A detailed guide: How to use face serum correctly!

Why should you layer your face serums?

As you may already know, face serums are lightweight, concentrated formulations of active ingredients that help address specific skin concerns. And the truth is, only a few lucky people are just one issue away from the coveted, glowing skin. For the rest, it's like an army of skin concerns that need to be addressed.

When you pair two complementary ingredients, it helps amplify the benefits of each face serum and address multiple issues simultaneously so that you can achieve your skincare goals faster and more effectively.

How to layer face serums?

Before you start getting all hyped up about layering different serums, here are a few things you must consider.

Stick to two

While layering face serums, you must avoid using more than two active ingredients at a time. Using too many face serums together can impact their efficacy, neutralizing the benefit of the topmost layer. Additionally, it can be overwhelming for the skin leading to dryness, breakouts, etc.

Consider the concentration

While layering face serums, consider the concentration of each. You should avoid applying two face serums of higher concentration together to prevent adverse effects on the skin.

For example, while using 15% vitamin C serum, avoid layering or even pairing niacinamide with a concentration higher than 5%. Start with a lower concentration of each to avoid a reaction on the skin.

Always do a patch test

Whether you are using the face serums for the first time or trying a new combination, do a patch test first. For a patch test, apply the face serum on a small area of the skin, preferably inside the elbow, and wait at least 24 hours to see its reaction on your skin. If there is no irritation, itching, or redness, it is suitable for your skin.

Moreover, even when trying a new combination, test them separately first.

Start with the lightest

While layering two face serums, consider their textures. Water-based serums should be applied first, followed by oil-based or heavier serums.

Aid complete absorption

After applying your first face serum, allow it to get completely absorbed in your skin before following up with the next, for maximum benefits. Depending on the ingredient or the product you are using, it can take a few seconds to a few minutes for the face serum to get completely absorbed into your skin.

Layer your skincare products accurately

Face serums should be an addition to your skincare routine and not a substitute. You should always apply a serum for face after a cleanser and toner. Similarly, following up with a nourishing moisturizer and sunscreen (during the day) is a must.

Know the best time

Not all face serums are meant to be used during the day and vice versa. For example, experts advise that you should use retinol only at night and only 1-3 times a week. Understand the suitability, time, and frequency of each active ingredient before you add them to your routine.

The best combinations for different face serums

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that attracts moisture from nearby surroundings and draws it into your skin. It makes your skin more plump and hydrated and reduces the appearance of fine lines. It is best to use hyaluronic acid on damp skin.

What can you use with hyaluronic acid

To target different skin concerns, you can layer hyaluronic acid with all face serums, be it niacinamide, vitamin C, retinol, salicylic acid, alpha arbutin, azelaic acid, kojic acid, etc.

What can you not use with hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a universal active ingredient, and therefore, there are no restrictions on its layering or pairing with other face serums.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide fades blemishes and spots while brightening your skin. It helps smoothen skin texture and improve skin tone.

What can you use with niacinamide

• Salicylic acid
• Vitamin C (we recommend with 5% niacinamide)
• Alpha arbutin
• Retinol (only at night)
• Azelaic acid

What should you not use with niacinamide

• Avoid pairing a higher concentration of niacinamide with vitamin C in the same routine. It is best to use them on alternate days.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps reduce dark spots, pigmentation, and discoloration in your skin. It also hydrates your skin, leaving it glowing and nourished.

What can you use with vitamin C?

• Niacinamide (lower concentration)
• Hyaluronic acid
• Azelaic
• Alpha arbutin

What should you not use with vitamin C

Vitamin C can be intense for your skin and therefore it is suggested to layer it with only gentle actives. You should avoid layering the following with vitamin C.

• Retinol
• Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is the best serum for acne. It fights active acne and regulates excess oil. It also unclogs pores and removes dead skin, reducing the occurrence of breakouts.

What can you use with salicylic acid

• Hyaluronic acid serum
• Niacinamide
• Alpha arbutin
• Azelaic

What should you not use with salicylic acid serum

• Retinol
• Vitamin C

Alpha arbutin

Alpha arbutin helps reduce hyperpigmentation caused by sun tanning. It regulates melanin production and effectively minimizes the appearance of melasma.

What can you pair with alpha arbutin

• Alpha arbutin is a gentle active ingredient and can be layered with all serums.

Azelaic acid

Azelaic acid kills acne-causing bacteria and unclogs pores. It is a potent antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and hyperpigmentation caused by acne in dry and sensitive skin.

What can you pair with azelaic acid serum

• Hyaluronic
• Niacinamide
• Vitamin C
• Alpha arbutin
• Salicylic acid (we recommend layering it on alternate days to avoid skin irritation)
• Retinol (to be used only 1-2 times a week at night)

What should you not use with azelaic acid serum

While it is safe to use Retinol and Salicylic acid with azelaic acid, it is advised to use them with extra caution as the combination can irritate your skin.

Retinol

Retinol boosts collagen production in your skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol serum is known to be an excellent serum for anti-aging and glowing skin. For best results, you must restrict the usage of retinol to nothing more than twice or thrice a week in the nighttime skincare routine.

What can you use with retinol

• Hyaluronic acid
• Niacinamide
• Alpha arbutin
• Azelaic

What should you not use with retinol

• Salicylic acid
• Vitamin C

Following these tips, you can learn how to layer and pair your serums correctly and achieve your skincare goals. However, if you notice any adverse effects on the skin after prolonged use, discontinue the use and consult a dermatologist.

FAQs

Can we use face serum daily?

Typically, you can use face serums daily. However, since it contains active ingredients in high concentration, it is advised to consider the ingredients and your skin needs before adding them to your daily skincare routine. For example, you must avoid using retinol serum daily as it can be too harsh for your skin.

What not to do after applying serum?

After applying face serums you should never use any other skincare product immediately. Wait for a few minutes to allow it to get absorbed in your skin before you follow up with a moisturizer and sunscreen.

How to use face serums?

• Dispense two to three drops of face serum on your skin
• Apply it evenly to your face and neck and dab it in
• Follow up with moisturizer and sunscreen

What is the ideal age to start using a face serum?

Face serums are highly potent and concentrated formulations. You can use face serums of mild concentration and less active ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid as early as 16+ of age. However, you need to be cautious about using face serums with higher concentrations. Also, choose the serums for face according to the ingredients and your skin concerns.