Interested in adding a face serum into your regime but not sure how? We understand, serums boast highly concentrated formulas packed with key ingredients to target specific skin concerns – but they must be applied correctly to deliver desired results.
Read on to discover how to apply face serum, as we answer the most commonly asked questions about serum application and explain where it fits into your skincare routine.
How to Apply a Face Serum FAQs
Ever since serums burst into the skincare world, many people have had questions as to how they can be effectively incorporated into the classic cleanse, tone and moisturize routine.
Should You Apply Serum Before or After Moisturizer?
Serums typically have more lightweight formulas; however, moisturizers create a protective barrier over the outermost layer of the skin to lock in moisture.
As such, a serum should always be applied before a moisturizer, as this maximizes the contact it has with the skin, helping to achieve the desired effect. The moisturizer then works to lock those ingredients in and provide additional benefits.
Should You Apply Oil Before or After Serum?
Much like moisturizers, facial oils are slightly heavier than serums so create a protective barrier over the skin. As serums are often water-based, so lighter in weight, we always recommend applying them first to make it easier for them to be absorbed.
Should You Apply a Serum Before or After a Concentrate?
Concentrates are very similar to serums and help to target specific skin concerns. However, while serums often bring together multiple ingredients, concentrates usually consist of one key ingredient, like hyaluronic acid or retinol. A concentrate should be applied before a serum to allow that key ingredient to take effect without being diluted by other ingredients.
Apply the concentrate onto the face after cleansing and toning, wait two minutes, then apply a serum.
How to Apply Serum on the Face
Applying a serum before a foundation is a great way to hydrate the skin without leaving it feeling greasy. Here’s how to add one to your regimen.
Step 1: Cleanse
To allow the key ingredients to be effectively absorbed, a serum should always be applied to clean skin.
How to use: Morning and night, wash the face with a gentle cleanser to help dissolve makeup and impurities and leave skin feeling clean and revitalized.
Step 2: Tone
Often overlooked, facial toners play an important role in preparing the skin for serum application. Not only do they help to rebalance the skin after cleansing, but they sweep away remaining traces of dirt and makeup.
How to use: Apply a toner, like our No7 Toning Water, onto a cotton pad, then sweep over the skin in an upward motion to help reduce the appearance of pores and support a more even looking complexion.
Step 3: Apply Serum
Now for your chosen serum. This will act as your more targeted product to address your specific skin concerns.
How to use: Dispense a pea-sized amount of serum into your palms, then lightly press onto the skin. Pat in outwards and upwards motions until fully applied to the face and neck.
Note: Serums can be applied as part of your morning or evening routine. However, for those with oily skin, we recommend applying this product during your evening regime. This will help to reduce excess oiliness throughout the day.
Step 4: Moisturize
Also known as emollients, moisturizers can help to prevent moisture loss and boost overall hydration, for a more balanced complexion.
How to use: Once your serum has been absorbed, massage the moisturizer over the face and neck to lock in those key ingredients and hydrate the skin’s surface.
A serum is a valuable addition to any skincare regimen, especially for those looking to target a specific skin concern. From mature to dry skin - we have something for every skin type. Explore our selection today to find the best serum for you.
Find out more about the power of hydration and find the best moisturizer for your skin:
How to Find the Best Moisturizer
Discover the best face moisturizer for your skin type and concerns.
