No, you generally pat The Ordinary serums into your skin gently, rather than rubbing vigorously, to help with absorption and avoid pilling or irritation, especially with water-based serums like Niacinamide or Hyaluronic Acid, letting them absorb before applying thicker products or sunscreen. Rubbing can sometimes cause the serum to pill or foam, indicating you might be using too much or it isn't absorbing properly.
They're actually patting in their product. So when you're applying your serums and essence, is actually better to pat in your products. because it helps the skin absorb it better. So what I normally do is I would put it on my hands, rub it, and then pat it into my skin.
This popular K-beauty cleansing ritual focuses on thorough facial cleansing and skin stimulation — and the name comes from the timing of each step: 4 minutes of oil cleansing, 2 minutes of foam or gel cleanser, and 4 minutes of rinsing.
Niacinamide is recommended to be applied up to two times per day. Given this advice, it is typically applied once in the AM and again in the PM before bed. Unlike retinol, niacinamide doesn't increase skin sensitivity and higher chance of reactions from the sun.
🌱𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐔𝐁 𝐯𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐀𝐓: Almost your entire skincare regimen — serums, moisturizers, oils and eye creams included — should be patted into the skin, since liquids, creams, lotions, oils and gel-based products absorb best with this technique.
Whether it's morning or night routine, Niacinamide is safe to use at both times. It's safe to layer before sunscreen and amplifies its sun protection properties. To boost Niacinamide's benefits, pair it with other actives. Combine it with vitamin C, and you can maximize its skin-brightening benefits.
Pairing niacinamide with exfoliating acids can occasionally lead to skin irritation, inflammation and reactions, particularly in those with sensitive skin.
Here are eight ways to avoid serum mistakes.
Take a few drops (3-4) of the serum on your fingertips and gently massage it onto your face and neck in upward, circular motions. Face serums come in different consistencies, from light and watery to thick and oily – so make sure you read the instructions before applying it to your skin.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Hyaluronic acid is the skin saviour that every beginner needs in their routine. This lightweight serum boasts a hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 duo to leave skin soft, smooth and free of fine lines. Use in the AM and PM before oils and creams.
How much time niacinamide take to absorb? Products like the Super Clarifying 12% Niacinamide Face Serum are typically lightweight and absorb quickly. On average, it sinks into the skin within 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the product's base and your skin type.
While niacinamide is generally used to brighten and even out skin tone, some individuals may experience skin darkening due to irritation, allergic reactions, or interactions with other skincare products.
Niacinamide moisturizers are a gentle yet effective way to improve skin health. Results usually become visible after 4–8 weeks of consistent use, starting with improved hydration and leading to smoother texture and even tone. They don't clog pores by themselves, but checking the full ingredient list is important.
How to use: Dispense a pea-sized amount of serum into your palms, then lightly press onto the skin. Pat in outwards and upwards motions until fully applied to the face and neck. Note: Serums can be applied as part of your morning or evening routine.
This eyeball-grabbing rule suggests that you go straight into your skincare routine immediately after washing up, within 3 seconds. At first glance, this may seem like it's sprouted from the imagination of an ardent skin care-lover.
Allow The Serum To Fully Absorb Before Applying Other Products Or Makeup. If you have more steps to your routine after the serum, you must wait for the serum to fully absorb into your skin. Post that, you can go ahead and apply any other products or create a makeup look.
Similar to retinol, niacinamide should not be used with acidic skincare ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids. Ordinary niacinamide combined with an acid can cause a bad chemical reaction of redness and flushing.
Niacinamide slots perfectly into your skin care routine day or night, or even both. The benefits of using niacinamide are equal no matter what time of day you use it, if you're using it consistently and follow our do's and don'ts (more on that in a moment!).