Discover the Differences Between Serum and Cream

by Maria / On 22 March, 2024 / In Beauty

Do you know the difference between serum and facial cream? Both products play a relevant role in our daily skincare routine.

Currently, the cosmetic market offers us a wide range of beauty products that guarantee the best results. However, not all are as useful as they promise.

Due to this factor, it’s normal that we sometimes have doubts when choosing the most necessary and suitable ones.

After facial cleansing, we should apply a series of basic cosmetics to maintain a healthy and youthful complexion for longer. Both the moisturizer and the serum will help us in this task, which is why both are essential.

However, there are still many doubts about the application and usefulness of these two lotions. Sometimes, we don’t know which one should be used first, if we should choose one over the other, what specific benefits they bring us, etc.

To end all your questions, in this article we reveal what the main differences are between these cosmetics, and we provide you with other information about them.

What is Serum

Do you still not know what serum is? First of all, you should know that there are facial and hair serums. On this occasion, we will only focus on the former.

It consists of an elixir with a very light consistency that has a higher concentration of active ingredients.

Don’t miss: The best facial serums

Therefore, it is considered a very powerful treatment that provides some results immediately.

Generally, its color tends to be transparent or very faint. The price is somewhat higher than that of the moisturizer, and the liquid is contained in a tall bottle with a dispenser.

The benefits it offers are the following:

Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and expression lines.
Prepares the skin to receive subsequent treatments.
Enhances the effects of the moisturizing lotion.
Fills in the wrinkles that have appeared.
Does not add grease or sticky effect.
Brightens the complexion without overloading it.
Regulates excess sebum.
Reduces the visibility of marks caused by acne.
Combats pigmentation spots caused by the sun.
Closes the pores.
Prevents the appearance of pimples and blackheads.
Controls redness and other irritations.

The main characteristics that define it are:

They are quickly absorbed.
They provide very effective results.
Some changes are perceived immediately.
They do not add grease or a sticky feeling.
They can be used on the neck and décolleté.
Only a small amount is needed for each application.

Don’t miss: How to make a homemade facial serum. Other options are: The one from Mercadona, the one from Estee Lauder, or the one from Sesderma.

What is Moisturizing Cream

This product is known by a larger number of users. In fact, very few people do without it on a daily basis.

It consists of a lotion that, as its name suggests, manages to hydrate and nourish the deeper layers of the skin.

Next, we show you the benefits of this cosmetic:

Helps to keep the skin elastic and firm.
Has a moisturizing effect, thus preventing dehydration.
Delays the appearance of wrinkles and expression lines.
Adds brightness.
Gives a more even appearance.

The characteristics that define this beauty product are:

Usually, they have a somewhat denser texture.
Their main function is to hydrate.
They often come in jars with screw caps, although some brands present other formats.
They can be used on the neck and décolleté.
Some contain sun protection.

Serum or Cream?

The eternal question that many users constantly ask themselves is whether to use a serum or a regular cream.

The truth is that we should not opt for the use of one of the two cosmetics, but combine them to obtain the best results.

Keep in mind that these are very different products and that each one provides a series of different advantages.

Normally, people with oily skin tend to prefer applying a serum, as, as we have mentioned before, they have a more fluid and light touch. In fact, some textures are very watery.

However, this is a serious mistake. Even if your face has a tendency to be oily or combination, you must provide it with hydration. Otherwise, wrinkles and signs of aging will appear prematurely.

What’s the solution in these cases? Choose a cream that does not weigh down and that is specific for your skin.

Differences Between Both Cosmetics

To make it even clearer, we have pointed out the differences between both cosmetics:

The texture of the serum is ultra-light, while the cream is a bit denser.
The main objective of the moisturizing lotion is to moisten the face by filling it with water.
Serums have more specific functions. In addition, they prepare the skin to receive other treatments.
Serums have a higher concentration of actives, and also enhance those of the usual cream.
In terms of price, the moisturizer is cheaper. But it is also true that we will need to use more of it each time we apply it.

How to Apply Them

Do you have doubts about the application of these beauty items? We explain the way to use each one in the following steps:

Cleansing. Clean skin is essential for the products to penetrate well and do their job. Remove all impurities and dirt, as well as makeup residue. You can use a gel or foam, a cleansing milk, or micellar water.
Cleansing also includes the use of toner to balance the pH of the skin and maintain the skin barrier in good condition. Then you can put on an essence if you like to perform the most complete routine possible.
It’s time to apply our facial serum. Place a few drops in the palms of your hands, rub with the other palm, and gently press onto the complexion. Also, extend it to the neck and décolleté. Here are more tricks to apply it.
Wait until it is completely absorbed. It usually won’t take long, although this will depend on the product you have purchased.
Continue with the eye contour.
Put a little moisturizing cream on the same areas where you applied the serum, that is, on the face, neck, and décolleté. Spread it well with a massage until there are no cream residues left. Have a little patience. These lotions usually take a bit longer to dry.

Aspects to Consider During Application

For the application of the two cosmetics, you should consider a series of aspects:

When we rinse the face with warm water, our skin will be more prone to receiving treatment. Therefore, you should not wait too long from the time of cleansing to the application of the products.
Never apply the serum after the moisturizer -unless otherwise indicated-, as this way you will be wasting many of its effects.
Do not spread them around the eye contour area. This part is extremely delicate and irritations could occur. In addition, the use of a nourishing lotion in the eye contour area causes puffiness and inflammation.
It would be ideal if you chose specific versions for the neck and décolleté since the characteristics of these areas are not the same as those of the face.

Are They Effective Treatments?

Both treatments are very effective. But obviously, this will largely depend on the type of product you choose.

We recommend staying away from versions that contain silicones, parabens, artificial fragrances, as well as other harmful chemicals. These cosmetics end up causing more problems -even health-related ones- than long-term benefits.

On the other hand, they should also be low in preservatives to avoid the combined effect of cosmetics.

It is very important that you analyze the condition of your face and choose lotions adapted to your age and skin type.

To perceive the effects you must be consistent with the application and have patience. It is true that some results can come immediately, but others, on the other hand, will take several months to appear.

Conclusion

Now you know the differences between serum and moisturizing cream.

As you have seen, both products guarantee a series of very important advantages for the skin.

While the serum is responsible for providing very powerful actives in concentrated doses, the cream provides extra nutrition and prevents moisture loss.

We should not opt for the use of one of them, but combine them every morning and night.

Choose the most natural versions and low in preservatives. Chemical products generate a lot of problems such as redness, flaking, eczema, and even skin diseases.

Don’t forget to be consistent and patient with the application to achieve a more uniform and healthy appearance.