Pro tip: Apply the serum to damp skin to lock in even more hydration! Serums deliver a highly concentrated blast of nutrients directly to your skin. Q When do I apply a skincare serum? This also reduces redness and helps hydrate the skin. Best Time To Apply Face Serum. It is anti inflammatory and helps protect the sun against harmful UV rays. FaceSerum.comMATERIAL CONNECTION DISCLOSURE: You should assume that this website has an affiliate relationship and/or another material connection to the persons or businesses mentioned in or linked to from this page and may receive commissions from purchases you make on subsequent web sites. This article was co-authored by Laura Martin. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013. A vitamin C serum is best for most skin types. “Always test a small area before you apply a skin serum widely.” And use caution when combining acid-containing serums with other products that also contain acids. The easiest way is to apply the drops to your palm and then use two fingers from their other hand to apply the serum to your face. If you’re using a thin serum, apply 1 drop to your forehead, nose, chin, and each cheek. It rejuvenates the skin. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 252,244 times. After which, you should wait at least 5 minutes until the serum is fully absorbed by the skin before applying your moisturizer in order to seal and magnify the benefits of the serum. Serums absorb deep into your skin, rather than sitting on the surface like moisturizers. Apply a nighttime serum with retinol to keep a youthful appearance. How To Use A Serum. Apply it gently using your pointer fingers to avoid pulling or stretching the skin. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Caveats when using a skin serum “Powerful ingredients can irritate sensitive skin,” says Dr. Asgari. skincare regime. After you’ve rubbed the serum into your skin, place your fingers on your cheeks and press your skin in small, circular motions for 30 to 60 seconds until the serum is fully absorbed. Wondering what's the difference between a Serum and a moisturiser? Number – 3. Other serums, such as a hydrating serum, work well put on top. As with all skincare products, it is important to pick a serum that is suited for your skin type and concerns. You can also use vitamin E, rose hip oil, chia seeds, sea buckthorn, and camellia to hydrate your skin without clogging your pores. Using a warm moist towel pat dry your face to gently open pores and leave skin slightly moist To open the pores gently and leave the skin slightly damp so use the warm wet towel to your face. hundreds of thousands) of product options on the market, including cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and more, figuring out when — and how — to use … You can also choose a serum with arbutin when evening out your skin tone. Try using a patting / blotting motion rather than a scrubbing motion on your skin. Serum is the fifth step in your skincare routine if you are exfoliating and fourth step if you skip exfoliating the face. Serums are made to address a number of skin concerns ranging from dark spots to dryness to wrinkles. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013. If you need to use a moisturizer, apply it after the serum. Just give the moisturizer another minute to dry before starting your makeup routine. This is also when to apply face oil. Spread it between your palms without rubbing too much. Glycolic acid removes dead skin cells so they don’t clog your pores. Aloe vera reduces redness and boosts skin hydration. Yes, just be sure to wait at least one minute to allow your skin to absorb the serum. Making small circular motions and rubbing the serum into the skin will help with absorption. Apply skin care products from thinnest to thickest. Great skin starts with hydration! Face serum can be applied during the day and at night. You can also use a serum with antioxidants including vitamin C and green tea extract. So, for example, you may choose a more preventive vitamin C serum in the morning and a more corrective retinol serum in the evening. Some brightening serums feature snail mucin, which is popular for its ability to repair scars and heal discoloration or uneven spots. If you have a “normal” skin type or simply want a serum to keep your skin flawless, try one with these ingredients. This website contains advertisements. So it is important to apply either a serum or a moisturizer. Step 4: Next, apply the moisturiser. Excess serum will not absorb into your skin, and it may cause breakouts and irritation. Serums that brighten skin and dark spots, such as Vitamin C serums, work best if they are applied to bare skin. Most serums work best when applied as the first layer, in direct contact with clean skin after you’ve used a cleanser. To use a face serum, start by washing your face with an exfoliating cleanser, like a face scrub, to remove any dirt and oil. ). Start slowly with your serums to give your skin time to adjust to new products. Number – 5 There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Before apply serum, wash your face with your favorite facial wash or scrub. Step 3: Apply a pea-size amount of face serum on your forehead, cheeks, and chin using your fingertips. Use tiny serum dots all over your face, then gently and easily blend all over. In addition, serums with these ingredients help unclog your pores. Do you use a serum before or after moisturizer? For best results, wash your face daily and exfoliate your skin 3-4 times a week. Here is how you use a serum. Use your fingertips to gently apply the serum to your face and neck and then lightly tap, pat, and smooth the serum out. Last Updated: June 4, 2020 Serum is a skincare product you can apply to your skin after cleansing but before moisturizing with the intent of delivering powerful ingredients directly into the skin. I am now so much better informed on a number of points. