How to combine serum with cream – the ultimate skincare duo
How to combine serum with cream – the ultimate skincare duo
Have you ever wondered why combining a serum and a cream is the key to effective skincare? In 2023, the global skincare market reached a value of over $150 billion, reflecting the growing interest in conscious beauty routines. That’s why we’ve put together a few tips below on how to pair your serum with your cream.
How to combine serum with cream?
The Importance of Layering in Skincare
How should you combine serum with cream? Layering skincare products—especially serum and cream—allows you to maximize their benefits. Thanks to its lightweight texture and high concentration of active ingredients, serum penetrates deeper layers of the skin, delivering an intense dose of nutrients. Cream, on the other hand, creates a protective barrier, locking in moisture and shielding the skin from external factors.
photo: skincenterofsouthmiami.com
Differences between serum and cream
Serum is a lightweight product containing concentrated active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or peptides, which target specific skin concerns. Creams have a thicker consistency and often include moisturizing ingredients like ceramides or shea butter, which help maintain the skin’s lipid barrier.
In this article, we will answer the following questions:
“Why should you use serum and cream together?”
“Which active ingredients in serums and creams work best together?”
“How to properly apply serum and cream in your daily skincare routine?”
How to Combine Serum with Cream – Example of a Morning Skincare Routine
Imagine your morning: after cleansing your face, you apply a vitamin C serum that brightens your skin and protects it from free radicals. Next, you use a moisturizing cream with SPF, which shields your skin from UV rays and keeps it hydrated all day long. This combination provides comprehensive protection and care for your skin.
Now, let’s take a closer look at how to combine serum with cream in your daily skincare routine.
Should you apply a cream after serum?
Using serum and cream in your daily skincare routine raises many questions, especially about the order of application. Should you apply a cream after using a serum? The answer is yes. Applying a cream after serum is essential for effective skincare, as confirmed by both the principles of cosmetic layering and expert opinions.
The principle of layering cosmetics
In skincare, the rule is to apply products from the lightest to the heaviest consistency. Serum, with its lightweight formula, penetrates quickly into the deeper layers of the skin, delivering concentrated active ingredients. The cosmetic, with its thicker consistency, forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface that locks in moisture and active ingredients, shielding the skin from external factors. That’s why serum is applied first, followed by cream, to ensure maximum effectiveness of both products.
photo: advancederm.net
Expert opinions
Martyna Radziejewska, cosmetologist: “A good habit is to apply a cream over your serum. This way, the ingredients in the serum will have a chance to work deeper, and the cream will further enhance their effects.”
Dr Marlena: “A cream has a thicker texture and richer formulas compared to a serum, which helps lock in moisture in the skin, providing long-lasting hydration.”
Somedical: “A serum, thanks to its lightweight formula, should be able to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin without barriers that could hinder its effectiveness. A cream, due to its thicker consistency and occlusive properties, should be applied over the serum to create a protective layer on the skin’s surface and lock in the active ingredients contained in the serum.”
Serum and cream differ not only in texture but also in composition:
Serum: Contains high concentrations of active ingredients such as vitamins (e.g., vitamin C), peptides, or hyaluronic acid. Its lightweight texture allows for quick absorption and penetration into the deeper layers of the skin.
Cream: Contains humectants (e.g., glycerin) that attract water, emollients (e.g., plant oils) that soften the skin, and occlusive agents (e.g., waxes) that create a protective barrier on the skin’s surface.
Applying cream after serum is recommended by experts and is based on scientific skincare principles. This order of application ensures maximum effectiveness of active ingredients and protects the skin from moisture loss and external factors.
How to combine serum with cream – how long should you wait between these products?
Morning routines often feel like a race against the clock. In a rush, we apply layer after layer of cosmetics without considering their effectiveness. However, allowing the right interval between applying serum and cream can significantly enhance the results of your skincare routine.
Recommended waiting times depending on active ingredients
1. Water-based serums (e.g., with hyaluronic acid): 1-3 minutes
Water-based serums, such as those containing hyaluronic acid, absorb quickly. It’s recommended to wait about 1-3 minutes before applying your moisturizer to avoid “pilling” (when products roll off the skin). Pilling can occur if products don’t have enough time to absorb and additional layers are applied too soon.
2. Serums with retinol, vitamin C, AHA/BHA acids: 3-10 minutes
Serums containing active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, or AHA/BHA acids require a longer absorption time. It’s best to wait 3 to 10 minutes before applying your moisturizer to ensure these ingredients work effectively. Allowing more time helps the actives fully absorb and reduces the risk of irritation.
