Article Overview
- Serums and moisturisers are two skincare staples, but while they can offer similar skin benefits, their roles are distinct. In this article, we’ll discuss the key differences between moisturisers and serums, whether you need both in your routine, and how to layer them effectively for radiant skin.
The benefits of face serums
Serums are lightweight, fast-absorbing skincare products formulated with a high concentration of active ingredients. These lightweight skincare products deliver potent doses of beneficial compounds directly to the skin, address various skin concerns, like dryness, dull skin, wrinkles or breakouts. Their smaller molecular size allows for deeper penetration compared to moisturisers. While not a replacement for moisturiser, face serums can complement your skincare routine by targeting specific skin needs.
The importance of daily moisturiser
Moisturisers are an essential part of any skincare routine. Their primary role is to hydrate and replenish the skin's surface, helping to retain moisture, prevent dryness and strengthen the protective moisture barrier. Moisturisers support the skin’s natural ability to shield against environmental aggressors like pollution and harsh weather, but can also be formulated to address other skin concerns, like breakouts, skin texture and pigmentation.
Serum vs moisturiser: what’s the difference?
Serums and moisturisers can both be formulated to address specific skin concerns, but serums aren’t necessarily formulated to hydrate and replenish. Moisturisers' main function being to skin hydration, face serums are specifically formulated to address other skin concerns by containing higher concentrations of active ingredients to deeply penetrate the skin. Below is a breakdown of the key differences between serums and moisturisers.
| Face serum | Moisturiser | |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Lightweight, thin | Thicker, creamier or lotion-like |
| Absorption | Fast-absorbing | Slower absorption |
| Concentration of active ingredients | Higher concentration | Lower concentration |
| Molecular size | Smaller size for better absorption | Larger molecular size |
| Penetration | Deeper layers of skin | Hydrates skin's surface |
| Primary purpose | Delivers targeted active ingredients | Hydrates and supports protective moisture barrier |
| Application | After cleansing and toning, before moisturiser | After cleansing, toning, and serums |
| Usage | Depending on formula, can be used up to twice daily or as needed | Used twice daily, morning and night |
| Key ingredients | Ingredients can vary, but common ingredients include hyaluronic acid, retinol, vitamin C, salicylic acid and niacinamide | Predominately contain hydrating ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, glycerin, shea butter, ceramides |
Do you need to use both a face serum and moisturiser?
Moisturiser is essential to any skincare routine, but serums aren’t a necessity. That being said, using both a face serum and moisturiser can provide a two-pronged approach that enhances skin benefits. Serums target skin concerns, while moisturisers protect and nourish, and using both can support the skin’s natural functions while improving the overall appearance of your skin. Of course, some skin types may find a moisturiser alone is sufficient, and you should always tailor your routine to your specific skin goals and concerns.
What are the benefits of using both?
Using both serum and a moisturiser can provide multiple skin benefits.
- Enhanced hydration: Moisturiser can create a protective barrier that locks in hydration provided by serums formulated with humectants, like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, preventing moisture loss and ensuring resilient skin.
- Deeper penetration of active ingredients: Applying a serum before moisturiser can enhance the penetration of the serum's key ingredients. The moisturizer helps to create a slightly occlusive environment, allowing the serum to better absorb and work its magic.
- Targeted specific skin concerns: Serums deliver concentrated doses of active ingredients to address specific skin concerns like wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, or acne-prone. Moisturisers can be formulated to complement serums with lower concentrations of beneficial ingredients.
- Improved skin texture and tone: The combined action of a serum and moisturizer can lead to improvements in skin texture, smoothness, and tone. Serums can address specific issues like dullness or uneven texture, while moisturisers help to plump and soften the skin.
- Increased efficacy of both products: Using a face serum and moisturiser together can enhance the effectiveness of both products. The serum benefits from improved penetration, while the moisturiser is better able to hydrate and protect the skin when it's not also tasked with delivering concentrated active ingredients.
- Tailored skincare routine: The wide variety of serums and moisturisers available allows you to customise your routine based on your specific skin type and concerns. You can choose a serum that targets your primary concern and pair it with a moisturiser suited to your skin's hydration needs.
How to layer serums and mosturisers
The general rule of thumb when layering skincare is to go from lightest to heaviest. Serums are a more lightweight product, so should be applied to the skin before moisturiser. After cleansing and toning, apply a few drops of serum and gently press into your skin. Once absorbed, follow with your moisturiser, smoothing over your face and neck. If using multiple serums, apply thinnest to thickest before moisturising.
Common mistakes to avoid when combining serums and moisturisers
While combining serums and moisturisers is generally beneficial, certain practices can hinder their effectiveness or even lead to skin issues. Here are common mistakes to avoid:
Applying moisturiser before serum
Always apply serum before moisturiser. This allows the serum's smaller molecules to penetrate deeply before the moisturiser creates a barrier on the skin's surface. Applying moisturiser first can block the serum's absorption.
Not allowing the serum to absorb fully
Give your serum ample time to absorb into your skin before applying moisturiser. This typically takes a minute or two. Layering products too quickly can lead to pilling or reduced effectiveness.
Overloading your skin
Using too many serums or applying a heavy moisturiser on top of multiple serums can overwhelm the skin, potentially leading to breakouts or irritation. causing breakouts or irritation. Start with a simple routine, using 1 or 2 serums per routine and gradually introducing new products as needed.
Neglecting your skin's needs
Not all skin types require the same serum/moisturiser combination. Oily skin might benefit from a lightweight, hydrating serum and an oil-free moisturiser, while dry skin might need a richer, more emollient serum and a heavier cream. Make sure you tailor your skincare products to cater to your specific skin concerns and skin type.
Being impatient with results
It takes time to see results from any skincare regimen. It’s important to be consistent with your routine, allowing a few weeks for the combined benefits of your serum and moisturiser to become noticeable.
Skincetuicals Serums and Moisturisers
C E Ferulic Vitamin C Serum
A vitamin C serum for fine lines and wrinkles.
P-TIOX Peptide Serum
An advanced peptide anti-wrinkle serum for face and collagen and elastin production
A.G.E Interrupter Advanced Anti-Wrinkle Cream
Anti-wrinkle cream for targeting the loss of skin firmness caused by skin glycation.
Triple Lipid Restore 242 Anti-Ageing Moisturiser
Ceramide Face Cream with Lipids to Nourish & Hydrate Dry Skin
