how to add a day serum to your skincare routine

Skincare routines can range from simple to complex, as it all depends on a person’s unique skin type. Everyone’s skin is different and needs different ingredients and products to stay hydrated and healthy. 

Facial serums are an increasingly popular element of a skincare routine. There are hundreds of serums available today that all target different skin concerns. Day serums that are applied in the morning can be a great addition to any routine so your skin looks radiant. To maximize the benefits of a day serum, it’s important to understand what they are used for and how to apply them correctly.

What Is a Facial Serum?

Facial serums use powerful ingredients to target specific skin concerns and provide stronger results than other products in your skincare routine. There are many different types of serums, from anti-aging retinol serums to hydrating vitamin C serums. Today, there is a facial serum for almost any common skin problem. 

Most face serums can be classified in one of the following categories: 

• Brightening serum: a brightening face serum will target concerns like dark spots or discoloration; vitamin C serum is considered a brightening serum
• Anti-aging serum: formulated to fight the signs of aging, these serums include ingredients like retinol or vitamin C  
• Hydrating serum: as the name suggests, these are designed to hydrate the skin and include serums like hyaluronic serum  
• Acne-fighting serum: with ingredients like salicylic acid, these serums help fight blemishes 
• Exfoliating serum: an exfoliating serum will help remove dead skin cells through ingredients like AHAs and BHAs, which promote cell turnover 

The Difference Between Night Serum and Day Serum 

While the order for your skincare routine will vary, certain products and ingredients are recommended during different times of day. With serums, you have day serums and night serums. 

Day serums are used during your morning routine, while night serums are applied in the evening. And no, this isn’t some marketing plot to convince you to buy more products; there’s real science behind it.

Facial serums use higher concentrations of active ingredients like hyaluronic acid and retinol to target specific skin issues. This makes them more potent than many other daily products. Vitamin C can provide additional protection against sun damage, making it more effective for use during the day. Meanwhile, ingredients like retinol can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it’s better to use these products at night.

Always check a product’s packaging or consult with an esthetician or dermatologist to determine the best time to use the product.

Where Does a Day Serum Fit in Your Skincare Routine?

All skincare routines have four basic elements: cleansing, treating, hydrating, and protecting. Serums fall under the treatment category. They can be used to provide daily nourishment and protection or offer spot treatment for issues like uneven complexion, dryness, and fine lines.

You should always follow a skin layering approach when applying products. Once you’ve cleansed and exfoliated your skin, work products in, starting with the lightest product and moving to the heaviest. Facial serums are on the lighter side and should be applied before products like face oils and moisturizers to get the maximum benefit.

How to Apply a Day Serum 

Facial serums are lightweight and typically oil- or water-based. After cleansing your face and drying it with a clean towel, your skin is primed for your serum. Read the directions to dispense the correct amount of product to your fingertips. Serums typically only use a few drops per application, but some take more product than others. Gently massage the serum into your face using a gentle circular motion, working your way upward and out.

We currently offer different face serums in the ästhetik skincare product range:  

• hyaluronic serum: treats fine lines, dry skin and loss of firmness; can be used as a day serum and night serum
• retinol serum: treats breakouts, anti-aging, acne, blackheads; used as a night serum
• vitamin c serum: treats breakouts, anti-aging, dryness, hyperpigmentation; can be used as a day serum and night serum
• liquid gold serum: treats fine lines, hypersensitivity, dryness, dehydration; can be used as a day serum and night serum 

Day serums can be a great addition to your everyday skincare as a way to tackle specific skincare issues or to provide daily maintenance. Remember to use caution when using any new product in case of an allergic reaction. Always test a product on your skin before use. If redness or itching occurs, stop using it immediately. You can also talk to your esthetician or dermatologist if a product isn’t working for you.