Serum Vs Moisturiser Do you need both?
Remember the old days when your mum’s biggest skincare dilemma was whether to by Ponds or Oil of Ulan moisturiser?
How times have changed, and the advances in science and technology around skincare can leave us so confused we are wishing for the days of our mothers.
So here is a simple guide to help you know the difference between serums and moisturisers, how to use them and how to work out what’s going to give you the best results for your skin.
A moisturiser is a lotion or cream which contains skin hydrating emollients and forms a physical barrier to help skin stay hydrated. Moisturisers have larger molecules than serums, so they are designed to nourish the top layers of the skin and their main benefit is to protect the skin, locking in moisture and nutrients.
As a general rule if they feel thick and heavy, they don’t contain active ingredients - they are just there to form a barrier and protect against the environment. On the flip side to that, if the cream is very watery it will evaporate very fast and offer no protection or leave behind any ingredients to care for the skin. So, the ideal moisturiser is something that sits in between the two. It’s the moisturiser that is vitally important for skin radiance and giving us that glowing skin that we all want.
Serums are lightweight, intensive skin care products formulated to absorb quickly, with active ingredients that help defend against free radical damage and improve the look of pigmentation, blemishes, marks and the visible signs of ageing. Serums providing antioxidants, peptides, hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C can help improve the look of fine lines, wrinkles and sun-damaged skin. Some also gently exfoliate, revealing fresher-looking skin with a plump, dewy look.
Serums are designed to work on several skin concerns at the same time. If your skin looks aged, marked or sun-damaged, a serum is a good choice to help improve its appearance. Serums help skin look firmer, smoother and more luminous, and help soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
So… do you need a serum or a moisturiser?
Or both?
This is where layering comes into effect: while an antioxidant serum helps defend the skin against free radicals, a moisturiser acts to help prevent the evaporation of moisture and provides a physical barrier to protect the skin from environmental irritants and makeup particles.
Using a facial serum can make your skincare regime more effective. If you are 30 or older, a serum can make a visible difference to the appearance of your skin.
How do you apply your serum and moisturiser?
Apply your serum twice a day, directly on your skin after cleansing and toning and before moisturiser and sunscreen.
You only need to apply a small amount, as your skin can only absorb so much. Using serum more frequently is better than simply applying more.
Our serums for specific concerns:
Hyaluronic Force Serum - contains three different weights of hyaluronic acid to help hydrate the skin at different levels. The result is younger-looking, well-hydrated skin. Ideal for all skin types. Works well layered with other serums.
Age Cure 30 day Renewal Program: a renewal system formulated to help soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with regular use.
Absolute Nourishment Elixir - a nourishing elixir packed full with essential fatty acids designed to help skin look firmer and soften the look of wrinkles while providing the skin with intense nourishment. Great as a night time booster
Lift Firming Vector Serum: a firming serum that helps skin look smoother and more lifted.
SRNS Multivitamin Repair Serum - A multivitamin booster serum for youthful-looking, refreshed skin that helps address the visible signs of ageing, day and night. Suitable for all skin types.
Balancing Perfecting Oil Free Serum: a light oil-free serum for breakout-prone skin that helps balance oiliness and improve the look of blemishes.
If you are unsure which serum or moisturiser will give you the results you ae looking for, book an online chat with one of our skin therapists
