If you’re seeking a more potent skincare product for your routine, a serum may be exactly what you’re looking for. After cleansing and before moisturizing, a serum is an excellent solution for nourishing and protecting the skin and targeting specific concerns like hyperpigmentation, dullness, fine wrinkles, or acne.
Serums contain concentrated doses of active substances that seep deep into your skin to do their magic. Due to their intensity, they give you results more quickly, depending on the skin problem you’re trying to address.
To get the most out of your serum, you must ensure your skin properly absorbs the product, and that will depend on how you use serums. Pay attention to how you apply it on your face and the products you use on top.
How to Apply Serums on Your Face
A face serum best works with a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. Make sure to layer your skincare products in the correct order to get the most out of your serum.
- Before anything else, cleanse
You should always apply a serum on clean skin. Cleansing allows the essential molecules of the serum to penetrate your pores completely. Use a mild face wash morning and night before applying serum. This will remove the makeup, dirt, pollutants, and any debris buildup on your skin that can hinder the serum’s full absorption.
- Prep your skin with toner
When applying skincare products, begin with the thinnest formula and work your way up to the densest. So, after cleansing, dab a cotton ball or pad with an alcohol-free face toner. Kiehl’s Calendula Toner, for instance, contains zero alcohol. It’s gentle and soothing, perfect for prepping your face for the serums.
Apply your toner in small, circular motions to your entire face. Focus on your forehead, jaw, cheeks, neck, and nose. You can also use a washcloth dampened with lukewarm water and toner. The toner dampens your skin and lets it further absorb your serum.
- Apply your serum
Put three to four drops of serum on your hands using a dropper. Small tapping strokes with your fingers or palms are the best way to apply a serum to your face.
It’s crucial to pick a serum that suits your skin type and unique skin concerns. If you’re looking for the best serum to reduce wrinkles and renew the complexion of aging skin, go for Kiehl’s Retinol Serum. It has a micro-dose formula that lets you enjoy the anti-aging benefits of retinol minus the side effects. If you’re wary of introducing retinol to your skincare routine, this is the perfect product to get you started.
For stubborn dark spots, Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Serum has been tested and proven to brighten skin over time. You can use it on your entire face or as a spot treatment for discoloration.
- Moisturize
Supplementing your moisturizer with serum is an effective way to get the most from both products. Apply your moisturizer once the serum has been on for about five minutes. The moisturizer helps seal in your serum, making sure your skin absorbs all the nutrients from the product.
FAQs About Face Serums
How do you use a face serum with a moisturizer?
Apply your serum before your moisturizer. Wait for five minutes after applying the serum or until the skin fully absorbs it. Well-formulated serums will quickly and completely dissolve; they shouldn’t feel sticky or heavy. After which, apply a thin layer of moisturizer to your skin.
When should you apply face serums?
Each ingredient in a serum dictates when you should apply it, and the time of application varies depending on the manufacturer. While specific serums perform best when the sun is up, some should only be used at night. So, before including any serum in your regular skin care regimen, read all the instructions first.
For instance, retinol serums are best used at night since their main ingredient can make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
How much serum should you use on the face?
You want to apply just a thin coat since it can swiftly penetrate your skin. For most serums, roughly three to four drops or a pea-sized quantity should be enough since they have highly concentrated active components.
How often should you use a serum on your face?
You can use most face serums once to twice a day. However, the manufacturer’s instructions ultimately decide how often you should apply them.
How do you do a patch test for face serum?
A patch test is crucial if you have sensitive skin or are just starting with face serums. The potency and concentration of the active components in face serums can be too much for your skin, so you must try out the product first on a small area of your skin.
To test how your skin responds to the product, apply it to a small skin region. A spot on the side of your neck works well. After ten to 15 minutes, certain serums may leave your skin somewhat pink, but this will eventually fade. However, your skin will get itchy or swollen and develop a rash if you’re allergic to the serum or have an adverse reaction to it.
Maximizing the Benefits of Serums
Serums are a staple for most people because they address specific skin problems. Although the product may be potent, it won’t function until you use it appropriately. The efficacy of a face serum is greatly influenced by how you apply it.
The serum’s ingredients will also impact your skin’s health. For reliable serums, shop at Kiehl’s. We have a wide array of dermatologically-tested serums that use natural ingredients, helping you address whatever skin problem you have. Shop personalized recommendations for free today.