Serums and moisturizers offer beneficial moisture to the skin. However, they do so in their own unique way. Serums are typically lighter than moisturizers, and work from deep within the layers of skin, while moisturizers lock in moisture from the outer most layer.

Here’s everything you need to know about serums and moisturizers, and which one is the best suited for your skin type.

What is a Serum?

Serums are skin care products that are designed to deliver high concentrations of specific active ingredients to the skin. They can contain antioxidants, peptides, retinoids, and even AHAs or BHAs to target specific skin ailments, like aging or dark spots. Serums can come in a variety of different formulas, including gels, oils, some can even have a water-like consistency. 

Often, a serum is able to hydrate more effectively than even the heaviest creams. While we typically rely on moisturizers for our daily dose of moisture, those looking for serious hydration may need to add a more targeted approach that serums offer.

The concept with a serum is that larger amounts of active molecules will potentially penetrate the skin’s surface for optimum effectiveness. Also, due to the higher concentration, it typically takes a shorter amount of time to see noticeable results.

What is a Moisturizer?

Moisturizers are thicker creams made with beneficial oils and emollients, which help soften and hydrate skin. Just as our bodies require us to hydrate with water, so does our skin. In the short term, moisturizing perks your skin up, giving you a healthy fullness. In the long term, consistent moisturizing helps decrease the appearance and rate at which fine lines and wrinkles emerge.

Moisturizers are heavier than serums, and typically feature emollients, such as beeswax and shea butter, or occlusives, such as silicones and mineral oil, to help lock in moisture and the actives of the underlying serum.

Can You Use Serums and Moisturizers Together?

This is where the layering effect comes into play – while a serum works to repair skin cells, a moisturizer acts to prevent the evaporation of moisture and lock in the benefits of the serum.

In order to really address a difficult skin care problem, like sun damage or hyperpigmentation, you’ll want to combine your moisturizer with a quality serum. 

For those suffering from dry skin, the right serum and moisturizer combo can make all the difference. However, If your skin is super oily, a serum may give you enough hydration that you won’t even need a moisturizer.

How to Layer Serums and Moisturizers

The best way to use a face serum is as a base layer under your heavier products like moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup.

After cleansing and/or toning, apply a pea size amount of serum directly onto skin. Then, once it absorbs, apply your moisturizer. The moisturizer will seal it in and provide it with moisture to hold on to.

Please Note:
1) Don’t put your serum on after you moisturize. The thicker, heavier ingredients in creams & lotions are designed to form a barrier on your skin. But they can also lock active ingredients out.

2) If the active ingredient in the serum is too irritating or drying, you can apply it over moisturizer to create a buffering effect.

3) Because serums are super potent, more is not always better. Be careful before piling it on. Powerful ingredients can irritate sensitive skin. Always patch-test accordingly.

Serums to Try:

1. CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum. Buy It: $18.99; ulta.com
2. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. Buy It: $6.80; sephora.com
3. Bioderma Hydrabio Serum. Buy It: $27.99; dermstore.com
4. Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil. Buy It: $72; sephora.com

Moisturizers to Try:

1. Drunk Elephant Protini™ Polypeptide Moisturizer. Buy It: $68; sephora.com
2. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+. Buy It: $30; sephora.com
3. The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA. Buy It: $7.70; ulta.com
4. Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery Broad Spectrum SPF 50. Buy It: $75; ulta.com
5. belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb. Buy It: $38; sephora.com

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