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Serum or Moisturizer First? Skin Care Routine Tips

Serum or Moisturizer First? Skin Care Routine Tips

Proper skin care layering techniques are crucial for maintaining healthy skin and maximizing the effectiveness of your products. Understanding the order of applying skin care products, particularly serums and moisturizers, can significantly impact absorption and results. Our guide will help you determine the right serum for your specific skin concerns and how to incorporate it into your skin care routine.

Serum vs. Moisturizer: What's the Difference?

Serums are highly concentrated formulas designed to address specific skin concerns through potent active ingredients. What does serum do for your face? Unlike moisturizers, serums have smaller molecules, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the skin. This makes them ideal for targeting issues like acne, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines.

Moisturizers are formulated to hydrate the skin and lock in moisture. They typically have a thicker consistency than serums and serve to create a barrier on the skin's surface, preventing moisture loss. Moisturizers can also provide additional benefits such as soothing and protecting the skin.

It's important to consider how certain active ingredients interact. For instance, combining Retinol and Vitamin C can cause irritation for some skin types. Ensuring the compatibility of products in your skin care routine can prevent adverse reactions and enhance overall effectiveness.

Why Skin Care Order Matters

The order of applying skincare products matters because it ensures that each product is effectively absorbed and performs its intended function. Applying products in the correct sequence, from the lightest to heaviest consistency, allows for optimal penetration and maximizes the benefits of each product in your routine.

Absorption and Effectiveness

The skin absorbs products based on their molecular size and viscosity. Lightweight products like serums should be applied first to allow their active ingredients to penetrate the skin effectively. Heavier products like moisturizers should follow to seal in the benefits of the serums and provide hydration.

Application Order

Applying skin care products in the right order ensures that each product can perform effectively. So… serum or moisturizer first? Starting with a clean face, the general order is:

  1. Cleanser
  2. Toner (if used)
  3. Serum
  4. Eye cream
  5. Moisturizer
  6. Sunscreen (morning routine)

Using this sequence allows the active ingredients in each product to be absorbed without being blocked by heavier formulas applied afterward.

When to Apply a Face Serum

Knowing when and how to apply face serum is important. The little things go a long way. Apply serum to clean, slightly damp skin to maximize absorption. This helps the active ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin. Gently patting the serum onto the skin, rather than rubbing, can prevent irritation and ensure even application.

When to Apply Moisturizer

Wait a few minutes after applying serum to allow it to fully absorb before using moisturizer. This ensures the serum's active ingredients are locked in and not diluted by the moisturizer. Apply the moisturizer using upward strokes to prevent pilling and maintain hydration.

Customizing Your Routine Based on Skin Type

Understanding your skin type is crucial if you're wondering, “What serum should I use?” Customizing your skin care routine and ensuring you choose the right products are how you achieve optimal results. Here’s a closer look at how you can tailor your regimen based on whether you have oily, dry, sensitive, or combination skin.

For Oily Skin

Individuals with oily skin often struggle with excess sebum production, leading to a shiny complexion and frequent breakouts. To manage this, it is essential to use lightweight, non-comedogenic products that won’t clog pores. A hydrating acne serum containing hyaluronic acid is excellent as it provides moisture without adding oil. Niacinamide is another beneficial ingredient for oily skin as it helps regulate sebum production and reduces inflammation. 


Try our barrier cream for the face to lock in moisture without exacerbating sebum production. It's a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer specifically designed for oily and acne-prone skin. This cream contains soothing and hydrating ingredients that help to strengthen your skin barrier to prevent future breakouts. 

For Dry Skin

Dry skin lacks the necessary moisture and often feels tight and flaky. To combat this, use richer, more hydrating formulas that help repair the skin barrier. Ingredients like ceramides, which are essential lipids found in the skin, can replenish and maintain the skin's moisture barrier. Glycerin, another hydrating agent, attracts moisture to the skin, providing a smoother and more supple feel. These ingredients work together to prevent dryness and flakiness, keeping the skin well-hydrated and nourished.

For Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is prone to irritation and redness, making it important to use gentle, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic products. Aloe vera and chamomile are soothing ingredients that can help calm sensitive skin. These products should be free of harsh chemicals and fragrances to minimize the risk of irritation. Regularly using soothing serums and moisturizers can help maintain the skin’s balance and prevent flare-ups.

For Combination Skin

Combination skin is characterized by having both oily and dry areas, typically an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and dry or normal cheeks. Managing combination skin can be challenging, but using different products for different areas can help. For example, you might use a lightweight hydrating serum on oily areas and a richer moisturizer on dry patches. This targeted approach ensures that each area of your face receives the specific care it needs, balancing the skin’s overall health.

Additional Tips for Avoiding Breakouts and Irritation

#1 Patch Testing New Products

Patch testing is crucial to ensure new products do not cause adverse reactions. Apply a small amount of the product to an inconspicuous area, such as behind the ear or on the inner arm, and wait 24-48 hours to check for any signs of irritation or allergic reaction.

#2 Layering Techniques

To avoid overloading your skin and causing irritation, follow these layering techniques:

  • Allow Absorption: Let each product fully absorb before applying the next.
  • Use Minimal Amounts: Apply thin layers to avoid product buildup and pilling.

#3 Monitoring Skin’s Response

Regularly assess how your skin responds to new products or changes in your routine. Look for signs of improvement or irritation, and adjust your regimen accordingly. Consulting a dermatologist can provide personalized advice based on your skin's specific needs.

#4 Practice Holistic Cycle Care

Using holistic cycle care to choose the right serum can be a game-changer in avoiding breakouts and irritation throughout your menstrual cycle. At Rael, we believe that self-care starts with cycle care, and our holistic approach goes beyond just the bleeding days to support your whole body every day of the month. By tuning into the fluctuations in your hormone levels, we can better address your skin's changing needs—from the follicular phase to menstruation. 


This cycle-syncing method empowers you to fuel your skin's needs during the high-energy follicular phase, maximize hydration and glow during ovulation, manage PMS stress and potential breakouts during the luteal phase, and recharge and soothe your skin during menstruation. 


By aligning your skin care routine with these hormonal changes, you can keep your skin balanced and healthy all cycle long. Our holistic philosophy helps you maintain harmony through the hormonal highs and lows, ensuring you always put your best face forward. 

Perfect Your Routine for Healthier Skin

Optimizing your skin care routine by applying products in the correct order and selecting the right serums and moisturizers for your skin type can significantly enhance product effectiveness and skin health. Tailoring your routine to address specific concerns and regularly assessing your skin's response will help you achieve and maintain a healthy, radiant complexion.

By understanding the science behind skin care layering and customizing your approach based on your unique needs, you can maximize the benefits of your products and enjoy clearer, more balanced skin. Our commitment to clean skin care means you can trust that our products are safe and effective, helping you maintain a clear, healthy complexion all cycle long. 

Sources:

  1. Tareen, M (2012). The Truth About Facial Serums. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/beauty-smarts-serums-jan13. Accessed on July 26, 2024. 
  2. Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Retinol. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23293-retinol. Accessed on June 27, 2024.

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