What is Serum? And The Correct Way To Use It

Hi! Thanks for reading today’s mishap Monday!

Mishap: Moisturizing before using a serum.

I was putting my skincare on in reverse order for a long time and I’m so glad I caught my mistake! There are so so many skincare products and brands that it can seem really confusing and really intimidating. It really is best to talk to an esthetician or dermatologist about what skincare regimen would work best for you, but I will help you with tips and tricks along the way!

What is serum

The concentrated (chocked-full of super power ingredients) skincare product. Most of the time it comes in a pump and it’s a light, water based cream formula. It’s more expensive than other skincare products because it is potent and full of ingredients. Serums are used for various skincare concerns like wrinkles, loss of elasticity, dulless, or dryness.

When to use it

Most serums will say it’s safe to use twice a day (morning and night) but just read the bottle to be sure. Always apply your serum after cleansing and before moisturizing. The main reason it should not go on after moisturizer is that when your skin has absorbed your moisturizer it will absorb less of your serum. Serum, is the concentrated good stuff and you want to soak up as much as possible, so apply it right after cleansing. Also, moisturizer acts as a barrier and locks the serum in.

But I don’t have wrinkles

I always thought serums were just for anti-aging purposes but there are tons of different serums for all kinds of skin types and concerns. You can read more about your skin type here. My favorite one that I’m using at the moment is the Ole Henricksen Truth Serum. It’s a vitamin C serum that protects your skin from the outside pollutants and helps with acne scarring, dark spots, and dullness. I also love illuminating serums or ones that brighten skin.