NUWers feel like an expert in Serums yet after reading the Decoding the secrets of serums and top 5 affordable serums? There is more to that! We are now going to get you fully covered so that you all can truly become the master of serums.
1/ Using it at the Right Time
Although most serums products are combined with different active ingredients that help you target different skin problems, it is also said to be suitable for day and night. Technically not always the case. Some active ingredients might have a better effect when used during the day while some are better at night, and of course, some can be used any time during the day.
Day Serums: Face serums containing Vitamin C are best used during the daytime since Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help protect your skin from free radicals and pollutants while you are out. And when used with sunscreen, it can help protect your skin from photodamage that could cause fine lines and dark spots.
Night Serums: Retinol sunscreen can be worn anytime but must preferably at night as it makes your skin extra sensitive to sunlight. If used during the day, it is important to remember that you applied sunscreen. While exfoliating acids serums should be used at night, as the strong acids cleanse the skin making your skin extra sensitive to UV. Using it at night allows the active ingredients to soak into the skin and does the cleansing properly so that your skin can restore and repair during the night.
Anytime Serums: Hyaluronic acids serums and niacinamide serums can be used anytime during the day. Hyaluronic provides additional moisturizing during the day or night. However, remember not to use it in a dry atmosphere as it might end up drawing moisture from your skin instead. While niacinamide serums boost skin benefits but do not cause your skin to be photosensitive, therefore available to use anytime during the day.
2/ Patch Test First
As mentioned, serums contain a lot of active ingredients, and they are strong chemicals therefore it is important to test them on your skin first before applying them to the face. The best area to test will be the side of the neck. Apply a small amount on the side of the neck and leave it on for 15 minutes to see the results. Some serums might leave your face slightly pink after you apply and continue to monitor the situation. If after 15 minutes the following symptoms occurred: itchiness, red rash, and slight inflammation, it could potentially mean that you are allergic to this serum, and it is best to not use it on the face.
3/ Take it Slow
If you are changing serums, either changing formulas, brands, or products. Take it slowly. Replacing the “new” serum slowly in your routine. First, substitute your “old” serum with the “new” one once a week, to twice a week, then every other day. Once your skin is fully used to the “new” serum, then you can use it every day.
4/ Do not Mix Them
We understand you might have a variety of skin problems you want to fix, and that one serum might not do it all. You still should not mix serums, meaning within your skincare routine you should not use more than one serum. As serums contain strong active ingredients, they do not necessarily mix well. Mixing them might potentially create negative reactions. If you really want to fix multiple skin problems, there are 3 options. 1) Pick one serum that helps you resolve the most problems or the most concerning matters you want to resolve. 2) Use different serums during your day and night routine, this way you can have multiple skin problems resolved without mixing the ingredients. 3) Mix and match them during the week. For example, you can use exfoliating acids serums once or twice within the week while on the other days you can continue with normal serums such as hydrating serums and skin brightening serums that can help resolve your daily skin problems.
5/ Layer it Effectively
Serums should be used after you cleanse the face and apply toner, and after you should apply moisturizers in order to lock the active ingredients in the skin. However, before going to moisturizer you should ensure they are fully absorbed into the skin. Leave it on for 5 minutes before applying moisturizers. A well-formulated face serum should absorb really fast, but if it leaves your face oily and sticky it means it is not doing its job properly.
6/ Avoid Colour and Fragrances
We are often drawn to products with nice colours or fragrances but do not be when you are with serums. Some of the best serums have dull-smelling, and an effective serum is loaded with effective ingredients that target repair and rejuvenation. Colours and fragrances do not add value to them and might even affect the absorption.
7/ Tap and not Rub
First, since serums are so strong, a pea-size amount of serum is more than enough. Second, unlike face creams and moisturizers that should be massaged into the skin, serums it should be applied in a small tapping motion with our fingertips or our palms. Do not rub, and just let it absorb into the skin slowly. Even when you drop the pea-sized serum on your palm, do not rub it too much before applying it on to the skin.
With these 7 tips, you are now fully equipped with all the tips and details of serums. Together with the tips given on cleansers, toners, and moisturizers, you now should know the best routine and what products are best for your skin. Skincare that is done right will gives you the most benefit. There are a lot of steps, and you would not necessarily see the results right away. But remember success is never achieved by one big step, but it is accumulated by small steps. Therefore, do not neglect any of the procedures if you want to see the best results in the future.
