Serums vs. Creams - How and when to use them in your skincare routine
As we approach the Fall Equinox, I wanted to breakdown the best daily skincare routine with optimal results, as well as, when and and why to use a facial serum and a face cream.
As we enter into the cooler temperatures, we lose moisture in the air that gives us that dewy skin all summer. There is a general way to heal and protect the skin using the following method skincare routine, that is highly recommended to those looking to solve their skin issues.
1. TONE - After gently cleansing skin, apply a facial toner in a spray form directly to the face. This helps set up the skin to lock in moisture, and the skin gets all the benefits of the botanical compounds from the therapeutic active ingredients. We highly recommend looking for the purest ingredients in toners, such as pure floral waters, and keeping away from commercial or alcohol-based toners, that can remove all the good oils from the skin and do more damage then good.
Application: There are a variety of ways to apply a toner, here are the 2 most common ways:
- Spray directly on face
- Apply on a reusable makeup pad or washcloth and gently tap the skin (removing excess oils and preparing skin for moisture)
When: before moisturizer, before serum, and throughout the day to provide some moisture to the skin
2. SERUM –A serum is a lightweight formula that penetrates the skin on a deeper cellular level than a face cream, and is ideal for all skin types, as there are specific serums formulated for different skin needs and issues: repairing sun damage, deeper skin hydration, skin firming and improved texture, antioxidant serum, anti aging, acne, brightening etc.
Application: Apply a drop of two of serum to the fingertips, and rub hands together to activate and warm the product. Gently tap or brush into your skin and neck, take your wedding finger and gently tap serum below eyes.
When: after toner, in morning and night or throughout the day for a touch of extra moisture. Can be followed by a face cream (moisturizer).
3. FACE CREAM – a face cream, or moisturizer, is meant to seal the skin, locking in moisture in the top layers of the skin. Creams do not penetrate nearly as deeply as serums because they have larger molecules which don’t penetrate into the epidermis of the skin, and so are in essence a protective barrier against the elements, and to prevent the evaporation of moisture and provides a physical barrier to protect the skin from environmental irritants and make-up particles.
Application: Take a dime size amount of cream (remove it with a clean spatula, so you don’t introduce bacteria from your fingers into the jar of cream). Work face cream into skin with a circular motion, paying extra attention not to pull the skin.
Here is a break down of the seasons and what we should be using according to our skin type.
Fall/Winter
· Dry Skin
1. Toner 2. Serum 3. Moisturizer
· Normal/Combination Skin
1. Toner 2. Serum 3. Moisturizer
· Oily Skin or Acne Prone Skin
1. Toner 2. Serum
Spring/Summer
· Dry Skin
1. Toner 2. Serum 3. Moisturizer
· Normal/Combination Skin
- 1. Toner 2. Serum
· Oily Skin or Acne Prone Skin
- 1. Toner 2. Serum
