How to Use Face Serums for Best Results
If you’re looking for ways to elevate your skincare regimen, then face serums are a great addition. It can feel overwhelming to look at your options and wonder how to incorporate new products into your daily schedule, though. Coming up with the right skincare regimen can take a little research, but with some best practices, you can start transforming your skin with high-quality skincare products. Here’s what to know about face serums and how to use them for best results.
What is a Face Serum?
Face serums are products that typically include high performance ingredients to help address specific skin concerns. They’re typically lightweight products that are designed to quickly absorb onto the skin where they can deliver a concentrated dose of high performance ingredients. They also contain some kind of moisturizing element to help deliver extra hydration.
When to Use Face Serum During Your Skincare Routine
As a general rule, it’s best to apply serums and other products in order of “thinnest to thickest.” This means serums are best applied before your moisturizer and sunscreen. Here’s a quick example routine to follow:
- Cleanse: Use a gentle cleanser with warm water. Rinse and gently pat dry with a clean towel.
- Tone: Gently swipe or mist toner all over your face and neck
- Serum: Apply a few drops of serum to your skin and gently massage it in.
- Wait: It’s best to give your skin a few minutes to absorb the benefits of your serum. Set a timer while you drink some water or relax.
- Moisturize: Apply moisturizer all over your face and neck, making sure it’s completely absorbed. If you have dry skin, consider applying another layer. During your night routine, you may want a thicker cream moisturizer to lock in moisture.
- Sunscreen: During your morning routine, make sure to apply sunscreen to your face, neck, and ears. Give your sunscreen a few minutes to activate before applying makeup and prior to sun exposure.
Why Should You Use Face Serum?
You can select a face serum for virtually any skin concern, so there are a lot of benefits to including one in your daily regimen. Here are some of the most common reasons to include a serum in your regimen.
Fine Lines & Wrinkles
The effects of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles, are a result of losing collagen as you age. Collagen normally supports your skin, keeping it appearing youthful and lifted. Serums that contain anti-aging ingredients like retinol, peptides, or vitamin C can be great preventive options by preserving and boosting collagen production.
Sensitive, Oily, or Acne-Prone Skin
Some serums can help manage different types of skin like acne-prone skin, oily skin, or sensitive skin. They might contain ingredients to help visible inflammation or sensitivity or to exfoliate and prevent the appearance of breakouts.
Oxidative Stress and Damage
Your skin comes into contact with damaging factors every day, called oxidative stress. These factors might include sunlight, pollution, and smoke. These things can allow free radicals to damage the skin and cause premature aging. Serums like vitamin C contain antioxidants which are known to neutralize free radicals.
Dullness and Discoloration
As a result of aging and many other factors, the skin can become dull and discolored over time. Serums containing brightening ingredients like vitamin C can help your complexion’s appearance for a more noticeable glow.
Is It Possible to Use Too Much Serum?
When it comes to skincare products, keep in mind that there’s only so much product that your skin can absorb at one time. It’s best to only use serums once or twice per day, depending on your skin type and chosen product. More sensitive skin types can become irritated by too many active ingredients. Finally, if you begin incorporating too many serums at once, you may not be able to tell which ones are causing irritation and which ones aren’t – it’s best to focus on one or two serums to address specific concerns.
Types of Face Serums and How to Use Them
There are a variety of different serums and it’s always best to follow the directions on the box. Here’s what to know about our best face serums and how to use them.
How to Use Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C serums like our CXC Vitamin C Complex are best used once per day in the morning to help against oxidative stress throughout the day. After cleansing and toning, apply a dime-sized amount all over your face and neck to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve your skin’s overall look.
How to Use Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Hyaluronic acid can give your skin a moisturizing boost. Serums like our Moisture Surge Hyaluronic Acid Gel and Strengthen and Rebuild Vegan Serum Concentrate can help support sensitive skin while promoting hydration throughout the day. Apply a dime-sized amount on the face and neck after toning in the morning and night.
How to Use Retinol Serum
Retinols like our Retinol Anti Wrinkle Complex are made with vitamin A and glycolic acid to give your skin a boost. It can help improve your skin’s look and feel for a more radiant, youthful look. Apply a dime-sized amount on the face and neck after toning. It’s best used at night 3-5 times per week.
How to Use Eye Serum
Eye serums like our Eye Alive Serum can help brighten and refresh the delicate skin around the eyes. It can also help with the appearance of dark under-eye circles for a more awake look. After toning, apply a tiny amount around the eyes, avoiding contact. It can be used morning and night.
How to Use Brightening Cream
Brightening duos like our Prevention & Correction Duo can combine the best of both worlds to visibly brighten and rejuvenate the skin. Apply a dime-sized amount of the CXC Vitamin C Complex in the morning after toning to prevent oxidative stress. Then, apply a dime-sized amount of the Retinol Anti Wrinkle Complex all over your face and neck in the evening.
Skincare Products from Epicuren Discovery
At Epicuren Discovery, we offer a curated selection of high-grade face serums for all your skincare needs. Our products are thoroughly tested for natural ingredients, scientifically-backed technologies, and stunning results. Browse our online product catalog or take our skincare quiz to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to apply face serum?
Face serum should be applied after cleansing and toning. If you use multiple serums or treatments, make sure to apply them from thinnest to thickest. Finish with a moisturizer and sunscreen.
How long should I leave serum on my face?
It’s best to apply serum and then let it soak into your skin for five minutes. This lets your skin absorb its benefits before you apply moisturizer.
Is it good to apply serum on the face daily?
This can depend on the type of serum – some serums like vitamin C or hyaluronic acid can be used once or twice daily. Make sure to follow the instructions on the box to avoid irritating your skin.
Do you rub serum into your face?
When applying serum, depending on consistency, gently massage or press a dime-sized amount into your skin. This should include your face and neck.