a girl applying face serum using a dropper

Serum or moisturizer first

Serum or moisturizer first? The most awaited answer is here today. Both serum and moisturizer have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. But getting back to the question, it is always the serum you need to apply first prior to moisturizer due to a certain set of reasons.

The serum is very light in nature and is absorbed into the skin within 5-10 minutes, and it also can be in the form of lotions or gel. However, they leave traces on the skin or very little to thin traces on the skin when applied. Serums usually contain potent minerals and proteins that are necessary to maintain skin health. Serums are generally used for purposes like dark spots, anti-ageing, fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and etc.

Coming to moisturizers they are fatty substances, which stay on the skin for a certain period of time. They form a thin layer on the skin to protect it from external barriers. They help hold the moisture of the skin and keep the skin hydrated. Apart from that, it also helps protect the skin from sun damage, pollution, chemicals, and cosmetics too.

Can I use moisturizer after serum?

No, as mentioned earlier, moisturizers form a layer on the surface of the skin, and if it is applied first then there’s no place for the serum to be absorbed into the skin. And there’s no use of writing serum in the first place.

Moisturizers are generally formulated with a combination of oils and water. They are effective in getting rid of skin dryness and hydrating the uppermost layer of the skin. While face serum on the other hand is actually a water-based liquid solution that has been processed to solve specific concerns of the face.

So when compared between these two it is clearly understood that water-based liquid gets absorbed into the skin, that is Serum, oily or greasy stays on the top of the skin, that is moisturiser resulting in serum to applied first followed by moisturizer.

Is it necessary to use moisturizer after serum?

Clean and clear skin never requires anything apart from daily cleansing. But due to modern-day problems such as UV exposure, radiation, pollution, food habits, lifestyle, and much more optimum care is required to protect your skin. And in order to protect our skin from these harms, these serums and moisturisers came into use. By the way, there’s no harm in using serum and moisturiser until they are made from natural ingredients.

And coming to the point, as said earlier, Serum protects the skin from within, as it gets absorbed by the skin. Serum is more like a solution to existing problems like treating dark spots, acne scars, pigmentation and etc. While moisturizer is a protective layer on the skin, which safeguards the skin from external factors to prevent future damage. So it is both necessary and unnecessary to moisturise after the serum. You can use both products alone based on the requirement. But using them together as a skincare routine can help your skin be perfect and flawless.

How long to wait to apply moisturizer after serum?

A regular serum takes 10-15 minutes to get absorbed into the skin and that too when most of its ingredients are natural. And sometimes few of them leave a small hint back on the skin. So it is generally recommended to apply the moisturiser to apply after 15 minutes so the serum works perfectly and both of them don’t get mixed up. Apart from that moisturiser is usually needed when you feel your skin is dry or you are going out to protect yourself from external barriers. Unless that, it is of no use in writing in moisturiser.

Which serum is best for glowing skin?

There are lot many products in the market today, that say they offer a lot, but in reality, 99% of them, just don’t work your way. So keeping you in mind, our experts at Saturn, came up with a solution called Saturn Glow Skin Serum with Vitamin C and Niacinamide. It is also composed of Cocoa butter, orange and turmeric extracts for added benefits. It is trusted by many women, for the benefits it has to offer. This Glow Skin Serum helps brighten your skin, erase dark spots, balance the skin tone, fights sun damage & acne scars reduce hyperpigmentation, hydrate the skin, give a radiant glow, and control sebum production.

Take Away

There are chances that some active ingredients in face serums can cause your skin to be showing sensitivity when it is exposed to ultraviolet rays of the sun. So it’s advisable to layer your products at night. This will allow the active ingredients to work more effectively as your body repairs itself while you sleep. Look out for the ingredients while choosing any product and do a patch test before using it. And consult your dermatologist if you have any irritation or negative effects.

FAQs

Can I use serum everyday?

Most serums can be used twice a day, after cleaning your face, but it can be restricted to once if you have sensitive skin and the serum contains high levels of Vitamin C extracts.

Can you apply moisturizer immediately after serum?

No, serums take time to absorb into the skin, you can wait 10-15 minutes after applying serum and then can apply moisturizer and that too your skin is dry and you are going out.

Do I need both serum and moisturizer?

It is totally up to you, both have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Serum and moisturiser go together well and makes your skin radiant and protected.

References

Facial serum vs. Facial moisturizer: What’s the difference? By Byrdie, July 13, 2022.

Facial serum vs. Facial moisturizer. By Stylecraze, Feb 14, 2023.

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