By pressing in your serum instead of rubbing, you'll ensure that every juicy drop gets absorbed into your skin.
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. Most skincare products are designed to begin absorbing right away.
Applying Vitamin C serum too early in your routine can reduce its efficacy as subsequent products may hinder its absorption unless you use a pH-balancing cleanser that does not require you to use a toner.
Massage Your Face
It improves circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your skin. It also encourages lymphatic drainage, helping your skin detoxify and look its best. Those gentle strokes can even open your pores, allowing your skincare products to be absorbed more deeply into your skin.
Serum and Moisturizer: 1 minute
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.
Incorrect layering application - The order in which you apply your products matters. Incorrect layering can cause products to sit on top of each other and mix rather than being absorbed. An example of this would be applying an oil before a water-based serum.
The structure of oleic acid, the predominant fatty acid in olive oil, causes tiny holes in the skin barrier which help speed absorption. This is why olive oil penetrates deeper and faster into the skin the most oils.
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.
Rather than rubbing product into your skin in circular motions, gently patting with your fingers helps allow the product to fully be absorbed into your skin. Not only that, it also helps to boost circulation and get the blood moving.
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.
It's not a larger dose for better effects. If you have a dropper formula, use 3-4 drops of serum. You want just enough to lightly cover (not coat) your entire face and neck. Remember, face serums are VERY potent with high concentrations of ingredients.
In most cases, it's not only okay to use your serum every day—it's recommended to do so in order to reap the full benefits of the product. However, usage can vary depending on the type of serum, the ingredients they contain, and how concentrated it is.
A 5% concentration of niacinamide has been shown to be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation and improving fine lines and wrinkles according to some studies. ¹⁷ Additionally, a concentration of lower than 10% may be more suitable if you have sensitive skin or if you're new to using niacinamide.
Some may also have skin discoloration due to using niacinamide combined with other active ingredients that are too harsh for your skin type. Niacinamide can also cause problems when it's mixed with the following substances: Acids, including lactic acid, glycolic acid, and azelaic acid.
Don't use vitamin C: Niacinamide and vitamin C can cause skin irritation and discoloration when used together, so it's best to use them at different times of the day. Don't overuse: While niacinamide is generally well-tolerated, overusing it can cause redness and irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin.