How to Apply Facial Serum: Step by Step

by Maria / On 22 March, 2024 / In Beauty

Do you know how to apply facial serum correctly? This cosmetic has become one of the essential beauty products that should not be missing in your daily care routine.

Thanks to its fluid texture and its absorption power, more and more users are encouraged to use it. However, despite its enormous success, some women think that it is a lotion intended more for mature faces with wrinkles.

In the cosmetic market, you will find various types of facial serums made from different ingredients. Each one of them has a specific purpose.

To obtain the best results, it is necessary to know how to apply it correctly, therefore, on this occasion, we reveal the steps you should follow, as well as other relevant information about this cosmetic. Let’s get started!

What is serum

Before getting into how to apply it, do you know what serum is? We will explain it briefly and simply so that you have no doubts.

Its term comes from English serum and means “serum”. Due to the acceptance it has had in our country, its name has been adapted.

It is a lotion with a very light consistency. It is less dense than a moisturizer and, generally, does not provide a greasy or sticky sensation. The color is usually whitish or transparent, and it is normally presented in a bottle with a dispenser.

The price is higher than that of regular cream. This is because its effects are also faster and more noticeable.

Mainly, they are responsible for preparing the face for other treatments and enhancing the benefits of the cosmetics you apply afterwards. There are several types depending on the problems they are intended to solve: excess sebum, the appearance of wrinkles, spots, redness, etc.

Main characteristics

Among its main characteristics, we highlight the following:

They provide very effective results, as they are potent formulas.
They penetrate quickly, so there’s no long wait.
They have a light and fresh texture.
They do not provide greasiness or a heavy feeling.
They moisturize the deeper layers of the dermis.
They can be used on the neck and décolletage.
The price is somewhat high, but the results are faster.
Only a small amount is needed.

Benefits they provide

Do you know the benefits that facial serums provide?

They enhance the effects of subsequent treatments.
They reduce the appearance of wrinkles and expression lines.
They fill in wrinkles that have already appeared.
They decrease the visibility of pigmentation spots.
They nourish the dermis without saturating it.
They provide more luminosity.
They leave the skin even and with a better appearance.
They prevent excess sebum and the appearance of shine.
They help to eliminate marks caused by acne.
Pores are closed, and the appearance of pimples is prevented.
They leave a soothing sensation.
They eliminate redness, as well as other irritations.

Types available

As we mentioned earlier, there are different types adapted to any skin. The most consumed currently are the following:

For mature skin

Their main function is to fill in wrinkles and other signs of aging. The truth is that completely eliminating this problem is very difficult, but at least most of them reduce their visibility.

They usually contain nourishing ingredients like natural jojoba oil, argan, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, arginine, as well as other substances with a tightening effect.

Try this homemade facial serum recipe

For dry and dehydrated faces

Some women suffer from severe dryness. This is a long-term problem since dry dermis causes flaking, the appearance of wrinkles, and other alterations.

These versions contain active ingredients with moisturizing properties that manage to maintain moisture levels.

For oily and combination skin

Trying to eliminate excess sebum and shine without drying out the skin is quite an ordeal.

The texture of these serums is very light, almost watery, and does not provide any heavy sensation. In addition, they usually provide freshness and calm.

Among their ingredients, we highlight aloe vera, which has astringent and purifying power, or salicylic acid, which reduces pore size and prevents the appearance of acne.

For skin with pigmentation spots

Did you know that the skin has memory? All the sun exposure we undergo in our youth will eventually catch up with us.

Once a spot appears, it is very difficult to make it disappear. However, some remedies make them almost invisible.

In this case, the substances used are azelaic acid, kojic acid, vitamin B3, or plant extracts such as bearberry, red cranberry, and green tea.

For sensitive skin

Without a doubt, these are the most difficult to treat. If you suffer from sensitivity, you must be very cautious with the composition of each of your cosmetics.

These serums are made with soothing ingredients capable of eliminating redness and other irritations. Some examples are calendula, chamomile, aloe vera, chamomile, rosewater, or grape water.

How to apply it

To apply this product correctly, perform the following steps:

Clean your face. In the mornings, you must remove the impurities that have been created while you slept. To do this, rinse with cold water. This will activate circulation.
At night, you must remove any trace of makeup. You can do this through various products: gels, soaps, wipes, cleansing milks, etc. We recommend using micellar water, as they are usually more natural and respectful. If you wish, you can rinse with warm water for a pleasant sensation.
Next, ideally, you would use a facial toner to soothe and tone the dermis.
When the toner dries, it’s time to apply the serum. Pour a few drops on your fingertips and spread the product with a gentle massage on the face, neck, and décolletage.
Wait for the lotion to penetrate properly and apply your facial moisturizer.

Aspects to consider in its application

If you previously rinse with warm water, the skin will be more receptive to treatments.
Do not use too much. Keep in mind that its effects are very potent, so just a few drops will suffice.
Do not use it in the eye contour area, as it is an extremely delicate part that requires specific care.
Although you can use the product from the face for the neck and décolletage, it is best to choose a special lotion for these areas. Keep in mind that the skin on both parts does not have the same problems as the face.
Performing a circular massage will favor circulation.

Are all serums effective?

Obviously, not all serums turn out to be effective. In the first place, it’s very important that you choose the right one for your age and skin type.

If you use an extra nourishing lotion and your skin is combination, you’ll probably end up with more shine than normal, and even those annoying pimples may appear.

On the other hand, those that contain silicones, parabens, artificial fragrances, as well as other chemical substances, will generate more harm than benefits. This will happen especially in people who suffer from sensitivity.

You should also pay attention to it being low in preservatives, as the combination with other non-respectful cosmetics is very dangerous.

To achieve greater effectiveness and perceive the results, we must be patient and consistent. Some changes you will notice instantly, however, others will take a little longer to arrive. For example, to reduce the visibility of wrinkles we will have to wait approximately 2 to 3 months.

Some options that we have tried are:

Serum or facial cream? An eternal dilemma

Many people think that they must choose between the use of a serum or a moisturizing cream. This usually happens especially in those who have oily skin problems, since facial serum is more fluid and has an ultra-light texture.

Despite this, the ideal is to combine both cosmetics. The serum will take care of solving certain specific problems, and the cream will give you more nutrition.

Keep in mind that hydration is essential to prevent the appearance of wrinkles and expression lines.

In conclusion, even if you have oily or combination skin, we recommend using both products.

Differences between serum and moisturizer

To make it even clearer, we have prepared a list with the main differences between this lotion and the usual moisturizing cream:

The texture of the serum is almost watery and is absorbed more quickly.
The cream is designed to nourish more intensely, while the serum takes care of solving specific problems.
The facial serum has a higher concentration of active ingredients, which is why its price is higher.
Moisturizers are cheaper, but we also need to apply a larger amount of product.
The formats they come in depend on each brand. Normally, the serum comes in a tall bottle with a dispenser, and the cream in a basic jar with a screw cap.

Conclusion

We hope it is now clear to you how to apply facial serum.

The truth is that this cosmetic provides great properties and benefits for the skin, therefore, we must incorporate it into our daily care routine.

It stands out above all for its fluid texture and easy absorption. This causes many people to opt for it and leave aside the moisturizer. However, as we have explained, the most appropriate thing is to combine both products.

Regarding its effectiveness, to obtain the best results you must be very consistent with its application and use it every day in the morning and at night.

Always opt for the most natural versions and stay away from silicones, artificial fragrances, as well as other disrespectful chemical substances. Your skin will thank you.