Can serum replace moisturizer?

We all tend to pay attention to our bodies, their health and appearance, although commonly at levels and proportions that can vary quite a bit from one person to another.

There are those who pay special attention to all these factors, to the point of already knowing in depth what they are and what they are for the main products that we tend to associate with skin care, in addition to which of them are compatible and which, on the contrary, are substitutes for others.

Precisely, to carry out these important cares, it is important to choose a cosmetic that is appropriate, to provide all the moisturization it needs. Pay attention to this list: best moisturizing creams.

But along with them, there is a huge number of people who really do not yet have this knowledge, and are just beginning to take the first steps in the complex, and sometimes intimidating, world of skincare.

These people, when faced with such a wide list of ingredients, products, and alternatives that, in theory, offer quite similar results, often enter into the question of which of them is more convenient to use in each situation.

This is the case that occurs most commonly as soon as you start noticing the multiple similarities between serum and cream, to the point that the doubt easily arises whether one of them can replace the other or whether, on the contrary, they result in a kind of complement.

So if you are one of those who do not know the answer to this, you will be glad to know that it is simpler than it seems.

You have a particular skin type, you may want to learn What is a serum for combination skin and what is it for

Different products with similar ingredients

As with most products for skin care or any part of the body, really so far no magic formula has been devised, which manages to satisfy all the needs of the consumer and solve all the aesthetic problems that may arise.

Having to choose from the multiple options available will always represent a fundamental step in any skincare routine.

In this aspect, several points must be taken into account and it is possible to find different types of products such as creams or serums that focus their action on very similar objectives.

Among the most popular serums, we can notice different types, such as those we can find in this link: the best serum for the face.

For example, the fight against wrinkles or treatment for topical problems such as acne, which ends up making the final choice of which topical ointment is the best alternative in each specific case a bit more complicated.

It is possible to find creams and facial serums that include among their list of ingredients quite similar substances, giving the impression that the texture and the way of use they have is the only difference between both alternatives.

But beyond that, the difficulty of choice does not end at that point, but you must consider factors beyond, such as the speed of action, objectives that are sought to be achieved with its use, and even the ability of the substance to penetrate into the skin.

All this leads us directly to focus our attention on which of these two alternatives is more convenient and which one we prefer to give higher priority to, since it is precisely among these small differences where the choice of a more suitable product or the combination of ingredients that give us the power of action we want and with the level and type of focus thinking about our skin type will lie.

One of the biggest differences between these that we must highlight at this point is the fact that there are creams focused specifically on each skin type, seeking to cover the particular needs that it may have, as well as for more specific skin areas such as creams for the eye contour, or special products for the glabella or barcode lines.

Something that does not happen when we talk about serum, since this is designed to be applied in a much more general way, being able to cover all the various areas of the face as well as other areas without a problem, but also without offering a treatment as specific as that provided by a more specialized product in a particular area.

Before continuing, we invite you to take a look at our section on How to make homemade serum for oily skin

Main differences between their properties

To delve deeper into what the points to consider are to really determine what differentiates serum and cream, it is necessary to cover this point from a much more specific angle which requires a very simple comparison with which you will easily understand what is the true function that each of them seek to cover and how they could help you keep your skin as beautiful and healthy as possible.

You must bear in mind that although both substances are quite similar in terms of their objectives and even their active ingredients, they really do not represent identical ways of acting in front of the skin, since having such a different consistency as the main point of comparison makes it quite clear that we are really not talking about the same thing.

So, if you want to understand what the main differences between their elements are, you must be very clear about these points:

Composition and concentration of ingredients

If we are thinking about the most notable difference between any type of cream and facial serum regardless of their ingredients, without a doubt the composition of the same is the first factor to consider.

These two products have a huge difference in terms of their concentration of components, a point that undoubtedly takes the serum as a winner since it is the one that has the highest of them.

It is that one of the main characteristics that this product has is precisely to have a quite high dose of active ingredients, which generates that with a small amount of this substance the skin is provided with all the necessary nutrients among which they are included in the formulation.

The serum is such a concentrated substance that it is estimated to have on average 50% more action than a facial cream.

Added to this, we must take into account the presence of the elements that enhance the skin’s absorption capacity, another factor that is determined by its composition.

The cream is usually a much thicker and heavier substance, so in many cases, it is a bit complicated for our skin to allow it to penetrate deeply, a problem that the serum does not have in the slightest, since it is characterized by being extremely light and can reach deep layers in a matter of minutes.

Utility and time of action

As a complement to the previous point, we must be clear that due to the difference in their composition both serum and cream come to act on the skin in very different periods of time.

Another point that when we sit down to compare ends up making us understand that the serum has a certain advantage over any type of facial cream in some situations or even in everyday use.

In this, the main difference is located in concentration, the cream having a much higher water content and a lower concentration has a longer time of action, which means that you will need to apply it for a longer time before even beginning to notice favorable results on your skin, but with the advantage of having a simpler application process, being able to be used without any problem practically at any time, something that while not recommended if it turns out to be practical for more than one.

