The Right Order to Apply Serum and Moisturizer in Your AM and PM Skincare Regime
Whether you're a skincare enthusiast or novice, it's important to know the best order to apply your products. In the debate of serum versus moisturiser, the winner is clear: apply serum first, then follow up with moisturiser. This order helps optimise the effectiveness of your skincare routine, whether it’s in the morning or at night. But remember, always adhere to the instructions on your product labels, as some serums are specifically made for nighttime use while others are meant for the daytime.
Let's dip into the benefits of applying serum before bed. When you're fast asleep, your body is awake repairing and renewing skin cells. Serums are specially designed to boost this natural regeneration process.
Serums packed with antioxidants like vitamin B3 and vitamin C can work magic while you sleep, enhancing skin glow, and reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. When you apply these serums before your nighttime moisturiser, you're giving them uninterrupted hours to repair, nourish, and fortify your skin.
Consider serums containing synthetic hyaluronic acid, a substance that naturally exists in our bodies to keep skin and tissues hydrated and supple. However, aging, environmental factors, and certain lifestyle habits like smoking can cause hyaluronic acid levels to decline. Thus, serums with this ingredient can help replenish moisture and elasticity, making them ideal for morning or evening use.
While serums and moisturisers are a fantastic team for skin hydration, sebum control, redness reduction, and skin tone evening, certain active ingredients in these products may not play well together. Let's look at what combination to avoid for optimal skincare results.
Water-based serums and oil-based moisturisers are a tricky combination. Water-based serums are loved for their quick absorption and light texture, while oil-based moisturisers are prized for their rich nourishment and skin protection. However, mixing these two can leave a filmy residue on your skin and impede proper moisture absorption.
Let's talk about vitamin B3 and vitamin C. Niacinamide, a potent form of vitamin B3, can help reduce redness and control sebum. Vitamin C, on the other hand, is a strong antioxidant that promotes skin brightness, encourages cell turnover, and hydrates. While each ingredient is beneficial alone, combining them in a serum and moisturiser may boost sebum production and trigger breakouts. However, if your serum has both these ingredients, it's safe and effective. But layering a vitamin C serum with a niacinamide moisturiser might nullify the standalone benefits of each ingredient.
Lastly, an overload of the same active ingredient in your serum and moisturiser might not be a good idea. For instance, if both your products contain hyaluronic acid, they might disrupt the moisture balance and trigger breakouts. Similarly, using a vitamin C serum and moisturiser together can heighten the risk of skin irritation and potential breakouts, given its potency.
So when it comes to skincare, the rule of thumb is balance and moderation, ensuring you're pairing your serums and moisturisers wisely for the best results.
