5 Ways to Use Face Serum Correctly for Healthy Skin

Face serum is one of the essential skincare products that plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and beauty of the skin. With its high concentration of active ingredients, serums can provide more specific benefits for addressing various skin issues, such as acne, dull skin, or early signs of aging.

However, to achieve maximum results, it’s important to know how to use face serum correctly. This article provides a complete guide here!

What is a Face Serum?

A face serum is a skincare product in liquid or gel form with a high concentration of active ingredients. Compared to moisturizers or face creams, serums are designed to penetrate deeper layers of the skin, allowing the active ingredients to work more effectively. The primary function of serums is to address specific skin concerns, such as brightening the skin, reducing dark spots, diminishing fine lines, and maintaining skin elasticity.

Serums are an important part of a skincare routine as they can deliver visible results when used consistently. Therefore, understanding the timing and method of using serums is equally important. Keep reading to learn more!

Read Also: The Benefits of Face Serums

The Best Time to Use Face Serum

Face serum is one of the most crucial steps in both morning skincare and evening skincare routines. But when is the best time to apply face serum? The answer depends on the type of serum you use and your skin’s needs.

• Morning: Serums with vitamin C content are ideal for morning use. Vitamin C helps protect the skin from free radicals, boosts brightness, and provides additional protection against sun exposure.

• Night: Serums with active ingredients such as retinol or AHA/BHA are more suitable for nighttime use. These ingredients aid in skin cell regeneration and improve skin texture while you sleep.

Using serums at the right time helps maximize their benefits. Always pair serum application with other skincare products like moisturizers and sunscreen for optimal protection.

Guide on How to Use Face Serum Properly

To get the best results from a face serum, follow these steps:

1. Clean Your Face

The first step is to ensure your face is clean. Use a facial cleanser suitable for your skin type to remove dirt, oil, or makeup residue. Proper cleansing ensures that the serum can penetrate the skin without being blocked by residue.

2. Apply Serum on Damp Skin

Moist skin helps the serum absorb better. After washing your face, apply toner or face mist first before using the serum. Damp skin is key to enhancing the effectiveness of skincare products.

3. Use the Right Amount of Serum

Avoid overdoing it. Use just 2–3 drops of serum for your entire face. A balanced application with the right amount is enough to deliver maximum benefits.

4. Apply by Patting and Gentle Massaging

After applying the serum, gently pat your face using your fingertips. You can also massage your face in upward circular motions to aid absorption and improve blood circulation.

5. Layering with Other Skincare Products

Serums should be applied before moisturizers or sunscreen. The moisturizer layer will lock in the active ingredients from the serum, making it work more effectively. Avoid combining serums with products containing opposing active ingredients (e.g., vitamin C and retinol).

Following these steps will help you maximize the benefits of your serum.

Should Serum Be Applied Before or After Face Cream?

Face serum is always applied before moisturizers or face creams. The correct skincare sequence is: facial cleanser → toner → serum or essence → moisturizer → sunscreen. Serums have smaller molecules compared to moisturizers, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the skin. Therefore, serums are applied first to deliver maximum benefits before the moisturizer layer locks in hydration.

Following the proper order ensures each product works optimally. Make sure not to reverse the order for more effective results.

Read Also: Proper Daily Skincare Routine

Can You Use Two Face Serums at Once?

Using two serums simultaneously or layering serums is allowed, but there are some points to note:

1. Pay Attention to Active Ingredients

Avoid mixing certain active ingredients that can cause irritation or reduce effectiveness. Examples of active ingredients that should not be used together:

• Vitamin C and retinol: Both increase skin sensitivity to sunlight.

• AHA/BHA and retinol: This combination can lead to extreme dryness.

• Benzoyl peroxide and retinol: These can cancel each other out.**

2. Alternate Use

If you want to use two serums with different active ingredients, apply them at different times. For example, use vitamin C serum in the morning and retinol at night.

By keeping these points in mind, you can enjoy the benefits of various serums without disrupting your skin’s balance.

The Difference Between Serum and Essence

Although often considered similar, serums and essences differ mainly in texture and concentration of active ingredients.

• Essence: Lighter in texture and generally functions to hydrate and prepare the skin to better absorb the benefits of the serum.

• Serum: Contains highly concentrated active ingredients, designed to address specific skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation, acne, or signs of aging.

The correct application sequence is essence first, followed by serum. However, for sensitive skin, you can choose one based on your skin’s needs.

Best Face Serums Recommendation from L'Occitane

Choosing the right face serum is a crucial step in providing tailored care for your skin. Here are some recommended serums from L'Occitane designed for various skin needs:

1. Immortelle Reset Oil-in-Serum

This serum is the best solution for tired skin that needs rejuvenation. With Immortelle Essential Oil and soothing natural extracts, it helps reduce fine lines, provides hydration, and brightens the skin overnight.

Advantages:

• Smooths fine lines and enhances skin brightness.

• Helps skin recover from daily stress.

• Provides glowing skin by morning.

How to Use: Apply at night on clean face and neck, gently massage until absorbed.

2. Reine Blanche Targeted Care

Specially formulated to reduce dark spots, acne scars, and uneven pigmentation. With natural vitamin C and Meadowsweet flower extract, this serum offers intensive care for brighter, more even-toned skin.

Advantages:

• Contains 30% higher active ingredients than other Reine Blanche serums.

• Reduces dark spots and acne scars within four weeks.

How to Use: Apply directly to problem areas at night as the last step in your skincare routine.

3. Reine Blanche Brightening Serum

Perfect for those seeking radiant and even-toned skin. A combination of Meadowsweet Flower Extract, White Mulberry Extract, and Salicylic Acid helps reduce dark spots, improve brightness, and enhance skin texture.

Advantages:

• Brightens the skin overall.

• Reduces the appearance of dark spots after two months of use.

How to Use: Apply evenly to face and neck in the morning or evening after toner.

4. Immortelle Harmonie Serum

This premium serum combines the power of Jania Rubens, a self-regenerating red algae, and Immortelle Millésimée to reduce signs of aging. It helps diminish wrinkles, refine facial contours, and boost skin brightness. Its ultra-smooth texture absorbs quickly, leaving a luxurious finish.

Advantages:

• Reduces wrinkles and improves skin elasticity.

• Enhances facial contour definition.

How to Use: Apply in the morning or evening on clean face and neck, gently massage until absorbed.

5. Immortelle Precious Youth Serum

This serum combines Immortelle Essential Oil and Hyaluronic Acid Complex to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and maintain skin hydration. Ideal for those who want to prevent premature aging while keeping their skin fresh and glowing.

Advantages:

• Minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines.

• Provides intensive hydration for plump, healthy skin.

How to Use: Use morning and evening on clean face and neck before applying moisturizer.

With a variety of serum options from L'Occitane, you can find the product that best suits your skin needs. These serums not only provide deep care benefits but are also designed to deliver a delightful experience with visible results. Choose your favorite serum and experience the transformation to healthier, more radiant skin!

Using face serum correctly is an essential step to achieve glowing, healthy skin. Make sure you understand the best timing, application order, and techniques for optimal results.

Don't forget to choose a serum that suits your skin's needs and avoid combining incompatible active ingredients. With consistency and proper care, you can achieve your dream skin.