Unlock the Secret to Flawless Skin: applying serum on face

Published: June 6, 2023

It’s no secret that facial serums are considered an effective boost to any skin care routine. Not only is it important to understand which serums are best for your skin needs, but you should also know how to apply your serum in order to help to nourish, protect, and enhance the appearance of your skin.

When it comes to potential skin concerns, the list can be long—dry skin, dark circles, dark spots, uneven skin tone, signs of aging, and breakouts. But, don’t get too overwhelmed! Incorporating a serum into your daily routine can help you target the specific skin concerns that your cleanser and moisturizer aren’t remedying on their own.

Serums are liquid formulas composed of high concentrations of active ingredients. They are often thinner in consistency, allowing them to penetrate deep into the outer layer of the skin to deliver active ingredients. From brightening serums to hydrating serums, there are a variety of options on the market designed to target various skin concerns. While a general rule of thumb is that serums should be applied after your cleanser (but before your moisturizer and sunscreen), that is only the first face serum tip among many.

In today’s article, we are giving you a step-by-step guide, plus tips and tricks on applying. face serums, so you can achieve the flawless, glowing complexion you’ve always wanted.

“Serums are typically light and silky and designed to absorb quickly as they deliver their active ingredients. After cleansing, apply a light layer of serum, gliding with soft fingertips over the face, neck, and decolletee, and follow with your favorite moisturizer.

Elisabeth Nehme, Board Certified Esthetician

and [ comfort zone ] Master Educational Trainer

woman touching her face after applying a skin serum

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply Serum on Face

Incorporating a serum into your skincare routine is a great way to take care of your skin and target specific skin concerns. However, applying it can seem daunting at first. For best results, we recommend following the steps below:

Step 1: Cleanse Your Face

Clean skin is the best foundation for a face serum. Before applying serum, cleanse your face thoroughly to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup. Use a gentle cleanser and warm water to wash your face and pat it dry with a clean towel. Toners are applied directly after cleansing and should come before any serums.

Step 2: Choose the Right Serum for Your Skin Type

Knowing your skin type (oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin) will help narrow down your choices for which serums to use. Look for active and key ingredients (humectant ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, betaine, and panthenol) that target your specific skin concerns, such as hyaluronic acid which is known for hydration, or vitamin C which is known for brightening lackluster skin and dark spots. Selecting the right serum for your skin type will help you achieve a healthy, radiant complexion and skin texture..

Step 3: Dispense and Apply the Serum

Due to the higher concentration of active and powerful ingredients in serums, you only need a pea-sized amount or less dispensed. Remember, less is more. Start small and you can always apply more if needed. If you use too much initially, it will only sit on the outer layer of the skin without absorbing, leading to a wasted skin care product.

Step 4: Massage and Pat the Serum into Your Skin

Serums should be gently massaged and patted with your fingertips. This allows the product to be pushed deeper into the skin, allowing it to fully absorb the serum’s benefits.

Step 5: Wait and Follow Up with Your Regular Skincare Routine

After a minute or two, when your serum is completely absorbed into the skin, apply a moisturizer to lock in the benefits of the serum and hydrate your skin. Wait another few minutes before applying an SPF or makeup.

woman looking in the mirror checking her skin condition

Tips and Tricks for Applying Serum on Face

Using a serum is an excellent way to take care of your skin and give it the nourishment it needs to look its best. However, in order to achieve the skin results you are looking for, it's important to know how to apply your serum properly. By following some simple tips and tricks, you can ensure that your serum is working to its fullest potential and helping you achieve your best skin yet.

Tip 1: Use a Gentle Touch

It is important to use a gentle touch when applying your skincare products. Excessive rubbing can cause irritation or inflammation. We recommend using your fingertips to pat the serum gently or massage the serum onto your skin in small circular motions. This avoids aggressive rubbing and ensures your products will last much longer.

Tip 2: Start with a Small Amount

Using too much product at once can lead to clogged pores, potential breakouts, and wasted product. To avoid this, start with three to four drops of serum and apply it evenly to your face. If more is needed, add a pea-sized amount until you achieve your desired coverage.

Tip 3: Don’t Forget Your Neck and Décolletage

The neck and décolletage are important too. These areas can often be overlooked when it comes to skincare routines, but they are just as susceptible to aging and damage as the face is. When applying serums to these areas, massage the skin in an upward motion until the serum has fully absorbed. To brighten and firm this area, look for serums with retinol, vitamin C, or hyaluronic acid.

Tip 4: Layer Your Serums Properly

Remember: order matters. It is best to keep it simple and not overload your skin with too many serums. We recommend you stick with one to two serums per skincare routine. When layering serums, a good rule of thumb is to start with your thinnest serum first and allow for each one to fully absorb before applying the next.

Tip 5: Adjust Your Application Technique According to the Time of Day

If you want to incorporate multiple face serums into your skincare routine, consider using some in the morning and at night. Active ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are great for morning routines because they help to protect the skin from UV rays and free radical damage. Plus they lock in all-day hydration. At night, the skin goes into repair mode, making it the perfect time for more intensive treatments, such as serums with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, retinol, or peptides. Serums that promote collagen production can be used in the morning or evening.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying Serum on Face

Applying serum is an essential part of any skincare routine, but many people may not be using it correctly. From using too much serum to applying it at the wrong time, there are several common mistakes that can hinder the effectiveness of the serum and may even damage your skin. By understanding the following mistakes and how to avoid them, you can ensure your serums are working their magic with every use.

Mistake 1: Using Too Much Serum

Serums have a high concentration of active ingredients, meaning a little goes a long way. If you use too much at one time, it may cause skin irritation or not absorb properly. Additionally, using an excess amount of serum can be wasteful and expensive.

Mistake 2: Applying Serum Too Roughly

You should never rub your serums into your skin, as this can lead to skin irritation such as redness, inflammation, or breakouts. In order for the skin to effectively absorb all of the benefits from a serum, it should be massaged in small circular motions or patted into the skin with gentle pats.

Mistake 3: Not Giving the Serum Enough Time to Absorb

To allow for maximum absorption, it is recommended to wait a few minutes before applying another product to your routine. If another product is applied too quickly, it may reduce the effectiveness of the active ingredients in the serum.

Mistake 4: Mixing Incompatible Ingredients

Some tend to believe that using more serums means faster results. In this case, more is not always better. In fact, certain ingredients can actually cancel each other out, or cause irritation. When using multiple serums, it is best to apply them in order of consistency, lightest to thickest, allowing each one to fully absorb before applying the next. If you are unsure which ingredients are compatible, you should consult with your dermatologist to determine which serums are best for your skin concerns.

Mistake 5: Applying Serum at the Wrong Time

The timing of when you apply your serum does impact how effective it is. It is recommended to apply your serum after cleansing and toning but before moisturizing and SPF. In regards to applying your serum in the morning or evening, this will depend on your individual skin needs.

It Is Essential to Incorporate a Serum

Serums are an effective addition to any skincare routine, however, it is important that they are applied correctly in order to achieve the desired result. When using a serum, always remember to apply it gently, give it time to absorb, and don’t use too much. Overall, incorporating a serum into your daily routine will ensure your skin stays radiant and healthy. If you are looking to develop a nourishing skincare routine that is both effective and sustainable, Comfort Zone has you covered with a range of high-quality, clean products.