If, until recently, serums seemed like a luxury item, we can reassure you. There is now a wide range of great products at great prices. The most important step is to choose the right products and know how to use them correctly.
How often and when to use serums?
The frequency of use of serums depends on their active ingredients and purpose. For example, retinol serums should be used every few days for beginners and then more frequently (e.g. every other day) once the skin has become accustomed to the active ingredient.
It is also very important to know what time of day (morning or evening) to apply certain serums.
Facial serums containing antioxidants such as vitamin C, green tea or niacinamide should be applied in the morning to help protect the skin throughout the day, while products containing retinol or exfoliating acids (such as glycolic, lactic or salicylic acids) should be applied in the evening, as they can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. Moisturising face serums can be used both morning and evening.
The order of facial serums in a skincare routine
If you're just starting to incorporate facial serums into your skincare routine, it can be a little confusing at first. But here are some simple steps you can follow to enjoy the skin of your dreams:
1) When trying out any new skin product, always do a test first. Everyone's skin is different, so you need to make sure that your skin will not have an allergic reaction. You can use the inside of the wrist or the inside of the elbow. Clean that area, apply a small amount of product and wait 24 hours to see how your skin reacts to the product. If redness, itching or burning occurs in the area, you should wash the area immediately and avoid using the product on the face.
2) Cleanse the skin. Always be sure to cleanse your skin with a facial cleanser before using any serum! Afterwards, gently dry the skin with a disposable wipe.
3) Use a toner. Prepare your skin properly before the next step in the routine. The toner will help restore the skin's proper pH, helping the skin to better absorb the next skincare product!
4) Apply the serum! Apply a small amount of serum to your fingertips or palm and gently massage it into your face and neck.
5) After the serum, apply the cream. Although many people think they don't need a moisturiser because they use serums, this is not true. Creams are "heavier" and thicker and have a higher molecular weight, so they will help retain moisture and active ingredients in the skin, and they also create a protective skin barrier.
6) Make sure you use a sunscreen in your morning skincare routine!
Common mistakes to avoid!
It is very common for incorrect use of products to worsen the condition of the skin, so it is important to read the instructions for use before using them. First of all, you should always pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations on the packaging or in the product description.
When it comes to the use of serums, it is very important to apply them correctly to the skin. Never touch your skin with a pipette! If you have this habit, get rid of it as soon as possible, as the pipette touching your skin can pick up any germs or inflammation on your skin and contaminate your product. This leads to a shorter shelf life, reduced effectiveness and in many cases can lead to a variety of skin problems.
The serum should be applied to the fingertips or palm of the hand and gently massaged into the skin of the neck and face. Remember not to apply the product fiercely, rub vigorously, or stretch the skin, as this can cause wrinkles and irritation, especially in sensitive areas such as around the eyes.
Another common mistake is to apply serums with hyaluronic acid on dry skin. Don't do this! All hyaluronic acid serums must be applied on damp skin, otherwise your skin may become even drier as the hyaluronic acid will start to draw moisture from your skin.
That's it! Now all you have to do is choose the right products for your skin 😊
