When Do I Start Advancing Skincare After a Serum
Written by
May Willis
Published
Wednesday, 6 Nov 2024
8 min. read
Why trust us?
1
CottonNow is incubated at the Harvard Innovation Lab.
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Science & data-based approach to personal care. Numbers don’t lie.
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With 10+ years struggling with acne & skin conditions, we understand what it’s like.
A complete and working skincare journey is not only about finding the right product for your skin; it's also about understanding the correct order and timing to maximize the benefits. We have said previously many times that for beginners in skincare, the temptation to buy and apply a bunch of skincare products is very hard to overcome. But just like everything else in life, the devil is always in the details. For those of you who recently started to add a serum to your skincare routine, knowing when to advance to the next step- moisturizing- is crucial. The proper application order and timing allow your expensive serums to do their job and give your skin the desired glow. In today's blog, let's dive deeper into the complicated relationship between moisturizer and serum.
Serums and moisturizers have long been confused as substitutes. For skincare beginners, it might not be clear why you need both and the order in how you apply them.
Understanding the Role of Serum and Moisturizer
Serums are potent formulations designed to deliver high concentrations of specific active ingredients to the skin. They are typically lighter than moisturizers and are therefore applied after cleansing but before moisturizing. The primary role of a serum is to provide targeted solutions for concerns like aging, hydration, or dark spots. Moisturizers, on the other hand, are designed to hydrate and seal in moisture along with the benefits of the serum, ensuring that the skin's barrier remains healthy and protected. It is sometimes misunderstood that serums and moisturizers more or less do the same thing; they both nourish and hydrate the skin. This cannot be more wrong, as not all serums are hydrating, and on many occasions, a moisturizer is needed after the serum for the serum to achieve maximum efficacy. Moisturizers properly hydrate the lock in the serum to the skin and ensure the serum does not evaporate in the air following your routine. One should always look at moisturizers and serums as best friends working together.
For people who have already found their baseline skincare routine, a serum can be the most natural next step. Serums are great because they are packed with extra-nourishing ingredients that address specific problems of the skin and can greatly improve your skin's radiance and health. Vitamin C serum being a great example. However, they are also more expensive than your usual products, so make sure you know when to advance your routine after applying your serum!
Timing Your Skincare Steps
Now, onto the main topic: when should you advance your skincare routine after applying serum? For us, waiting about two minutes before moving on to your moisturizer is essential. This waiting period allows the serum to fully absorb into the skin, ensuring that the active ingredients penetrate effectively without being diluted by the subsequent application of your moisturizer. So be patient, and don't forget to wait for the serum to properly set in before applying moisturizer.
Incorporating PureNatura™ Disposable Face Towels
Here is a pro tip. Before applying the serum, right after you cleanse your face, make sure you use our PureNatura 100% cotton disposable face towels to dry your face. This is to ensure that your face is completely dry and clean, ready for serum and moisturizer. Many people overlook the towel-drying step in their routine. Think about it like this: if you still use a dirty bathroom towel to dry your face after your cleanse, then what's the point of cleansing? The same bacteria that triggers irritation and acne will be transferred onto the skin again. Even worse, when you apply the serum and moisturizer, you will rub the bacteria everywhere on your face. Remember, the devil is in the details; make sure you understand every step of the routine and how it's affecting your skin.
Conclusion
Advancing your skincare routine from serum to moisturizer should be done with care and precision. Allowing your serum to dry for two minutes ensures optimal absorption and efficacy of the active ingredients. Incorporating PureNatura™ disposable face towels into your routine enhances this process, ensuring that each step is as effective and hygienic as possible. Embrace this simple yet effective approach to skincare, and we are confident you will see the results very soon!
Q&A
A moisturizer should always be applied AFTER the serum.
PureNatura™ disposable face towels provide a hygienic way to dry and prep your skin before applying serum and after to ensure clean application. They help avoid the reintroduction of bacteria from reusable towels, which can compromise skin health, particularly after applying targeted treatments like serums.
While most serums can be followed by moisturizers, it's important to select both products that are compatible with your skin type and needs. For instance, if using a hydrating serum for dry skin, follow up with a moisturizer that seals in hydration without clogging pores. Always ensure that the ingredients in both products complement each other to avoid skin irritation.
