We recommend using two or a maximum of three serums at a time to help ensure you're getting the most out of all the ingredients.
Serums are only effective when they're applied close to the skin, as this allows the ingredients to penetrate the epidermis. Once you go beyond two or three serums, the product you're applying is less likely to be able to actually sink into your skin—therefore, it's less effective.
While there is no limit to how many serums you can add to your regimen, esthetician Enrique Ramirez, founder of Face to Face NYC, suggests stopping at three. Piling on more products than that is not only time-consuming, it also reduces the chances of each ingredient getting properly absorbed by your skin.
Thin to Thick: Layer by lightest to thickest consistency. Many serums have a similar viscous consistency (including all the Bye Bye Serums) but if you notice one is thicker, start with the thinner formula first. Take Your Time: Give each serum several seconds to set before moving onto the next.
When it comes to serums and oils (or moisturizers), we recommend waiting about a minute between each application. 60 seconds — give or take, gives each product a little time to delve into your skin. Another product that needs a little time to itself is SPF.
“Around 30 secs to 1 min is a sufficient gap between layers in the skincare step. The exception is post serum / spot treatment and retinol. You should allow 3 – 5 mins before applying the next layer to allow surface skin penetration. Apply sunscreen only after there are no traces of moisturiser on the face.
To layer vitamin C and hyaluronic acid serums, always apply vitamin C first to cleansed, dry skin. Be sure to leave time for your vitamin C to sink in, then follow up with your hyaluronic acid.
"When applying serums apply the most active first, and go with the ingredient that you want your skin to benefit from most," says Lucy. For instance, "if your biggest concerns are acne and blemishes, go for a salicylic acid serum - if its pigmentation, opt for Vitamin C first," she says.
Dr. Finney explains that while gentle, hydrating serums, like ones made with hyaluronic acid, and antioxidant serums, like those with vitamin C, are fine by the multiples, layering on a surplus of exfoliating acids and comedogenic products can lead to irritation, breakouts and clogged pores.
Serum. A pea-sized amount of serum gives your skin a concentrated boost of ingredients that help with hydration, exfoliation, acne, or dull skin. If you use too much: Using too much of any product leaves active ingredients sitting on your skin. Some, such as exfoliating serum, can lead to stinging or peeling.
Can You Use Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C Together? Not all powerful skincare ingredients can be mixed, but hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are two that become even stronger when paired with one another. These ingredients can provide both immediate and lasting results when used together in anti-aging formulations.
Similar to retinol, niacinamide should not be used with acidic skincare ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids and even vitamin C. Ordinary niacinamide combined with an acid can cause a bad chemical reaction of redness and flushing.
' This means that, after washing your face, the first product you should apply is the one with the thinnest viscosity (another word for texture/thickness when talking about a liquid.) Then continue layering your products until you get to the thickest one, usually a moisturizing cream, which will be applied last.
It is possible to combine different serums. It is easier to list what combinations are not allowed: AHAs or BHAs with Vitamin A. AHA/BHAs provide an exfoliating effect, while Vitamin A boosts skin regeneration.
There is no wait time required between applying your serum and moisturizer. You can even choose to mix them together in the palm of your hand before applying. (Exception: a daytime moisturizer with sunscreen shouldn't be mixed into other formulas since doing so could hinder the level of protection).
We recommend using two or a maximum of three serums at a time to help ensure you're getting the most out of all the ingredients. Anything more and you start to lower the chance that each serum & oil will properly penetrate.
Here's a quick recap on how to properly use face serum. First, cleanse and exfoliate your skin and follow it up with a toner or facial mist. Next, gently apply a small amount of serum to your face and neck with either your fingertips or palms. Then, wait 5 minutes for your face serum to fully absorb into your skin.
In a skin care routine, it makes sense to apply serum before moisturizer. This is because serum is usually more lightweight, whereas moisturizer tends to be thicker. Applying serum first can also give the skin more opportunity to absorb the active ingredients. In many skin care routines, moisturizer is the last step.
Limit to Two Serums Per Routine
Of course, it is fine to use the same one consistently but by alternating you can effectively use many different serums. Retinoids and serums can be used together, especially if the serum is soothing or hydrating. Be careful using very aggressive face oil serums with retinoids.
“Hyaluronic acid plays well with most ingredients, while caution must be taken when using retinol in combination with alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, and some types of vitamin C.” Linkner echoes the tip about avoiding vitamin C.