Why and How To Use Face Serum: Do’s and Don’ts

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face serum

A few years ago, face serum may have sounded like a nascent term but not anymore. Apart from cleansing, toning and moisturising, there’s a new addition to the skincare universe that can help transform your skin. Your skincare routine can have 5 or 15 steps, but you could miss out on some of the fantastic benefits that it can offer without face serums. Sounds interesting, right? Go through the blog to learn more about face serums, their advantages and if you need one or not.

What Really is a Face Serum?

Face serum is a lightweight skincare product that typically comes in the form of liquid or gel consisting of high concentrations of active ingredients that are capable of penetrating deeper into your skin. It aids in making your skin younger-looking, glowing and healthy.

What Are the Hero Ingredients That Face Serums Contain?

Usually, it comprises of the following ingredients:

  • Antioxidants
  • Hyaluronic Acid
  • Vitamin C
  • Hydrators 
  • Anti-inflammatories

Why Should You Use Face Serums?

Quickly Absorbs Into Your Skin

Serums have thin viscosity and are lighter in comparison to moisturisers. Hence, it gets easily absorbed.  

Doesn’t Feel Greasy 

As it quickly gets into your skin, it doesn’t feel greasy or heavy when you apply it. 

Protects Your Skin

Serums that consist of ingredients such as vitamin C, E, and ferulic acid helps prevent damage from pollution and ultraviolet rays that can cause wrinkles and premature ageing. 

It Can be Beneficial for Sensitive Skin

As it’s a lightweight formulation, people with sensitive skin can find it helpful. However, you need to be sure that it doesn’t have any ingredient that can cause any adverse reaction. 

Reduces Wrinkles & Fine Lines 

Some face serums have ingredients like retinol that helps decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Doesn’t Clog Pores

As face serums are primarily water-based, they help keep your pores clean.  

Perfect for Specific Skin Issues

If there are specific skin issues that you want to work on or remove, face serum is undoubtedly the best option. Choose the one that works for your issue or has ingredients that can help overcome it. 

What are the Different Types of Serums?

  • Skin-brightening serums
  • Hydrating Serums
  • Anti-ageing serums
  • Free-radical fighting serums
  • Acne-prone and sensitive skin serums

How to Use a Face Serum?

Given below is a step by step guide that can help you correctly use face serums. 

#Step 1 

Cleanser

#Step 2

Serum

#Step 3

under eye cream

Under-Eye Cream

#Step 4

Moisturiser

#Step 5

Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen

Using a face serum would also depend on your skin goals. You can discuss this with your dermatologist for better clarity. 

Some Do’s and Don’ts Related to Face Serums

 

  • Choose a face serum based on your skin type instead of recommendations by friends or family members. 

 

  • As face serums have higher concentration of active ingredients, it is best to apply about 2-3 drops. Less is more when it comes to serums.

 

  • You can apply face serum once in the morning and once at night. 

 

  • Always clean your face before applying face serum to reap maximum benefit. 

 

  • Always allow the serum time to get adequately absorbed into your skin before getting on to other products or steps.

 

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Do You Need a Moisturiser & Serum Both? 

Your concerns are valid that it should be fine to use a moisturiser or face cream in the place of a serum. Why would you need an additional product? The truth is there are no strict rules for this, but according to a research (1) in the year 2011, it’s good to use both. 

A face serum goes first as it is lighter and seeps into your skin quickly. Therefore, it’s the first thing to apply after cleansing your skin. However, to get the maximum benefits, you will need a moisturiser that will help seal it. 

Do You Really Need a Face Serum?

The most crucial question still remains if you need it or not as it’s you who has to decide if you want to use a product or not. However, if you hope to enhance your skin health and address specific skin care goals, there’s nothing better than face serums. If you face difficulty choosing the suitable face serum or for any other query, talk to a dermatologist for more information. 

FAQs

1. Can you use a face serum daily?

It should be okay to use a face serum daily. However, it would also depend on the kind of face serum you are using, skin type and issue. 

2. Should you rub or pat while applying a serum?

Avoid rubbing your skin and instead opt for patting it gently on your skin. 

3. How long should you wait between using a serum and moisturiser?

After applying a serum, you can wait for a few minutes or about 2-3 minutes and then use a moisturiser. 

 

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Author

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Dr Jisha Gomez

She is a highly skilled dermatology physician with strong expertise in improving skin & hair health through the development of corrective treatment combinations. She completed her Post-graduate Diploma in Dermatology from Cardiff, UK & Fellowship in Aesthetic Medicine (FAM) from the Institute of Laser and Aesthetic Medicine, Delhi with over 5+ years experience treating skin patients. She has worked in Government hospitals in Trivandrum and Bangalore. She is actively involved in creating awareness for healthy skin, breaking the social stigma based on skin colour & stopping steroid abuse in our country.