By Anupriya Jamuar
So you've mastered your cleansing-toning-moisturising skincare routine, and you want to up your game. Face serums will be your best allies. These miracle workers are packed with a higher concentration of active ingredients that hydrate, brighten, smoothen, and even out your skin tone. There’s one for every concern: Oily skin? Try a lightweight serum that won't clog your pores. Dry skin? Look for a serum that's hydrating and nourishing. Dark spots or hyperpigmentation? Bet on vitamin C or niacinamide serums. With so many serums out there it’s pretty tempting to experiment with several formulations together. How to choose and use face serums needs a little guidance, and we’ve got your back.
The benefits of using a serum
The diverse serum formulations also give a diverse range of benefits. Here are some of the most popular ones you should know about.
Read more: Your guide to the best face serums
How to use face serums: Skin prep is important
Before you slather on your favourite serums, make sure that your skin is prepped and ready to soak up all the goodness.
You can follow this step-by-step routine to get the most out of your face serum and have your skin looking radiant and balanced.
Up Next: Add these face serums to your AM skincare routine
How to use face serums: The different application methods
Unlike moisturisers you should not massage your serums into your face, neither should you apply it with a dropper directly on your face to maintain hygiene. Here are two different techniques to try out:
1. The one-drop method:
Using the one-drop face serum application technique can help you to use it more efficiently and avoid wasting any precious drops.
2. The tap and press method:
Alternatively, instead of using just one drop of serum, use a pea-sized amount for each application. This way you can ensure that every inch of your face is covered in serum goodness.
Read more: Serums that give you glazed skin
How to use face serums: Finding the right formula
Serums are designed to be lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas to deliver powerful active ingredients deep into the skin to target specific concerns and provide a variety of benefits. But since there are so many different kinds, here is our cheat code to pick a formula based on your skin type and concerns.
1. Hydrating serums: Perfect for dry and dehydrated skin, they often contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin, which help to lock in moisture.
2. Brightening serums: These contain ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, alpha-arbutin and kojic acid, which can help to even out skin tone, reduce the appearance of dark spots, and give your complexion a radiant glow.
3. Anti-ageing serums: These serums target fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of ageing. They often contain ingredients like retinol, peptides, and vitamin E, which can help to improve skin texture and tone.
4. Acne-fighting serums: These serums contain ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide and tea tree oil, which can help unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and prevent breakouts.
5. Calming serums: Formulated to soothe irritated, sensitive skin, you’ll often find these serums contain aloe vera, snail mucin, chamomile, centella asiatica and green tea, which can help to reduce redness and inflammation.
How to use face serums 101: Getting started
When applying face serums, there are a few things to keep in mind:
When to use face serums?
You can include face serums in both your AM and PM routine. Apply it right after cleansing and toning your skin and follow it up with a moisturiser to seal everything in.
An easy way to remember this is to split your serums based on their usage. Use skin-protecting and glow-boosting serums in your AM routine like vitamin C, niacinamide and include skin correcting and repairing serums in your PM routine like retinol and ceramides.
How to use face serums 101: Choose according to your skin type
It’s imperative to pick a serum based on your skin type. Here is how you can choose the right one for your specific needs:
Up Next: How do layer serums?
Overall, there are a wide variety of face serums to choose from, each designed to address specific concerns and provide unique benefits. By incorporating a serum into your skincare routine, you can give your skin the extra boost it needs to look and feel its best.
FAQs
Q. How often should I use a face serum?
- You can use your face serums one to two times a day, depending on the product and your skin's needs. Include them in your AM/PM routine.
Q. Should I apply a face serum before or after moisturiser?
- Apply your face serum after cleansing and toning your skin and before applying moisturizer. This allows the serum to fully absorb into your skin and enhance the effectiveness of your moisturizer by sealing everything into your skin.
Q. Can I use multiple face serums in my skincare routine?
- Yes, you can. However, it is important to layer them properly, starting with the thinnest consistency and working your way up to the thickest. Be careful not to overload your skin with too many active ingredients, as this can cause irritation.