Thicker products like serums can sometimes require more time to absorb than a lighter, more watery formula. In addition to the overall consistency of the product, ingredients can play a role as well. “High concentrations of hyaluronic acid can leave the skin feeling sticky,” says Dr. Zeichner.
Serums have a thin, watery consistency and are formulated with a high concentration of active ingredients. Because this allows the product to penetrate deep below the surface of the skin, serums are ideal for targeting specific skincare concerns—from acne to aging to dullness.
Yes! If you're unfamiliar with hyaluronic acid, it might take you a little while to get used to the slightly tacky texture, but it's meant to be that way. You can avoid your skin feeling uncomfortably sticky by applying a moisturiser after your hyaluronic acid.
To allow serums to fully absorb, apply and wait 5 minutes before moisturizing. Take note: Well-formulated serums absorb quickly and disappear into your skin. If they leave an oily or sticky residue, they're not doing their job well.
Thicker products like serums can sometimes require more time to absorb than a lighter, more watery formula. In addition to the overall consistency of the product, ingredients can play a role as well. “High concentrations of hyaluronic acid can leave the skin feeling sticky,” says Dr. Zeichner.
Serum and Moisturizer: 1 minute
Goldenberg's go-to recommendation for timing between serums and moisturizers is about one minute.
Mistake 1: Using Hyaluronic Acid Without Moisturizer
If the skin is already dry and HA is applied in a formula that doesn't add moisture (think cleanser, toner, or light serum), it will pull moisture from wherever it can, like from deep within your skin, where it can then evaporate into the air if not sealed properly.
Vitamin C serums tend to sit on top of the skin and feel a little sticky (hey, perfect skin requires sacrifices), but not this one from Glow Recipe.
Applying serums is a whole different ball game. For starters, rubbing it onto your face is not advised. Serums should be pressed and patted into the skin so that it can fully absorb all the benefits.
Let the serum properly settle into your skin before going in with a moisturiser. The recommended time is usually 4-5 minutes. You know your serum is doing a good job when it is seamless –– this means no oily residue or tackiness post application.
About 3-4 drops of the face serum are enough to lightly cover your entire face.
If you're feeling lost on how to layer, thinnest to thickest is generally the best rule of thumb. For example, if you applied your serum (thinner) on top of your moisturizer (thicker), the serum and all its benefits wouldn't be able to reach your skin.
La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C Face Serum With Salicylic Acid
Not only does Glamour senior beauty editor Ariana Yaptangco love this vitamin C for its affordability, but the smooth gel texture never feels sticky or heavy. “Whenever I need to inject some life into my skin, I reach for this serum,” she says.
If your skin is looking a little dull or you want to mix up your skincare routine, add vitamin C serum. To get radiant looking skin, wash your face and then rub a few drops of the serum into your skin. The antioxidants in vitamin C can reduce inflammation and help your skin repair itself.
Vitamin C serums must be applied on dry skin that has been cleaned. Being a water-soluble vitamin [4], applying it on damp skin can dilute the product and make it lose its slight acidic nature.
A vitamin C serum is a skin-care product packed with vitamin C. It has the consistency of a liquid or gel, and is applied topically to the skin.
Aesthetic dermatologists have observed that habitual, daily moisturising over a prolonged period can actually age the skin. This induced ageing occurs because the same fibroblast cells which produce GAGs (the skin's moisturiser) also produce collagen and elastin, which help maintain the skin's elasticity.
Answer: You can but you don't have to. Serums and moisturizers help the skin in different ways. For some, particularly those who do not have dry skin, a serum alone will be enough. At other times, when your skin is dry or the environment is drying, you will find that you need both a serum and a moisturizer.
Can You Overuse Hyaluronic Acid? No, it is advised not to overuse HA. It is a humectant (draws moisture from the environment); excess HA in skincare can cause retention of more hydration than needed. Research suggested that overuse of HA can cause redness and inflammation.
So in practice, this means that products that help boost your skin's hydration and moisture - such as essences, toners, facial sprays, serums, sheet masks, and moisturisers - are all ideal for applying to damp skin.
Can I leave serum overnight? Leaving a serum on over night is ideal! As stated above, serums need time to absorb and your skin is most receptive when you're asleep so having a serum on before you go to bed is a great way to have your skin get the most out of the serum.
Order Matters: Serums are applied after cleansing and toning and before your moisturizer. If you don't use toner, then apply serum directly after cleansing. Keep It Simple: It's best to layer no more than two serums at a time. Too many layers can possibly prevent the ingredients from absorbing as effectively.