SERUM – HOW TO USE IT RIGHT FOR HEALTHY SKIN

Serum is a concentrated essence that delivers a high dose of nutrients to the skin. With a light, fluid texture that absorbs quickly, it provides comprehensive care for the skin. So for the most complete skincare routine, you shouldn't skip this nourishing step. What matters most, however, is knowing how to use serum correctly and scientifically. That's why, in this article, Lunaria walks you through the most effective way to use serum.

What is serum?

Using serum is an essential step in any skincare routine. A serum is essentially a nourishing or targeted treatment essence, with a liquid or gel texture designed to address specific skin concerns. Serums come in two common forms: water-based and oil-based. Thanks to their ultra-fine molecules, serums penetrate easily and absorb deep into the skin. They contain tiny micronutrients and minerals that can reach down into the dermis and subcutaneous layers to treat, repair and nourish the skin thoroughly.

As you can see, serum is a wonderful tool for improving skin concerns such as acne, dullness, melasma, dryness, wrinkles… In addition, serums are usually formulated with a nutrient concentration up to 10 times higher than surface creams.

Serum is a nourishing or targeted treatment essence

Benefits of serum

Before learning how to use it, you should know what serum's benefits are so you can use it for the right purpose. Beyond delivering nutrients for deep, comprehensive skincare, serum is also a targeted treatment that helps address skin concerns, such as:

Anti-aging:

These include products containing Retinol or other Retinoids that help prevent skin aging. They also stimulate the production of Collagen and Elastin, keeping skin plump and firm.

You might consider Phyto-Nature Firming Serum – a firming, anti-aging serum from Dermalogica

Brightening and evening skin tone:

Brightening serums that fade dark spots have been put to the test by many people. Their effect comes from their ability to inhibit the production of melanin pigment, leaving skin visibly more even, bright and smooth. Brightening serums usually contain antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, Green Tea extract, Licorice root,…

Suggested product: Biolumin-C Serum – an ultra-concentrated, fast-absorbing triple Vitamin C brightening serum

Hydrating the skin:

Ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin and natural oils like Argan and Jojoba,… instantly hydrate the skin and improve dryness. Compared with moisturizing creams, serums retain water better. For oily skin, serum also helps balance excess oil.

Supporting acne treatment:

Acne-treating serums usually list ingredients such as Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree oil, Witch Hazel extract,… These ingredients help draw out the core of the blemish. They also reduce the appearance of blackheads, whiteheads, cystic acne, pustules,…

(Image source: vietnamnet.vn)

Beyond the benefits above, many serums also help improve enlarged pores, as well as strengthen the skin's resilience and protect it from sun, smoke and dust …

How to use serum for the best results

For a serum to deliver its best skincare benefits, you need to know how to use it properly. Below is a detailed guide to using serum most effectively for healthy, beautiful skin.

Where serum fits in your skincare routine

Like other skincare products, serum should be used according to certain rules. When applying skincare products, start with the thinnest texture and work up to the thickest.

The order of serum in your skincare routine is as follows:

Makeup remover -> Cleanser -> Toner -> Serum -> Eye cream -> Moisturizer -> Sunscreen.

So you should only apply treatment serums after cleansing and bringing your skin's moisture and pH back into balance. When skin is clean and pores are clear, it absorbs the nutrients in the serum better.

Steps to use serum properly for healthy, beautiful skin

Here are the proper steps for using serum in your skincare routine:

Step 1. Cleanse your skin

Before applying serum, make sure your skin is thoroughly cleansed by removing makeup first. Then wash your face with a cleanser suited to your skin type. You should also exfoliate regularly, about 2 – 3 times a week, to remove the dead skin cells that block the absorption of the serum's nutrients.

Step 2. Toner

Toner balances the skin and refines pores. It is also seen as the perfect primer for the skin, getting it ready to absorb as many of the serum's nutrients as possible.

Step 3. Apply serum

Only once your skin is clean and balanced should you apply serum. Each treatment serum has its own instructions, so read them carefully before use. First, use the right amount. Put the serum in your palm, rub gently to warm it, then press your hands onto your skin. Pat gently from the outside in so the serum spreads evenly across your face. After applying serum, wait 5 minutes before moving on to your next skincare step.

Step 4. Apply eye cream and moisturizer

The skin around the eyes is very delicate, so be sure to use a dedicated product for safety. In addition, applying moisturizer after serum boosts hydration and locks in the serum's nutrients so they don't evaporate, ensuring the best skincare results.

Step 5. Apply sunscreen:

If you use serum during the day, don't forget sunscreen. Choose a sunscreen with a suitable SPF to protect your skin from UV rays, dirt,…

Things to keep in mind when using serum

Choose the right serum

There is a huge variety of serums on the market, often containing vitamin C, Retinol, BHA, AHA,… from many different cosmetic brands. However, counterfeit products of unclear origin are still widely sold. So to keep your skin safe, consider cosmeceuticals from reputable brands.

You might consider Dermalogica, a well-known premium skincare brand researched and developed by the International Dermal Institute (IDI) in the United States, with more than 30 years of history. Dermalogica products are certified cruelty-free, gluten-free and vegan. Their safe formulas are completely free of artificial colors and fragrances, mineral oil, lanolin, S.D. alcohol, paraben preservatives and microplastics.

You might consider Retinol Clearing Oil – a 2-in-1 serum that treats acne + aging

Use it as soon as you open it

Serums are volatile by nature. Moreover, once opened, the product is exposed to air and environmental factors. So even if the expiry date is still a long way off, for the best quality you should use it regularly as soon as you open it. To avoid using one bottle for too long and to keep the serum in top condition, you can choose a smaller size.

Use serum morning and night

According to dermatologists, you should use serum twice a day, with one for daytime and one for nighttime. In the morning, use serum to brighten the skin while also delivering nutrients, protecting the skin and supporting your makeup. At night, when your skin needs rest, serum helps nourish it and stimulates skin renewal more effectively. Combining both types gives your skin the most complete care and nourishment.

Use the right amount of serum

Using too much serum can clog the skin. On top of that, your skin can't absorb all the nutrients, which is very wasteful. On the other hand, using too little won't give your skin the nutrients it needs. So, depending on the type of serum, adjust the amount accordingly:

• Cream serums: Use only a pearl-sized amount each time.
• Liquid serums: Just 1 – 2 drops per use. For dry skin, you can increase this by half. Ideally, adjust the amount yourself to match your skin's needs, making sure it is fully absorbed within 5 – 10 minutes.

Apply serum while your skin is still damp

The most effective way to use serum is right after cleansing, while your skin still holds some moisture. This boosts the serum's benefits and helps prevent dryness, flaking or cracking.

Use serums for specific areas

Each area of the skin has a different texture, so use a serum suited to each area. In particular, the skin around the eyes is thin and sensitive, so it needs extra care.

Always apply sunscreen during the day

Sunscreen is always the important final step in a skincare routine. After using serum, apply sunscreen to create the best protective layer for your skin. Moreover, serums may contain some ingredients that react strongly to UV rays. If you apply serum during the day, don't forget to pair it with sunscreen to minimize the risk of irritation.

You should also choose a sunscreen that is safe and suits your skin. With an improved formula, it will give your skin optimal protection against UV rays as well as harmful environmental factors. It should have a light texture that absorbs quickly, leaving skin smooth, non-greasy and without clogging pores.

Apply a suitable sunscreen for the best protection

In this article, Lunaria has shared how to use serum for the best skincare results. Start applying these tips now to get the most out of your serum while minimizing unwanted signs of irritation. We hope this helpful skincare knowledge helps you achieve the healthy, radiant skin you want.

CONTACT US