While using skincare products consistently offers numerous benefits, it's crucial to remember the significance of the proper skincare sequence in maximizing their effectiveness.
Adhering to the correct order, such as applying products with lighter consistencies before those with heavier textures, enables the skin to absorb active ingredients more efficiently. Thus, the question arises: should serum or moisturizer be applied first?
Benefits and uses of facial moisturizer
Cold weather, dry air, sun exposure, and the use of skin care products with specific active ingredients can all contribute to skin dryness. Whatever your skin type, moisturizer is essential for proper skin care. It helps to keep the moisture balance by reducing water loss from skin's surface.
Moisturizers work by forming a shielding barrier on the skin's surface, with active ingredients preventing moisture loss and protecting against environmental factors that cause dehydration. Skin hydration promotes a softer, more supple feel. Moisturizers also help to repair and strengthen the skin barrier. They protect it from external threats like pollution and irritants that it encounters on a daily basis.
While moisturizers offer advantages for all skin types, it's crucial to select a product tailored to your specific skin type. For instance, individuals with oily skin should opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer. Sensitive skin necessitates a hypoallergenic moisturizer devoid of fragrances. Dry skin typically benefits from a richer, oil-based moisturizer.
Benefits and uses of facial serum
Although both skincare products aim to nourish the skin and maintain its moisture, serum differs from moisturizer. Serum has a higher concentration of active ingredients and a thinner viscosity compared to moisturizers or other facial creams.
The primary advantage of using serum is its ability to deliver active ingredients quickly and effectively into the skin. Because the active molecules in serum are smaller, they can penetrate the skin's surface layers more easily and reach deeper skin layers.
Other benefits of using facial serum include:
- Can be absorbed by the skin more quickly and easily
- Helps alleviate sensitive skin issues
- Improves the appearance of the skin by reducing wrinkles on the face
- Protects the skin from free radicals and prevents damage from exposure to ultraviolet rays and other pollutants
- Provides more effective and visible results compared to other skincare products
- Its formula feels lightweight and does not burden the face
Serum or Moisturizer First?
Because of their higher concentration of active ingredients and lighter viscosity, dermatologists recommend using serums first, followed by moisturizers or other creams. Serums offer concentrated benefits and increase skin penetration. To prevent mistakes, follow these steps:
- Cleanse the face with a cleanser suitable for your skin type, then pat dry the face gently
- Apply toner according to your skin type to help maintain skin hydration
- Apply serum containing active ingredients appropriate for your skin condition. Select a serum that targets specific skin concerns, such as anti-aging, brightening, or acne treatment. Allow the serum to be absorbed briefly before moving on to the next step
- Once the serum is absorbed, apply moisturizer to maintain skin hydration
- In addition to moisturizer, you can also use other skincare products such as eye cream, sunscreen (in the morning), and makeup (in the morning). Make sure to remove any makeup residue before bedtime to prevent pore blockage
You can consult with a doctor to determine which product is best for your skin type. If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr. Monica Salim