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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In any way, it's best to pair niacinamide serums with calming moisturisers to minimise irritation. Look for moisturisers that contain calming or soothing ingredients such as centella asiatica, chamomile extract, hottinua extract, aloe vera extract or moisturisers for sensitive skin.
It's best to apply face serum first, as it can penetrate the skin more deeply and deliver active ingredients. Wait a minute or so after applying the serum to let it absorb before applying moisturizer on top. Note that you should always refer to the label to properly use the product.
For a face serum to show its effectiveness on your skin, it is important to apply a face serum daily on your skin for it to boost the effectiveness of your skincare routine by targeting concerns more directly than traditional creams can.
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.
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.
Hyaluronic acid acts like a magnet for moisture: it strongly attracts it. As a result, if applied to dry skin, it draws moisture from the deeper layers, potentially causing further dryness. That's why it's essential to apply it on damp skin, for example, after using a toner, essence, or face mist.
In contrast to rubbing in your skincare products, patting is supposedly more gentle and it helps skin care products penetrate the skin better.
You can also use serum alone without added moisturizer, but this may reduce the power of the serum's active ingredients. Serums contain active ingredients such as oat oil, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid that pull moisture into the skin for deep hydration.
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.
Regardless, we recommend letting each serum dry completely before moving on. While it may be tempting to use multiple serums, make sure to check that the serums you're choosing can be safely combined. There are certain ingredients out there, like retinoids, that don't always play well with others.
Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliation is a key step in this process. Dead skin clogs pores and keeps your skincare products from being absorbed easily. When you remove the dead skin cell blockade, serums and moisturizers will penetrate deeper.
Serums are typically concentrated products, which means a little goes a long way. Applying too much serum can not only be wasteful but also cause your skin to become overwhelmed with the product, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.