“If you use a serum you want to let it dry for at least a few minutes,” recommends Dr. Rossi. “Most serums have active ingredients, so you want to put them on before anything that's really going to impede the entrance of the serum into the skin,” like a more occlusive moisturizer or oil.
Give these serums at least a full minute to get to work. 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.
Absorption Time: Most serums should be left on the skin until fully absorbed, which usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes. Layering Products: If you're using multiple skincare products, apply serum after cleansing and toning, and allow it to absorb before applying moisturizer or sunscreen.
According to Women's Health, wet skin is 10 times more permeable than dry skin. This means that applying serum especially one with hyaluronic acid with its water-binding properties to wet skin can help quicken or enhance absorption of vitamins and nutrients in the formula.
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.
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.
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.
For the best results, dermatologists recommend applying your vitamin C serum first. Let it dry so your skin has the opportunity to absorb the ascorbic acid, and then move on to the niacinamide product.
Yes! Your skin can benefit from both serum and moisturizer, and it's recommended to use both of these products. However, it's not strictly necessary when you are using a moisturizing face serum. You can adjust your skincare routine to suit your individual skincare needs, concerns, and goals.
Absolutely. Serums are generally safe for daily use, making them a valuable addition to your daily skincare regimen.
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.
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.
Should You Wash Off Serum? Washing off serum immediately is generally not recommended since it contains concentrated active ingredients. These ingredients address skincare concerns such as hydration, anti-aging, and brightening. Their effectiveness depends on being absorbed into the skin.
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.
A formula with retinol, like the L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Eye Treatment, should be applied after your serums and before moisturizer because of its lightweight texture.
You might be experiencing purging. Purging is most common when using retinol for the first time, but has also been linked to vitamin C and some acids too [8]. Common symptoms are rapid breakouts, flaky and dry skin, or oily skin [8]. Believe it or not, it's actually a sign your products are working.
Vitamin C is effectively an acid (it's sometimes known as ascorbic acid), so layering it with AHAs and BHAs like glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids is a big no-no.
Ingredients in serums are fine to use day or night, except those that can make your skin sensitive to the sun such as AHAs and retinol. ¹⁷ But if you're looking to keep your serum usage as stress-free as possible, stick to using them at night and let them do their work while you sleep.
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.
Can I leave serum overnight? Leaving a serum on over night is ideal! As stated above, serums need time to absorb and your skin is most receptive when you're asleep so having a serum on before you go to bed is a great way to have your skin get the most out of the serum.
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.