What is the best way to layer serums?

Author: Prof. Raul Greenfelder  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 1, 2025

How to Layer Serums
  1. Order of Face Products Matters: Serums are applied after cleansing and toning and before your moisturizer. ...
  2. Keep It Simple: It's best to layer no more than two serums at a time. ...
  3. Thin to Thick: Layer by lightest to thickest consistency.

In what order should I layer my serums?

For optimal results, we recommend incorporating serums into your skincare routine in the following order:
  1. Step 1: Cleanser.
  2. Step 2: Toner.
  3. Step 3: Pre-Serum or Essence.
  4. Step 4: Active Serum.
  5. Step 5: Moisturiser.
  6. Step 6: Sun Protection.

What is the 3 second rule in skincare?

The three-second rule, inspired by K-Beauty routines, suggests applying moisturiser or serum within three seconds of cleansing while the skin is still damp to maximise hydration and absorption.

Which two serums cannot be used together?

Skincare ingredients not to mix
  • Retinoids or retinol and benzoyl peroxide. ...
  • Retinoids or retinol and vitamin C. ...
  • Retinoids or retinol and salicylic acid. ...
  • Retinoid or retinol and AHAs/BHAs. ...
  • Vitamin C and AHAs/BHAs. ...
  • Vitamin C and benzoyl peroxide. ...
  • Niacinamide and AHAs / BHAs. ...
  • Benzoyl peroxide and hydroquinone.

Is it better to pat or rub serum?

In contrast to rubbing in your skincare products, patting is supposedly more gentle and it helps skin care products penetrate the skin better.

How to layer serums & Retinols || Skincare Sunday - Elle Leary Artistry

How do you use serum for best results?

To get the best results from a face serum, follow these steps:
  1. Clean Your Face. The first step is to ensure your face is clean. ...
  2. Apply Serum on Damp Skin. Moist skin helps the serum absorb better. ...
  3. Use the Right Amount of Serum. Avoid overdoing it. ...
  4. Apply by Patting and Gentle Massaging. ...
  5. Layering with Other Skincare Products.

What not to pair with niacinamide?

DON'T MIX: AHA/BHA and niacinamide

Niacinamide is used to treat hyperpigmentation and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, while alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are chemical exfoliants. To understand why niacinamide shouldn't be mixed with AHAs and BHAs, you need to consider pH.

Should I use niacinamide or hyaluronic acid first?

When used together, always go with applying hyaluronic acid first, followed by Niacinamide. By following this, you would be able to attract plenty of hydration first. After that, apply Niacinamide to help regulate sebum production and help with the minimization of pores.

How to layer vitamin C and hyaluronic acid?

Allow 1-2 minutes between the application of each serum for full absorption of the vitamin C by your skin before you apply the hyaluronic acid. This ensures that both ingredients can work together effectively.

Is it better to put serum on wet or dry skin?

This is because damp skin is easier to penetrate than dry skin. (And when I say damp, I do mean damp. Think: just-cleansed or freshly-misted skin, not sopping wet.) This means your serums/face oils/moisturisers are going to get their best start so they can do their best work.

What is the Korean skincare 3 second rule?

This eyeball-grabbing rule suggests that you go straight into your skincare routine immediately after washing up, within 3 seconds. At first glance, this may seem like it's sprouted from the imagination of an ardent skin care-lover.

What is the rule of 7 skincare?

The 7 Skin Method is a skincare technique that involves applying seven layers of hydrating toner or essence to your skin.

Do you put retinol or niacinamide first?

It is not unusual to find a combination of niacinamide and retinol in a single skincare product, but you can use niacinamide and retinol as separate steps in a consistent routine. If you're using separate products, it is recommended that you apply retinol first then move forward with niacinamide application.

How long to wait between hyaluronic acid and niacinamide?

Hyaluronic acid serums are usually lightweight and absorb quickly, so you don't need to wait longer than a minute or two to apply a niacinamide cream. If both products are thick or sticky, wait until the skin absorbs the first layer to avoid mixing and diluting the products.

Should I use niacinamide every day?

How often should you use niacinamide? For optimal benefits, we recommend using niacinamide either daily or twice a day. Whether you apply niacinamide once or twice a day will depend on your skin type, skin concerns and which other ingredients are contained within your morning and night routines.

Is it better to use hyaluronic acid at night or morning?

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.

What goes first, niacinamide or snail mucin?

In this case, you'd apply first Snail Mucin, followed by Niacinamide & finally Azelaic Acid 💦 like that, you will be able to hydrate your skin, boost your collagen production, as well as brightening your pigmentation or even calming redness 🫶🏼 This recommendation can go for either morning or night routines 💕

Is 10% niacinamide too much for beginners?

Now, most people can tolerate niacinamide well even at 10% twice daily. But if you have a mysterious skin rash or unexplained irritation, it could be time to take a closer look at your niacinamide levels.

What reacts badly with niacinamide?

Niacinamide works well with other skincare ingredients, including retinol and hyaluronic acid. However, some ingredients, like vitamin C, may interact negatively with niacinamide. Therefore, it's recommended to use products containing these ingredients at different times of the day or on alternate days.

What can't you mix with hyaluronic acid?

AHAs and BHAs: AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) are chemical exfoliants that can help improve skin texture and unclog pores. However, when used with hyaluronic acid, these ingredients can be too harsh and lead to irritation.

What serum should I use at night?

"When searching for a night serum, look for ingredients that address anti-aging concerns and help skin recover," he says. For example, retinol, bakuchiol, and peptides are great for anyone who wants to address anti-aging concerns. Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, squalane, and ceramides can aid in skin repair.

What skincare should not be mixed?

Retinoids don't combine well with AHAs, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or vitamin C due to potential stability issues and skin sensitivities, and soap-based cleansers can also reduce vitamin C's skin benefits.

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