If you’re looking for ways to elevate your skincare regimen, then face serums are a great addition. It can be overwhelming to consider your options and wonder how to incorporate new products into your daily routine. 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 you should know about face serums and how to use them for the best results.
What is a Face Serum?
Face serums are products that 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 active ingredients.
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:
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Cleanse: Use a gentle cleanser with warm water. Rinse and gently pat dry with a clean towel.
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Tone: Gently swipe or mist toner all over your face and neck
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Serum: Apply a few drops of serum to your skin and gently massage it in.
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Wait: It’s best to give your skin a few minutes to absorb the benefits of your serum.
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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.
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Sunscreen: During your morning routine, make sure to apply sunscreen to your face, neck, and ears. Allow your sunscreen to absorb for a few minutes before applying makeup and before 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 signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles, are a result of losing collagen as you age. Collagen normally supports your skin, keeping it looking youthful and lifted. Serums that contain ingredients such as retinol, peptides, or vitamin C can be great options for supporting natural collagen production.
Sensitive, Oily, or Acne-Prone Skin
Some serums can help manage various types of skin concerns, including acne-prone, oily, and sensitive skin. They might contain ingredients to help reduce visible inflammation or sensitivity, or to exfoliate and address the appearance of breakouts.
Oxidative Stress
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 accelerate the visible signs of aging. Serums can contain ingredients like vitamin C and other antioxidants, which have been 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, bearberry, and niacinamide can help boost 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 appearance.
How to Use Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Hyaluronic acid can give your skin a moisturizing boost. Serums like our Moisture Surge Hyaluronic Acid Gel can help support sensitive skin with ingredients that promote 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, which are known to give your skin a boost. This formulation can help enhance the appearance and texture of your skin. Apply a pea-sized amount on the clean, dry skin. It’s best used at night, three to five times per week. If you have never used retinol before, start by incorporating it slowly (every other day) and build up to more days as your skin acclimates to it. You can also apply it on top of moisturizer to buffer it if you have more sensitive skin. Retinol is most effective when used daily, so don’t give up too soon!
How to Use Eye Serum
Eye serums like our Eye Alive Serum contain ingredients to help visibly brighten and refresh the delicate skin around the eyes. It can also help reduce the appearance of dark under-eye circles, giving you a more awake look. After toning, apply a tiny amount around the eyes on the orbital bone. Use in the morning and at night for a moisturized and softer-looking eye area.
How to Use Brightening Cream
Brightening duos like our Prevention & Correction Duo can combine the best of both worlds with ingredients known to visibly brighten and rejuvenate the skin. Apply a dime-sized amount of the CXC Vitamin C Complex in the morning after toning to help against oxidative stress. Then, apply a pea-sized amount of the Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Complex all over your face in the evening.
Skincare Products from Epicuren Discovery
At Epicuren Discovery, we offer a curated selection of face serums tailored to meet your skincare needs. Our products are formulated with high-quality ingredients, scientifically-backed technologies, and are results-driven. 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 your face. If you use multiple serums or treatments, make sure to apply them from thinnest to thickest. Finish with a moisturizer and sunscreen. Avoid applying too many active ingredients or serums at once. Instead, opt for one serum in the morning and one at night.
How long should I leave serum on my face?
Once you apply your serum, you do not remove it. It’s best to apply serum before you apply moisturizer.
Is it good to apply serum on the face daily?
This can depend on the type of serum – some serums, such as those containing vitamin C or hyaluronic acid, can be used once or twice daily. Make sure to follow the instructions on the box to get the most benefits out of the serum.
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.
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