Facial Serum: When to Use It?

Facial serums are skincare products that contain highly concentrated formulas of active ingredients to provide benefits based on the skin issues they are targeted at. But then how does one structure their skincare routine and what role do serums play in it?

Given that the effectiveness of a facial serum relies on its ability to penetrate the pores to deliver maximum benefit, it is recommended to use facial serums directly after thoroughly cleansing the skin. However, serums should be applied before moisturizing creams, regardless of your skin type, for three distinct reasons.

• Texture: Water-based, most serums are fluids with a light and thin viscosity. Conversely, moisturizing creams contain fatty substances and are therefore thicker than serums.

• Penetration Capacity: The moisturizing cream creates a barrier on the skin's surface, which can then prevent the serum's ingredients from penetrating.

• Absorption Power : Applying the serum first also allows the active ingredients to come into contact with the skin before other products, thus achieving the desired effect.

If you are layering different serums, they should be applied from the lightest, most fluid consistency to the heaviest, richest. However, before layering, you should research the compatibility of the formulas. Indeed, some ingredients cannot be mixed. This can lead to interactions and side effects, but also be less effective together.

How often should a skin serum be used?

Generally, a facial serum can be used both in the morning and in the evening. However, this depends on the ingredients contained in the bottle. Indeed, some serums may contain active ingredients like the retinol which can easily break down when exposed to sunlight and should therefore only be applied as part of one's evening routine.

On the other hand, certain ingredients are more effective during the day, such as vitamins C and E, which provide protection against external skin stress factors throughout the day (pollution, sun, etc.). Therefore, be sure to read the manufacturer's recommendations before any application. Similarly, while most serums are intended for daily use, the use of certain serums should be spaced out.

The application of a skin serum should always be followed by a moisturizing cream to create a protective barrier on the outermost layer of the skin in order to retain moisture and lock the applied ingredients in place.

At what age can one start using a facial serum?

There is no specific age to start using a serum. It all depends on the skin concerns you face over time. For example, from adolescence to your twenties, an antioxidant or hydrating serum can help keep your skin in shape. On the other hand, if you start to show the first visible signs of aging, you might consider adding a specific serum to your daily routine. All skin types are unique and evolve differently over time. Therefore, we won't all use the same type of serum at a given age.