Wander the skincare aisle for a few seconds, and you’ll definitely see the word “serum” appear. These versatile products can deliver a variety of benefits, from acne prevention to anti-aging. In short, serums could be the key to unlocking your best skin yet.
However, these high-powered formulas can also spark a few questions: How do they fit into a skincare regimen? Should you apply them every day? Is there a best serum for your skin type?
If you’re curious to enter the world of serums, let us be your guide. Keep reading for our top tips on how to apply face serum for a glowing and healthy complexion.
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What is a Face Serum?
Before learning how to apply a face serum, it’s important to understand what a face serum is.
Serums are small but mighty skincare products that deliver specific skin-boosting powers. Typically, serums will have these properties:
- Targeted ingredients – Serums are the specialists of skincare. Every formula will have active ingredients, or ingredients that target a specific skin need (such as acne or dullness). Oftentimes, the active ingredient will be named or placed front and center with a serum.
- Powerful concentrations – It’s safe to say that serums are advanced-level skincare products. Compared to moisturizers or cleansers, most serums will contain a higher concentration of active ingredients for a more powerful effect.
- Lightweight texture – Unlike creams and lotions, serums are typically more lightweight in texture. This helps the skincare product penetrate the skin barrier at a deeper level for better product absorption.
In short, serums are like a concentrated dose of goodness for your sensitive skin. With the right formula, a serum could tackle the pesky conditions that hold your best skin back.
Top 5 Tips for Applying a Face Serum
When it comes to harnessing the true power of face serums (or any skincare products), proper application is key. Apply your face serum wrong, and you may miss out on its incredible benefits.
Serums can be introduced at any age, depending on the specific skincare goal. For example, antioxidants can be introduced to help protect against free radical damage, while hydrating serums can help to boost moisture in the skin for someone dealing with dryness.
Let's unravel the secrets to incorporating these potent elixirs into your skincare routine for maximum effectiveness.
#1 Establish Your Skincare Order
For serums, timing is just as important as ingredients. Since skincare routines come with a swarth of formulas and textures, layering products for maximum benefit is crucial. If applied in the wrong order, you could cancel out the benefits of your own routine.
For this reason, your routine should follow a “lightest to heaviest” order. For example, a regimen that includes serums could look like this [1]:
- Facial cleanser
- Toners
- Topical medications (like prescription-grade retinoids, rosacea treatments, etc.)
- Serums
- Eye cream
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
A safe rule of thumb? Apply your serum between cleansing and moisturizing. If you apply the serum after moisturizer, the thicker texture and ingredients of the moisturizer may block your serum from penetrating the skin.
#2 Keep It Light
Serums often contain high concentrations of active ingredients. Use too much, and you risk overbearing or irritating your skin, especially if the serum targets acne or dullness.
Instead, stick with using a pea-sized amount of serum. Apply it fully to your entire face, skipping any sensitive areas like the under eyes or eyelids. Then, you can go ahead and apply your moisturizer, whether it’s a daily moisturizer with SPF or a night cream designed to restore your skin.
#3 Start Slow
If you’re bringing a new serum onto your skincare team, follow these tips to learn how to apply serum on face skin safely [2]:
- Patch test – After buying a new product, it’s always a safe step to patch test it. Start by applying a small amount of the serum to your inner arm and waiting 24 hours. If your skin has no adverse reaction (rash, itching, etc.), then it’s likely safe to use on your face.
- Adjust frequency – Serums vary widely across purpose and intensity. While you may only apply a powerful anti-acne serum once per week, you might apply a soothing hydrating serum every day. If your serum includes powerful active ingredients (vitamin C, retinol, etc.), start by applying it just once or twice per week. If tolerable, you can increase how often you apply it.
- Test morning vs. night – A “daily” skincare routine is more like two daily skincare routines—morning and night. Depending on the formula, a serum could fit best in your morning routine, nighttime routine, or both. For example, a retinol serum is best applied at night, since it increases sun sensitivity, while an antioxidant like vitamin C works especially well when used in the morning
Your best skin—in 3 simple steps.
Our award-winning AI technology turns millions of scientific data points into a personalized, clinically effective, 3-step regimen that works—for you.
#4 Apply with Precision
If you’re applying serum in a rush or without care, then you may be missing out on its benefits.
Your skin is an organ, not just a sponge. To help it absorb the maximum benefits from your routine, it needs a little TLC. When applying a serum, try these precise techniques [3]:
- Rub gently – The harder you rub your serum, the more irritated your skin may become. Instead, gently pat your serum into the face and use upward circular motions to spread the product. This can boost absorption and circulation for a healthier, plumper look.
- Apply to the face and neck – Don’t forget below the chin! Your neck is practically an extension of your face in skincare, so make sure your serum reaches every part of your face (minus sensitive areas) and your neck.
- Allow absorption – Never rush a skincare recipe. After you apply your serum, wait a minute to let it fully absorb into the skin. This allows the active ingredients to fully reach your epidermal layers for maximum benefits. Otherwise, your next step may “wash away” any product sitting on top of the skin.
- Layer with care – Want to add more than one facial serum? No problem. Just make sure you give each facial serum time to absorb before applying the next one. Additionally, make sure that the active ingredients of your serums don’t have potential adverse reactions (such as vitamin C serum and retinol serum).
#5 Choose Your Serum with Care
Selecting the right face serum is like finding the perfect partner for your skin—someone who understands your unique concerns and provides the support you crave. With so many serums available, it's crucial to make an informed choice that matches your needs and skin type.
Put simply, the power of serums comes from their ingredients. When picking your own serum, it’s important to know which star players treat the skin issues you face. Consider these top active ingredients that support the following skincare conditions [4]:
- Anti-aging – Retinol, peptides, ferulic acid
- Brightening – Vitamin C, kojic acid, niacinamide
- Antioxidants – Vitamin E, green tea extract, polyphenols
- Exfoliation – Glycolic acid, lactic acid,
- Anti-acne – Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil
- Hydrating – Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin
Discover Long-Lasting Skincare Results with PROVEN
Serums are an excellent addition to a skincare regimen, but they’re just one player on your team. To get the most out of your routine, you need to start with basic steps that support your skin’s health and appearance—and we’re ready to build those steps with you.
At PROVEN Skincare, we strip skincare down to its essentials—a cleanser, a moisturizer, an eye cream, and SPF. By determining the powerful ingredients that your skin needs, we can create personalized versions of these products to deliver real, long-lasting results. Ready to start?
Take our skincare quiz to find which ingredients belong on your skincare shelf.
