Are you confused about what exactly a face serum is? You may be wondering… What’s the difference between a moisturizer and a serum? Do I really need to use a serum? Why are serums more expensive and are they worth the money? Read on to find out!
What Is A Face Serum?
A serum is a lightweight, quick-absorbing skin care product that contains a high concentration of active ingredients.
Serums are made up of smaller molecules, which allows them to deliver active ingredients more effectively by penetrating deeper into the the skin.
This makes them particularly effective at targeting specific skincare concerns such as fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots, enlarged pores, and uneven skin tone.
Due to the high concentration of active ingredients, serums are typically the most effective and fast-acting skincare products available and provide quick and impressive results.
What Does A Serum Feel Like?
With the rise in popularity of serums, many products that aren’t traditional serums are being marketed as serums in order to capitalize on the trend. With this in mind, you may find some variation in how these products look and feel.
For example, there are many facial oils being marketed as serums, but traditional serums are water-based and lighter in texture than face oils.
True water-based serums are almost weightless, so they leave no residue the way an oil or a moisturizer would. Many serums are so light that it might feel like applying water. There are also slightly heavier serums that have a gel-like texture.
What’s The Difference Between A Serum And A Moisturizer?
Although serums may contain hydrating ingredients, they don’t replace a traditional moisturizer. While serums absorb deep into the dermal layers, lotions and creams are designed to create a barrier on top of the skin to lock in moisture and protect skin from external irritants and debris.
Do I Need Both A Moisturizer And A Serum?
Whether you’ll need to use both a serum and moisturizer depends on your skin type. For normal to oily skin, a serum may be all you need. If you have dry skin, you’ll probably want to use your serum under a moisturizer.
How Do I Use A Serum?
You should apply a serum after you cleanse and tone, and before you apply your moisturizer. Here’s a tip to make your serum even more effective. Hydrated skin is more permeable than dry skin, so apply the serum right after using a toner and you’ll get even better results.
When applying your serum, remember a little goes a long way. More isn’t better because serums are very concentrated, so if you use too much you’ll just end up wasting the product.
If you’re layering multiple serums, start with the one that has the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest one.
Are Serums More Expensive?
Serums are usually more expensive per ounce than other skin care products, however this is due to the higher concentration of active ingredients. Remember that a little bit goes a long way, so a one ounce bottle can last months depending on how many times you use it per day.
Since serums pack a serious punch and deliver fast and effective results, they’re well worth it.
How Should I Store A Serum?
Serums should be stored in a cool, dry place and typically should be used used within 6 to 12 months of opening.
If you're interested in trying one out for yourself, you can check out our serums here.
