Serum is particularly suited to this task because it is made up of smaller molecules that can penetrate deeply into the skin and deliver a very high concentration of active ingredients. This makes them a great tool for targeting specific skincare concerns, like wrinkles.
Serums are made of very small molecules, so the skin absorbs them quickly and deeply. "The thicker, heavier ingredients in creams form a barrier on your skin," Wilson says. "That's great for locking moisture in.
Exfoliate Regularly
Your products will work their magic more easily by starting with a fresh canvas. Exfoliation is a key step in this process. Dead skin clogs pores and keeps your skincare products from being absorbed easily. When you remove the dead skin cell blockade, serums and moisturizers will penetrate deeper.
This means that they can only get so far as your epidermis, which is fantastic for locking in the hydration that you already have in your skin. But this is not so great for getting moisture and nourishment to the layers of your skin that actually need it. Serums can be both water-based or oil-based.
The key difference between a cream and a serum is its molecular structure, Gamble says. “A cream can create a cushion or shield of hydration and protection, but it can't penetrate into the epidermis. Serums are more fluid and light enough to travel where a cream can't go.”
However, Vivian Bucay, a dermatologist in San Antonio, does say that it does take time for products to be fully absorbed into your skin. “It typically takes around 30 minutes for products to be absorbed, meaning, that if something is washed off before 30 minutes, it would need to be reapplied,” she says.
In fact, hyaluronic acid isn't going to penetrate the skin much at all. As a result, it's not going to have a huge impact on aging. However, that's not to say that it doesn't have an effect on your skin. It does have plenty of other benefits, as do over-the-counter topical hyaluronic acid products.
Serum should be applied after cleansing and toning but before moisturizing. As moisturizer forms a barrier over the skin's surface, applying serum after moisturizer would prevent the ingredients in the serum from penetrating into the skin.
Applying serums is a whole different ball game. For starters, rubbing it onto your face is not advised. Serums should be pressed and patted into the skin so that it can fully absorb all the benefits. Follow our simple steps to ensure you're getting the most out of your serums.
“Skin-care products that include ingredients with very small molecules, such as vitamin C and retinol (vitamin A) have the ability to penetrate the skin,” explains New York dermatologist Marina Peredo, MD.
The Best Way to Apply SERUM:
Apply serum after toner. Using your fingertips, pat serum onto skin, then smooth it outward. Resist the temptation to massage, and let the formula absorb on its own.
When used correctly, Vitamin C can penetrate the outer layer and properly absorb through the skin. The end result: beautiful, glowing skin, free of dark spots, sun damage and other signs of aging.
Spread it between your palms without rubbing too much. Dab the serum all over your face and neck using small and gentle tapping motions. Wait for a couple of minutes for the serum to completely penetrate your skin before continuing with your skincare regime.
Harvard Medical School recommends using a serum to reduce skin concerns related to aging rather than a moisturizer or cream. This is because serums are highly concentrated and absorb more quickly into the skin.
Your skin isn't cleaned properly if it is not able to absorb the serum properly. To avoid such an issue, wash your face well before applying a skin serum because the active ingredients will attach to grime and dead skin.
Just 3. Hope that helps! What is the most effective skin product for instantly results?
When to Pat: Almost your entire skincare regimen — toners, essences, serums, moisturizers, and eye creams included — should be patted into the skin, since liquids, creams, lotions, and gel-based offerings absorb best with this technique.
Wait, then Moisturize Serums are not moisturizers.
To allow serums to fully absorb, apply and wait 5 minutes before moisturizing. Take note: Well-formulated serums absorb quickly and disappear into your skin. If they leave an oily or sticky residue, they're not doing their job well.
Can I leave serum overnight? Leaving a serum on over night is ideal! As stated above, serums need time to absorb and your skin is most receptive when you're asleep so having a serum on before you go to bed is a great way to have your skin get the most out of the serum.
Because oil repels water, applying an oil-based moisturizer before a water-based serum might keep the skin from absorbing the ingredients in the serum. Another reason is that serums typically have smaller molecular structures than moisturizers. This allows them to deliver ingredients deeper into the skin.
Serum and Moisturizer: 1 minute
Goldenberg's go-to recommendation for timing between serums and moisturizers is about one minute. This wait has the same reasoning: Sixty seconds — give or take — gives each product a moment to delve into your pores.
The ideal age to start using face serums would be late 20s and early 30s. This is the age at which the first signs of aging appears. You can continue using face serums till the age of 50+. Including a face serum in your skincare regimen will not only enhance your skin but also protect it.
“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.
Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid
“AHA, BHA, retinol and benzoyl peroxide can be mixed with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and rosehip oil to get effective results — just ensure you are not using retinol as well as AHA or BHA's during the day," says Graf.