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. This article was co-authored by Laura Martin. When choosing a serum with vitamin C, look for options with L-ascorbic acid, which is the most effective part of the vitamin. Arbutin is commonly used to stop the appearance of dark spots. For thick serums, drip 3 to 5 drops into the palm of your hand and warm the serum up by rubbing your palms together before applying it to your face. To increase efficacy of any face serum, apply it immediately after cleansing and toning, but before moisturizing, says Geyer. This will allow the serum to penetrate more deeply into the skin. Try a serum with glycolic acid and aloe vera for an all-purpose option. Salicylic acid can cause sunburn, so it is best to use this serum at night. Yes, because the night cream will give it a protective layer so the serum’s hydration is contained. It also brightens your overall complexion. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Instead of relying on your face cream to do all the heavy lifting, you can apply a hydrating face serum underneath to bring your dry skin back to life. Start towards the center of your face and use an outward sweeping motion as you apply. It's also a good option to help fade sun damage and acne scars. After rinsing off your facial cleanser, apply your face scrub to your face and scrub in a circular motion. Don’t dry your face thoroughly before applying serum Lightly towel your face dry after rinsing. Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. Ideal Age To Start Using Face Serums Thus, all the active ingredients can enter your skin. Estèe Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum Review, Aveeno Calm + Restore Triple Oat Serum Review, Treatment Products (such as acne spot treatment), Makeup (primer, foundation, concealer, powder, etc. If you are applying serum at night, make sure not to layer too much. Why invest in a serum? References If you use a serum daily, you should see results in 7-14 days. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. In this case, 96% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Avoid applying under-the-eye serums to other areas of your face. Rinse off and pat your face dry with a towel. Apply a warm moist towel to your face to gently open pores and leave skin slightly moist. This way, the serum will absorb deep into your skin. Serums are usually applied in small amounts. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. For more advice from our Cosmetologist co-author, including how to choose a serum that’s right for your face, read on! Faster and lighter are the qualities many of us look for in a car, a laptop, and our bodies when we're running a marathon. They're also the prized attributes of skin care serums -- light, fast-absorbing liquids used as an alternative or in addition to creams or lotions. If you select one the right one it should absolutely benefit your skin. Follow up with a moisturising sunscreen of your choice. Start by applying your nightly serum once every other day, and gradually increase build toward nightly application over the course of a few weeks. Do not stretch, pull or rub the skin. Avoid using too much serum. If you’re using a face serum, you should also be applying on toner damp skin (unless it’s a prescription topical.) Approved. One way is to apply the serum with your fingertips. This is a great option if you don’t have any “problem areas” but still want to treat your skin to rich nourishment. Thank you. Avoid tugging the skin and rubbing too hard, let the product absorb on its own once you’ve smoothed … In the daytime, if you've got dry skin, wash your face and pat it dry, then layer your skin with a serum that quenches the skin's thirst for nutrition, wait for a few minutes for it to settle down. Follow up with a dime-sized amount of moisturizer to your face, which will seal in the serum’s nourishing properties. Always exercise due diligence before purchasing any product or service. Our pressure draining method stimulates natural circulation and maintains the firmness of the face. Do not stretch, pull or rub the skin. Use short light but firm strokes to apply your face serum. However, try to get advice from either the sales assistant at a beauty counter, your beautician or a dermatologist, as it is best to get tailored advice for your skin type, age and health. For best results, use both a daytime and nighttime serum. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Use-a-Face-Serum-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-a-Face-Serum-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Use-a-Face-Serum-Step-1.jpg\/aid10041412-v4-728px-Use-a-Face-Serum-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"