How to Properly Use Serum in Your Daily Skincare Routine

If you have browsed beauty blogs or looked into skincare routines lately, you’ve probably seen a lot of content about serums. So what exactly are they, and how do you incorporate them into a daily skincare routine to maximize the benefits? Here is a basic overview of the benefits of serum, who should be using it, and how to make sure you get the most out of it.

What is Serum in a Skincare Routine?

Serums fall into a broad category of skincare. Most are lighter than typical lotions or creams, often in the form of a gel or liquid. The active ingredients in a serum are more concentrated, giving your skin a big boost in one specific area, such as reducing dark spots, targeting acne, or enhancing skin’s “glow.” Serums are not new in skincare, but they are experiencing unprecedented growth. Results from the 2021 State of the Beauty Industry report showed 15% to 24% growth for face serums and facial cleansers, the highest among any of the specific beauty categories.

Do I Need to Add a Serum to My Routine?

Adding a serum to your routine can be very beneficial. Some of the most common ingredients found in serums, and their specific benefits, include:

• Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and retinoids to exfoliate skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles
• Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) to protect against free radical damage
• Hyaluronic acid to increase moisture
• Niacinamide to enhance skin elasticity
• Vitamin B to strengthen the skin barrier and keep out irritants and pollutants
• Vitamin C or other amino acids to boost collagen, which helps your body regenerate and replenish skin cells

One challenge with adding a serum to your routine is finding one that addresses your skincare needs and is worth the cost. Unfortunately, there is little oversight in the industry, so companies can overpromise on results without the high-quality ingredients to back it up. For that reason, it’s important to purchase serums from skincare companies committed to product quality and results.

How to Add Serum to a Daily Skincare Regimen

When you’re ready to add a serum to your routine, the first step is to figure out what serum(s) you need. That depends on your skin type and concerns—such as acne, dullness, dryness, or wrinkles. A skincare consultation can help you get the answers to both of those questions.

Next, you need to understand how and when to apply the serum so it can absorb completely into your skin for the most benefit. Generally, your routine should go:

• Cleanser
• Toner (if you use one)
• Serum
• Moisturizer
• Sunscreen (for morning routines)

Moisturizers are thicker and heavier, so they could block some of the serum from getting deeper into your skin. What time of day you apply a serum also matters:

• Hydrating serums are fine for both morning and night application
• Antioxidant serums (with ingredients like vitamin C) are best in the morning to provide added protection throughout the day
• Exfoliating serums (with ingredients like retinol or acids) are best at night, since these things can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight

If you still need help figuring out your skincare routine, talk to one of the skincare specialists at Skintherapy today by scheduling an online consultation.