On the other hand, the serum as we have already mentioned is characterized by its lightness and having a much higher concentration of active ingredients, this implies that the period you must wait to appreciate results on the skin is reduced very drastically, being able to appreciate changes from the first weeks after starting to use the product regularly.

The disadvantage of this product lies in its utility and practicality since depending on the formulation there is a large number of limitations that you must think about when applying the product, the first of which is that the serum must be placed on the face very well washed, since only in this way is it achieved that the substance penetrates properly into the skin

But added to this we must take into account factors such as the photosensitivity produced by some substances such as vitamin C, and if you are looking to reap the benefits of this.

If you are looking for products that contain this powerful antioxidant ingredient, we have compiled a series of products that include it. You can find them at this link: the best serums with vitamin C.

The serum will never be a good option to use during the day, since as it provides such a high amount of nutrients it can become harmful to the skin if it is exposed directly to the sun, which would hardly happen in the case of opting for a cream.

Texture and presentation

Some would consider that the texture of a product is not a point to take into account when choosing it, and that this should not represent a factor to consider when determining if one of them turns out to be more convenient than the other.

The reality is that the texture that a substance that is going to be applied on the skin really does play an important role, since it depends on factors such as the type of skin on which it can be applied or if other substances can be placed on it.

At this point, the difference is already so noticeable that it stands out at first sight, but it still deserves to be explained to understand its action and influence.

The serum is a product that has an almost liquid consistency, is usually applied with the help of a dropper that is included in the package where it is marketed.

This substance has the characteristic of being very little oily, which means that despite its texture it does not leave an oil layer on the skin, which allows it to be applied on any type of face without matter if it has dry, oily, or even combination skin, making it the most versatile alternative available.

The cream, for its part, has a consistency that, although it has a greater amount of water, is thicker and even viscous, with formulations that do not easily adapt to all skin types, being more or less oily depending on various factors.

This implies that not all creams are suitable for all people but that it is necessary to acquire the appropriate one for each particular case always keeping in mind the type of skin for which it is allowed.

If you are interested in starting to make your own cosmetic products at home, the following article is for you: How to make homemade serum with hyaluronic acid

Serum, cream, or both

Once you have understood more in detail the differences and similarities that cream and serum have, you may already have more in mind what kind of product is required in certain situations but still do not quite understand if they can replace one or the other or if they should always act hand in hand.

In this sense, experts have discussed quite a bit over the years, coming to the conclusion that in order to adequately care for the skin through these beneficial substances with similar properties but such different uses, it is extremely necessary to follow certain recommendations.

You can determine the most appropriate way to take full advantage of the various benefits they offer while counteracting the few weaknesses that each of them has.

Do not substitute, complement

Many people wonder if to follow an adequate skincare routine it is necessary to apply a facial cream or a serum.

The reality is that all experts in the area of skincare and aesthetics have the same opinion on this aspect and it is that both products and their compositions can act very perfectly in a complementary manner between them, combining the immediate action provided by the serum with the prolonged effect offered by facial creams.

And this is exactly the focal point of the whole matter, since both the facial cream and the serum are currently considered two of the most fundamental steps when designing a daily skincare routine regardless of age or particular needs.

Both substances have proven to be able to always act hand in hand, so it is not entirely advisable to use one as a substitute for the other, since although you could be providing the skin with a large number of benefits, you really will not be taking advantage of all the benefits they offer, since the main objective of the combined use is to complement the weaknesses of each one.

Always apply them in the right way

Regarding which of these two substances is better to use first, this is also a point on which experts have come to a common agreement.

Since the serum penetrates so quickly into the skin, it does not create a layer that can maintain a more prolonged action, but rather gives the skin an almost immediate external effect, but internally acts more slowly, for this reason, it is advisable to place it on the skin as an initial step, after having performed an adequate cleaning.

Once it has managed to penetrate, something that will do in approximately 5 minutes, it will be time to place the moisturizing facial cream, which as we have already described is not absorbed so quickly into the skin, so its action will be concentrated more on the surface than in the inner area of your dermis.

After following this combination and applying it in the order described, you will be ensuring that your skin receives both internal and superficial benefits, and according to the product applied even protection against external factors that can be offered.

During the resting hours, our skin looks more rested, so it is time to take advantage and provide all the nutrients that your complexion needs. Click on this link: the best nourishing night creams.

You can vary the formulations and use

However, while this is the correct order, you must bear in mind that according to your skin type and needs, the formulations of the serum and cream to be applied can be both similar to achieve a specific effect and different to expand the range of action.

For example, you can opt for a lightening serum and combine it with an anti-aging cream, always bearing in mind that none of their ingredients are incompatible with each other.

Another point you should consider is that if you have very healthy skin or have not yet reached 30 years old, you can very easily skip the application of one of these two products on some occasions, or give one a priority during the mornings and another for the night hours, in this way you will nourish your skin without saturating it with substances, but always keeping in mind the importance of both for your skin.

Did you like this article? You can keep reading a bit more in our special topic dedicated to What hyaluronic acid serum is for

Serum and cream are two types of products that have a long list of both similarities and differences, but both are equally necessary and useful for the skin, so if you have the opportunity to add them both to your daily routine don’t think twice, since in a short time you will be noticing how your skin appreciates it.