The Ultimate Skincare Conundrum: Serum or Moisturizer - Which Comes First?
When it comes to skincare, the application order makes a whole world of difference. Two of the most vital products in any skincare routine include serums and moisturizers. But have you ever asked yourself, which one should you apply first? In this article, we'll dive into the skincare world and talk about the right application order to get you the optimal results.
Understanding Serums and Moisturizers
Let's first know the purpose of serums and moisturizers in your routine.
Serums: Serums are highly concentrated formulations that have active ingredients like vitamins, antioxidants, and peptides. Serums are formulated to penetrate very deep into the skin and target specific skin issues such as acne, aging, or hyperpigmentation.
Moisturizers: These creams or lotions are used to hydrate and protect the skin. Moisturizers form a barrier on the surface of the skin, locking in moisture while protecting the skin from environmental stresses.
The Correct Order of Application
Now that we've established the function of serums and moisturizers, let's go through the right order of application.
Cleanse Your Skin: Before you put on any product, cleanse your skin well using a gentle cleanser.
Tone Your Skin: Follow this up with a toner that will stabilize your skin's pH and prime it for the subsequent products.
Apply Serum: Apply your serum now. Massage a few drops of serum gently on your face, letting it seep completely into the skin.
Apply Moisturizer: After your serum has sunk in, use your moisturizer. This will seal in the active ingredients in your serum and add a layer of hydration and protection.
Why This Order Is Important
Putting serum on before moisturizer is important for a number of reasons:
Improved Absorption: When you put on serum beforehand, it enables the active ingredients to penetrate deeper into your skin, where they have the best impact. If you put on moisturizer first, it can form a barrier, which keeps serum from being absorbed effectively.
More Effective: By putting serum on the skin first, you can lock in the active ingredients where they can work their magic on targeting specific skin issues. Moisturizer can follow up by providing extra hydration and protection.
Better Skin Texture: Using serum prior to moisturizer can also enhance skin texture. By enabling the serum to penetrate completely, you can contribute to diminishing the look of wrinkles and fine lines, making your skin smoother and brighter.
Conclusion
To summarize, the proper application order is to use serum first and then moisturizer. By applying the products in this order, you can be certain that your skin will get the full benefit of your skincare products, resulting in smoother skin texture, less visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, and a more even-toned complexion. Don't forget to cleanse and tone your skin before you apply any products, and don't hesitate to contact a skincare professional if you have any questions or issues with your skincare routine.