The process of absorption and penetration of ingredients
The skin consists of several layers, with the outermost being the stratum corneum of the epidermis. For active ingredients to work effectively, they must penetrate this barrier. The time needed for absorption depends on the size of the molecules, their solubility, and the product’s formulation. That’s why it’s so important to give your skin time to absorb the serum before applying additional products.
Apply products to clean, dry skin: Moisture can affect the absorption of cosmetics.
Use the right amount of product: Applying too much serum or cream can cause your skincare products to pill.
Gently pat in the products: Avoid rubbing your skin, as this can cause pilling.
Wait for full absorption: Allow each product to absorb completely before applying the next one.
User reviews
Users often share their skincare experiences. For example, one of them wrote:
“I’ve noticed that waiting a few minutes between applying serum and cream really improves absorption and the effectiveness of the products.”
Remember that every skin is different, so it’s important to observe its reactions and adjust your skincare routine to your individual needs.
What if we don’t use a moisturizer after serum?
Imagine finishing your evening skincare routine by applying serum to your face, but skipping the moisturizer. In the morning, you wake up with your skin feeling tight, and you notice redness and flakiness in the mirror. This is exactly what can happen if you skip moisturizer after using serum.
Increase in TEWL with serum alone
Serums often contain humectants, such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which draw moisture into the skin. However, without the use of a moisturizer containing occlusive agents, this moisture can quickly evaporate, leading to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Studies have shown that combining humectants in serums with occlusive ingredients in creams significantly reduces TEWL, helping to maintain optimal skin hydration.
Possible irritation after retinol and acids
Ms. Kalarepka, a user of a popular beauty forum, shared her story:
“After applying the retinol serum, I skipped moisturizer, thinking it would be enough. After a few days, my skin turned red, started burning, and began to peel.”
This experience demonstrates how important it is to use a moisturizer after applying a serum with active ingredients to minimize the risk of irritation.
Side effects of skipping moisturizer after serum
Skipping moisturizer after serum can lead to the following issues:
Dry skin: Lack of occlusion leads to faster moisture evaporation.
Peeling of the epidermis: Insufficient hydration leads to flaking.
Burning and irritation: The skin becomes more sensitive to external factors.
Reduced effectiveness of active ingredients: Insufficient hydration can diminish the efficacy of the serum.
Exceptions and recommendations
In a humid climate, people with oily skin may find that a serum provides sufficient hydration. However, even in such conditions, it is recommended to use lightweight gel-creams to offer additional protection for the skin barrier without weighing the skin down.
Remember, a comprehensive skincare routine that combines a serum with an appropriate moisturizer is the key to healthy, hydrated skin.
Lock in your routine, seal in the results
To effectively complete your skincare routine and enhance its results, it’s essential to understand and apply the principles of product layering, proper application timing, and the importance of consistency. Correctly applying serum and cream can significantly improve your skin’s condition, providing optimal hydration and nourishment.
5 specific actions to optimize your skincare routine
Apply the serum to cleansed skin: After thoroughly washing your face, apply the serum to allow the active ingredients to deeply penetrate the skin.
Wait a few minutes before applying your cream: Allow the serum to absorb for 2-3 minutes before applying your moisturizer to prevent diluting the active ingredients.
Use a ceramide cream after retinol: If you use a retinol serum, apply a cream containing ceramides afterward to strengthen your skin’s protective barrier and minimize irritation.
Adjust the amount of product to your skin’s needs: Don’t overdo it with serum or cream; a small amount is enough to cover your entire face and deliver effective results.
Use UV-filtering products during the day: In the morning, choose moisturizers with sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.
photo: professionalskincareguide.com
Hybrid products combining serum and cream are an emerging trend
It’s worth noting the growing popularity of hybrid products that combine the properties of a serum and a cream in a single formula. These solutions offer both convenience and effectiveness, streamlining daily skincare routines. The hybrid makeup market is projected to reach a value of USD 29.43 billion by 2030, reflecting the increasing consumer interest in this type of product.
Seasonal adaptation of your skincare routine
Remember that your skin’s needs change with the seasons. In summer, it’s best to use lighter moisturizing formulas, while in winter your skin may require more nourishing and protective products. Regularly observing how your skin reacts to changing conditions will help you better tailor your skincare routine.
We encourage you to keep a skin diary for 14 days, where you’ll note the products you use, the order of application, and your observations about your skin’s condition. This practice will help you identify which elements of your routine work best and what changes are worth making to achieve optimal results.
