Actually, it's not serum vs moisturizer. While being happy with the visible results of facial serums, you do not need to skip your daily moisturizer. We are here to help you know how your skin benefits from using both moisturizer and serum. Serums are fast-absorbing skin care formulations that contain a high concentration of active ingredients. They penetrate into deeper layers of your skin to address skin concerns and show visible results in no time. Moisturizers are skin care products that help to lock in the moisture in the outer layer of your skin (stratum corneum) to keep your skin hydrated. Hence, application of moisturizer after serum also helps to seal in serum ingredients which enhance your skin functions, making skin look flawless, soft, and hydrated.
The role of moisturizer in skin care
Your skin is made up of three layers - epidermis (outermost layer), dermis (middle layer), and hypodermis (deepest layer). Stratum corneum (SC) or skin barrier is the outermost layer of your epidermis which acts as a barrier between your skin and environment. It helps to prevent Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) and restrict the entry of unwanted materials into your skin. Skin care experts explain that when the rate of TEWL is high, it can contribute to skin dryness, damaged skin barrier, and premature skin aging. The job of a moisturizer is to maintain the integrity of the Stratum corneum, improve skin hydration, and prevent Transepidermal Water Loss. Humectants present in moisturizers help to keep your skin hydrated and smooth.
Important reasons to add moisturizers in your skin care routine
- Helps to keep your skin hydrated.
- Prevents skin dryness which can contribute to acne formation, rough skin texture, and aging signs.
- Forms an extra layer to protect your skin from external wear and tear.
- Makes the skin soft, supple, and plump.
- Encourages smoother skin and more even complexion
The role of serum in skin care
Aging, oxidative stress, and sun exposure are the major factors that make your skin more vulnerable to acne flares up, wrinkles and fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin texture. Serums are formulated to treat your skin concerns and promote wonderful skin rejuvenation at the same time. In comparison to moisturizers, toners, and lotions, serums are more concentrated and lightweight. Some of the most effective ingredients that serums contain are vitamin C, peptides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and anti-inflammatory ingredients like BHA for acne-prone skin types.
Important reasons to add serum in your skin care routine
- Combats free radical damage and delivers the benefits of antioxidants directly to your skin.
- Restores skin firmness and elasticity by rebuilding collagen and elastin proteins.
- Calms inflammation and regulates sebum production to treat acne.
- Helps to get rid of melasma, Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH), age spots, and sun spots to unveil a brighter and glowing complexion.
- Strengthen skin barrier, smoothen out fine lines, minimizes pores appearances to attain refined skin texture
How to apply serums and moisturizers together?
A good rule of thumb is that the layering of skin care products should be in the order of thinner to a thicker consistency. Serums have thinner viscosity and hence should be layered first on your cleansed and toned face. Give a few seconds to allow the serum to settle properly before moisturizer application. Serums work efficiently to deliver antioxidant and nourishing ingredients to deeper layers of your skin but have limited retention abilities. Moisturizers form a layer on the topmost layer of your skin to retain moisture and skin-active ingredients.
For creating the best skin care routine, it is good to use both moisturizer and serum. Moisturizers are intended to take care of the superficial layers of your skin (stratum corneum) whereas serums deliver active ingredients to the deeper layers of your skin. Moisturizers that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acids and ceramides act to improve the skin barrier functions and prevent water loss. Thereby, saving your skin from getting cracked, dry, flaky, and wrinkle-prone. Similarly, serums are new-age skin care products that address dermatological concerns like hyperpigmentation, premature aging, acne-prone skin care, and so on. The right duo of serums and moisturizers help to reinforce your skin barrier, increase the availability of topical ingredients ultimately giving you skin that makes you smile each day. What are you waiting for - find serums and moisturizers that suit your skin type.
P.S.
Before choosing your skin care products, it is absolutely important to know your skin type. For acne-prone skin types, it is important to consider looking for ingredients that have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and sebum control properties. Salicylic acids, Peptides, and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate are some of the best ingredients that treat acne while rejuvenating your skin. For normal and dry skin types, Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Madecassoside, and ceramides are some of the few important ingredients to consider for.
