If you have ever been confused by what serums do, you are not alone. There are a lot of contradictions surrounding them. A serum can be moisturizing, but it’s not a moisturizer. It can be slightly oily, but it’s not a facial oil. It can also have a watery consistency, but it isn’t an essence.
Serums help deliver a potent boost to help resolve skin issues we may be experiencing. Our skin concerns can change from month to month, or even daily! It’s important to recognize what your skin needs and choose the right serum.
Serums are designed to be used after cleansing and toning, but before a moisturizer. They contain high levels of active ingredients, which target the skin concerns we might have, and can typically be used on a daily basis. The main difference between a serum and a moisturizer is that serums leave out occlusives.
Occlusives are the ingredients we find in our moisturizers that help warm up our skin to trap hydration from products like toners and serums. There are also thickening agents in serum so that it can penetrate deeper into the skin.
Serums can be oil or water-based. The difference is that oil-based serums take a little longer to sink into the skin. They also penetrate deeper into our skin than moisturizers as they have smaller molecules in their formula.
You’ll want to apply the serum of your choice with your hands. The best way to apply serum is to use your whole palm. First, place a few drops of serum on your palms and use them to warm up the product. Then, you want to press the product onto your face and spread it evenly onto the skin.
Take your time when applying a serum and allow yourself to enjoy it. You should look at the application as a small massage for your face. When you use your whole palms instead of just fingertips, it helps the product absorb much quicker, and it won’t stay on top of your skin. Top it all off with your favorite moisturizer.