Face Serum: When to use it?

Facial serums are skincare products that contain highly concentrated formulas of active ingredients to provide benefits tailored to specific skin issues they target. But how should one structure their skincare routine and what role do serums play in it?

Given that the efficacy of a facial serum relies on its ability to penetrate the pores to deliver maximum benefit, it is advised to use facial serums directly after thoroughly cleansing the skin. However, serums should be applied before moisturising creams, regardless of your skin type, and this is for three distinct reasons.

• Texture: Water-based, most serums are fluids with a light and thin viscosity. Conversely, moisturising creams contain fatty substances and are therefore thicker than serums.

• Penetration Capacity: The moisturising cream creates a barrier on the skin's surface, which can then prevent the serum's ingredients from penetrating.

• Absorption Power : Applying the serum first also allows the active ingredients to come into contact with the skin before other products, thus achieving the desired effect.

If you are layering different serums, they should be applied from the consistency that is most fluid, light to the heaviest, rich. However, before any layering, inform yourself about the compatibility of the formulas. Indeed, some ingredients cannot be mixed. This can lead to interactions and side effects, but also be less effective together.

How often should a skin serum be used?

Generally, a facial serum can be used both in the morning and in the evening. However, this depends on the ingredients contained in the bottle. Indeed, some serums may contain active ingredients like the retinol which can easily break down when exposed to sunlight and should therefore only be applied as part of one's evening routine.

On the other hand, certain ingredients are more effective during the day, such as vitamins C and E, which provide protection against external skin stress factors throughout the day (pollution, sun, etc.). Therefore, read the manufacturer's recommendations carefully before any application. Similarly, while most serums are intended for daily use, the use of certain serums should be spaced out.

The application of a skin serum should invariably be followed by a moisturising cream to create a protective barrier on the outermost layer of the skin to retain moisture and lock the applied ingredients in place.

From what age can one start using a facial serum?

There is no specific age to start using a serum. It all depends on the skin concerns you face over time. For example, from adolescence to your twenties, an antioxidant or hydrating serum can help keep your skin in good condition. On the other hand, if you start to show the first visible signs of ageing, you might consider adding a specific serum to your daily routine. All skin types are unique and evolve differently over time. Therefore, we won't all use the same type of serum at a given age.