Applying your serums is a crucial step in your skin regime. If you want to achieve results or make a change within our skin by targeting your skin concerns, serums are your go-to.
What is a serum?
Think of serums as vitamins or nutrients for our body. When bodies are deficient in certain vitamins, we supplement them with a healthy diet. Serums are our essential daily vitamins for the skin. Anyone and everyone should be using a serum in their skin regime to get the results they want.
Serums are formulated with a smaller molecular structure, which allows them to penetrate deeper than just the epidermis, into the skin.
Plus, the delivery system of serums allow them to work more effectively and to be absorbed easily and quickly to the dermal layers, where they can work their magic to change our skin.
Another important note is that serums contain a higher percentage of active ingredients than any other product in your skincare routine, to treat or target specific skin concerns.
What is the texture of serums?
Serums can either be water-based, oil-soluble or cream to penetrate the skin.
Here are the 5 most common mistakes you might be doing with your serums:
1. Layering too many serums at a time:
I know serums are the bee's knees and we want to get all the active ingredients on our skin for the best results. But "overlayering" is not going to do that. Quite the contrary - layering too many serums at once can overload our skin, leading to even more skin concerns like sensitivity and dehydration.
Two to three serums at a time is the most you should do.
Also read: The Best Serums for Ageing Skin
2. Not waiting for your serums to be absorbed:
This is a very common mistake people make: they rushingly apply their serums, straight after each other. You need to allow 20-30 seconds for your serums to be absorbed. This will make sure the active ingredients in the serums will penetrate through the deeper layers of the dermis. If we apply our serums straight after each other, the serum will only penetrate the epidermis before the other serum molecules soak it all up.
3. Using the wrong serums to target their skin concerns:
This is highly important. You need to know what you want to achieve and what is your primary skin concern. You can not treat all skin concerns at once. Treat one skin condition first, before treating another.
4. Mixing serums then layering:
I know sometimes life gets in the way, and it's hard to find time for your skincare regime. Don't let that make you think that mixing your serums to save time is the answer!
Ingredients in the serums have been scientifically formulated to be applied to the skin on its own, there are no studies to show any benefit of mixing serums and plus, the ingredients of different serums can counteract each other.
Also read: Our Top #5 Serums for Acne
5. Using a serum as a moisturiser
This is a very common mistake I see in the treatment rooms with clients. They use their serum as a moisturiser, but these two are not same thing! These two products have two completely different roles in your skincare regimen.
Serums are formulated to deliver active ingredients deeply into the dermis and target your skin concerns, such as Ageing or Acne.
Moisturisers are formulated to protect the skin's stratum corneum, which is the first layer of the skin and its first line of defence.
About The Author
My name is Sari Pols,
I have been in the skincare industry for over 15 years. My passion lies in ‘Health’. Health for the skin and body. My philosophy is if we have good well-being on the inside, then it shows our vitality on the outside.
I have furthered my knowledge of Skin Anatomy, Skin Concerns, and Fitness. I am a true believer in how to make my clients feel their best both inside and out. My emphasis is on guiding my clients through their journey of skin concerns and conditions. I do not like to band-aid a concern or condition but want to get down to the root of the cause. I aim to give personalised consultations with treatment and correct prescribed skin products.
