How to use a Face Serum and its Various Benefits | An Expert Advice

Do you want to incorporate a face serum into your skincare routine but are unsure of how to effectively do that? If you're unfamiliar with this popular skincare product, don't worry. We will walk you through everything you need to know about serums — including what they are, how they can benefit your skin, and the best times of day to use them. 

Benefits of Face Serum

A toxin-free face serum is a great way to improve your skin’s overall health and appearance. It is typically packed with powerful ingredients that can help to improve the texture, tone, and elasticity of your skin. It can also help hydrate and nourish your skin, thus making it look and feel its best.

Here are six skin benefits of using face serum:

DAY TIME PROTECTION

Antioxidant skin & face serums in the a.m. heal skin and protect against environmental and sun damage. Generally, the more antioxidants, the better the protection.

HYDRATING

Hydrating serums are an absolute must, more so if you have dry skin. Make friends with Hyaluronic Acid.  It holds 1,000 times its weight in water, making it one of the most moisturizing ingredients in the world.

BRIGHTENING

The good news: there’s no dearth of skin brightening marvels. From exfoliating Kojic and Lactic Acid to natural brighteners Vitamin C, Liquorice and Arbutin, there’s something for everyone.

Vitamin C serums are always the best choice!

FIRMING

By the time you hit your 30s, skin tends to lose firmness. So, if tight, elastic skin is your game plan, add an anti-ager to your beauty arsenal. You need a formula that contains Peptides to stimulate elastin and collagen production.

TEXTURE CORRECTING

Smooth, even toned skin texture is one of the hardest things to fake even if you’ve got the best foundation in the world. Luckily for you, whether you’re plagued by acne or patchy skin, exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are here to save you!

NIGHT TIME REPAIR

Some ingredients should be a part of every good night time skincare regimen, such as Retinol and Alpha Arbutin face serum, proven to speed up cell turnover and increases collagen production. Get them today!

How to use a face serum?

Face serum can be used alone or with other skincare products depending on your specific concerns. For example, if you are concerned about fine lines and wrinkles, you might use a face serum with retinoids in the evening and sunscreen during the day. However, if you are concerned about dullness and dryness, you can use Vitamin C serum in the morning and an exfoliating cleanser at night.

The steps are as follows: 

First, start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser. This will remove any dirt, oil, or makeup that could prevent the serum from being fully absorbed into your skin.

Next, take pea-sized serum on your fingertips and gently massage it on your skin. Be sure to avoid the sensitive area around your eyes. Once the serum has been applied, you can follow up with a moisturizer if you'd like.

It's important to note that you should only use these once or twice daily. Using too many of these products can cause more harm than good by irritating the skin. As your skin adjusts to the ingredients in the face serum, you can increase the frequency of use as needed.

When should I use a face serum?

Not all face serums are created equal. Active ingredients play a major role in determining whether you should be using a serum in your daytime or nighttime skincare routine. 

Day Serums

A facial serum containing vitamin C is best used during the daytime. Since vitamin C is an antioxidant, it's capable of protecting your skin from free radicals (unstable atoms that can damage skin cells) and other pollutants while you're out and about. Also, when used in conjunction with daily sunscreen, vitamin C can save your skin from photodamages such as fine lines and dark spots. (As vitamin C can make your skin more photosensitive on its own, however, SPF is a must.)

Night Serums

While a retinol serum could be applied and worn during the day, it's preferred you use it at night, especially if you're introducing this ingredient to your skincare regimen for the first time. Similar to vitamin C, retinol makes your skin extra sensitive to sunlight. Daily sunscreen is necessary if you opt to work this ingredient into your skincare routine. 

Exfoliating acids (AHAs/BHAs/PHAs) should be used in your nightly routine, as well. These acids increase your skin's sensitivity to UV, so make sure you adequately protect your skin from the sun during the day. 

Anytime Serums

Hyaluronic acid serums can be used to provide additional moisturizing during the day or at night. As we mentioned already, your climate is key when choosing to use this ingredient, as you want to make sure hyaluronic acid can draw moisture from the air and not away from your skin. 

Niacinamide face serum are also safe to use day or night. Unlike retinol or vitamin C, niacinamide does not make your skin photosensitive. 

How long should I leave serum on my face?

After you’ve completely applied your serum with either your fingertips or palms, wait 5 minutes for the product to fully absorb. Well-formulated face serums absorb incredibly fast and fully disappear into your face and neck. If your serum is leaving you with a sticky or oily residue, it’s most likely not doing its job effectively.

Is it good to apply serum on face daily?

Yes, a face serum can be applied daily on your skin. Follow it up with a moisturiser and sunscreen during the day and you’re good to go!

Conclusion

If you're new to face serum, the experience can be daunting. There are many different types that cater to a number of concerns. However, no matter your skin type, you can benefit from incorporating a well-formulated serum into your skincare routine. When used correctly, Sotrue’s skincare range can become one of the best ways to enhance your natural radiance and beauty.