Serum or Moisturiser first?
What are benefits of using a serum and a moisturiser you ask? Do you really need both to get the results you want? How do you know which to apply first?
These are all very valid and important questions – layering is key and the order in which you layer is the most essential tip of them all…
Serums and moisturisers both have a vital role to play in your skincare routine, providing different benefits, they both work hand in hand to ensure your skin gets the results it deserves. Serums aren’t made to take over or replace your moisturiser but are there to help significantly boost the hydrating effects, however it’s important to understand the order in which they’re applied. So, let’s delve in a little deeper (no pun intended…)
The role of a Serum.
First and foremost, serums are made up of incredibly small molecules which are designed to effectively penetrate deeper into the layers of the skin. They provide functions that products like moisturisers can’t offer which is one reason why serums are so important to welcome into your skincare routine. They have a lightweight water-based formula which adds hydration and are concentrated with nutrients to give your skin all of that extra loving it deserves.
Oh, and don’t worry, serums also don’t go without addressing more specific individual concerns as they are designed as a targeted treatment to help combat concerns like wrinkles, sagging skin or uneven skin tone to name a few, which is also another reason why it is beneficial to introduce a serum into your routine along with your moisturiser!
The role of a Moisturiser.
Ah yes, the trusty moisturiser! We find we can’t live without one, as for a start, it makes our skin feel great, but there are a lot more benefits behind the scenes that moisturisers do to help make your skin not only feel great but look great also. Opposite to a serum, moisturisers are made up of larger molecules with thicker, heavier ingredients that work as a breathable barrier to protect your skin from harsh environmental factors and not to mention lock in the moisture and hydration delivered by the serum itself.
So, don’t go ruling out your moisturiser, although they don’t make it much lower than the top layers of the skin, they still play a vital role in an everyday skincare regime as it acts to hydrate, nourish and protect the skin – sounds like a pretty essential role don’t you think?
Let’s summarise the difference.
The difference between serum and moisturisers can be obvious but also, not so obvious at the same time. As you may know by now, the most noticeable difference is the formulation and consistency of both products, where the underlying difference is the way in which they work to ensure they reach different layers of the skin.
To keep it simple:
Serums: to be applied first – revives the deeper layers of the skin rapidly.
Moisturisers: to be applied last – works as a barrier function on the top layers of the skin.
How do I know what serum or moisturiser to choose?
It can be overwhelming trying to find the best serum or moisturiser to suit your skin, but the first and most important step before purchasing is to identify your skin type and your skin concerns. Whether it’s dehydration, dark spots, fine lines, dullness of the skin, redness, whatever your concerns may be, this will help narrow down the right serum or moisturiser to ensure those concerns are addressed effectively.
Secondly, once you’ve defined your skin concerns this will determine key ingredients you should look for. If you find you have quite a dry complexion for example, it’s best to look for hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, which will help attract water to the skin to deeply hydrate and revive the skin. Whereas if you endure ageing or dull skin, a serum or moisturiser that contains powerful antioxidants and vitamins such as Vitamin A, C, or E are ideal in helping revitalise and brighten the skin and reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
One more thing before you go…
An important tip to remember when layering your skincare is to work from lightest to heaviest, serum to moisturiser, this order will ensure the effectiveness of your results – sounds easy right?
Luckily, our 3 Step Layering System will give you the best of all worlds! Harnessing the power of three different weights of hyaluronic, our Daily Serum, Hydration Gel and Moisture Binding Cream will revive, replenish and protect the layers of the skin with ease and allow you to achieve your skin goals!