How to Use Face Serums

If you don’t have a serum in your everyday skincare routine, the you might want to think about it.

I went to a beauty seminar once and it changed my life because that was the day I started using serums. My skin is dull on some days, and it was serum that gave me an instant glow even when I have layers and layers of makeup on top of my face. In my experience, a serum brightens up my skin and helps keep the moisture in.

But in textbook terms, what exactly is a serum? A serum is a mix of active ingredients that are supposed to target specific skincare concerns. The level of active ingredients is supposedly higher than in a common face cream, since the ingredients and heavier oils have been done away with.

Are serums different from oils and moisturizers?

You may be wondering if serums are the same as moisturizers, but the short answer is no. Serums and moisturizers sometimes share ingredients and properties, but serums are more easily absorbed by the skin. They work underneath the epidermis, while moisturizers only work on the topmost layer and hold in all the moisture from there. Another difference is that serums are water-based, but facial oils and moisturizers are usually oil or cream-based.

How should I choose a serum?

You would be amazed at the number of options available in the market, and of course, all of these serums claim to give you beautiful, glowing skin. You can narrow your options down by taking two factors into consideration.

1. What is the skin problem you want to address? Do you want to “erase” fine lines around your mouth? Or get rid of those those sun spots on your nose? So, you need to find a serum that promises to do just that.

2. What is your skin type? If you have acne-prone and oily skin, choose a face serum with salicylic acid and retinols. Ingredients like rosehip seed oil help too. For more mature and dry skin, use something with Vitamin C and hydraulic acid. If you have normal skin, you might be more compatible with glycolic acid. This ingredient helps trap the moisture in the skin, keeping your skin refreshed and rejuvenated for longer.

When do I use a skincare serum?

There’s really no exact rule. You are free to include serums in your skincare routine during the day or at night. But as usual, consider your skin type.

If you have dry skin, do this in the daytime: wash your face, pat dry, then apply a serum that quenches the skin’s “thirst.” Wait a few minutes for the product to settle. Follow that up with any moisturizing sunscreen of your choice with at least SPF 30. It would be ideal if you can cleanse and clean it all off in the afternoon, and reapply.

Try not to layer too much serum at nighttime and let your skin “breathe” instead. Most night creams are usually heavy and concentrated anyway, so either use that or a night serum but never both.

Do not overuse serums though by applying it night and day. Choose a time and stick to it.

Do you use facial serums at all? Please share your experience below!