Among the skincare products, serums are quiet stars that are strong, focused, and not always well understood. Most women include serums in their skincare routine when they really want to see changes in their skin. But are you using yours the best way? Are you getting the most out of your serum?
If you are one to just apply your serum and stop there, you could do more. So, please read on.
In this article, we will share five powerful ways to use serums to boost your glow, skin firmness, and enhance moisture and skin hydration. We will also share some skincare secrets that other people aren’t yet discussing. We will go past the usual ‘apply your serum on damp skin’
Why Are Serums So Great?
Serums are skincare products that are lightweight and usually full of strong active ingredients. Unlike moisturizers that work to protect your skin barrier, serums go deeper into the skin to fix issues like dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles, or even dull skin.
Whether you use a natural serum with baobab extract, a fermented serum with alpha arbutin, or a hydrating one like hyaluronic acid, the key is how you use it. to achieve the glowing healthy skin you desire. And here are some simple tips and tricks to get the most out of your serum
1. Use the Sandwich Method to Apply Your Serum for Better Absorption
This is simple, you basically layer your serum between two layers of hydration. Meaning, first, you use a mist or hydrating toner something like a rose facial toner or a hyaluronic acid essence. Next, put on your active serum, like Vitamin C, Alpha Arbutin, or Baobab extract serum. Then lastly, mist lightly again before applying a lightweight gel moisturizer to seal in the moisture and everything.
This hydration sandwich method helps your skin stay plump and ready to absorb the serum. It lets the active ingredients sink in deeper without causing irritation or that annoying pilling. This is great for serums with bigger molecules like niacinamide or serums that have textures that are a bit sticky, like those nighttime face oils and fermented skincare serums.
Pro Tip: If you have dry skin or aging skin, try using a thermal water mist for your hydration layer. It can boost absorption, calm any redness and soothe inflammation.
2. Get That Glowy Makeup Finish by Adding a Drop of Serum to Your Foundation
Just mix one drop of a glow-boosting serum like Vitamin C, licorice root extract, or fermented rice filtrate with your foundation.
This mix gives your skin a radiant, natural glow and stops matte foundations from looking chalky or flat, which can happen in dry and humid places like the UAE. Adding a drop of serum to your foundation also means that you may not need to use a separate highlighter.
Best serums for this trick include Vitamin C serums that contain magnesium ascorbyl phosphate because this is gentler and lasts longer You can also use a fermented serum with alpha arbutin to even skin tone and brighten skin.
3. Use the Double Ice Dip Trick to Refine Your Pores
For this trick, Keep your niacinamide or salicylic acid serum in the fridge. When you later apply the serum, use a cold jade roller to help press in the serum. The cold in the serum and jade roller helps shrink blood vessels, which reduces redness and makes pores look smaller and refined. This trick is perfect for people with oily skin or acne prone skin.
Pro Tip: Afterwards, say at night or later, use a baobab extract serum to hydrate your skin without blocking pores. Baobab has lots of antioxidants and omega fatty acids, which are great for balancing oily skin.
4. Don't Forget To Apply Your Serum on Your Neck and Chest
You’ve heard of the fancy words neck & décolleté, these means neck, hands and chest areas where most people forget when doing skincare. Be different, don’t forget these parts.
Just remember this, after applying your serum on your face, don't wipe off what's left on your hands. Rub it on your neck and chest, moving down from your jawline. Why downward you ask? Pulling up on your skin could cause it to stretch. Going down is like a mini lymphatic drainage massage and makes sure these areas get some attention.
Please note that: When you're applying your face serums, use upward strokes to lift the skin and gentle downward presses to help drain your lymph nodes and reduce puffiness. The gentle downward presses work particularly well with soothing or hydrating serums.
Good serums to try for neck, hands and chest area include:
- Serums with natural oils like rosehip, saffron, or baobab.
- Peptide serums to help with elasticity.
- Brightening serums with ingredients to even out skin tone.
5. Drip Your Serum unto Your Under-Eye Cream
Just mix a tiny drop of hydrating serum like snail mucin or tremella extract into your regular eye cream or gel. Because most eye creams are mostly occlusive and they seal in moisture. Adding a serum gives extra deep hydration without clogging pores under your eyes. Just make sure to avoid heavy oils or Vitamin C serums here and only use light hydrating active ingredients only.
Bonus Tips: Serum Habits That Can Change Your Routine
- Give your serum 30 Seconds between each layer: Let each serum sit on your skin for 30 seconds or so before applying another layer. This stops them from piling, mainly if they have silicone or fermented skincare ingredients in them.
- Press your serum on, don’t rub: Gently press your face serums into your skin with your hands. Rubbing can mess with the molecules by breaking them down leading to irritation on sensitive skin types.
- Nighttime is best for fermented serums. Ingredients like galactomyces, bacil folic acid, or alpha arbutin work best while you sleep and your skin fixes itself. Use with a night cream. You can also apply fermented skincare ingredients after you exfoliate as it is a good time to apply them.
- Go natural when your skin is tired: If you use too many active ingredients, your skin can get tired or break out. Use natural serums now and then. We are talking about the ones with baobab extract, rosehip oil, or licorice root which are great for skin recovery. They will feed your skin and fix its protective barrier.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Use Serums Make Them a Part of the Plan
Serums aren't just something extra. Stop applying them with no strategy and upgrade your application plan. First choose them carefully, then start layering them carefully, keeping your skin hydrated in a better way, and don’t forget your sunscreen, Soon, you'll see results that last. Whether you're new to skincare, have a bunch of products, or a just looking for a skin booster, these tips can help your serums do more for your skin. And if you are looking for good natural serums like baobab extract or fermented skincare ingredients? Find natural skin care that's based on nature and backed up by science.
FAQs: Your Questions About Serums, Answered
How many serums should I layer?
It's best to stick with 2 to 3 at a time. Using too many could weaken their impact or irritate your skin. Just remember to apply them from thinnest to thickest. Watery serums go on first, and then oils go on last.
Can I mix Vitamin C and Alpha Arbutin?
You can, as long as your skin can handle it. Put on Vitamin C first, wait about half a minute, and then add the Alpha Arbutin. Don't forget to finish with a nice, soothing lightweight moisturizer.
What serum works best for glowing skin?
For that radiant look without the irritation, try natural serums. Baobab extract, Vitamin C, or fermented rice water are all great options.
Do I still need a serum if I use a good moisturizer?
Yes, you do. Think of it this way: moisturizers hydrate and protect your skin, while serums treat it. A serum can make a real difference if you're worried about things like dark spots, skin texture, or aging.
Are natural serums as good as the ones from the lab?
They definitely can be. Cold-pressed oils, fermented plants, and seed extracts like baobab or saffron can give you many benefits without the harsh chemicals. It really depends on what your skin needs and how regularly you use them.