You’ve just bought a branded new serum and your favourite moisturizer. You’re excited to try them – but then you pause and think. Should I use serum or moisturiser first? Will mixing them up ruin my routine? A study found that serum before moisturizer improves skin smoothness by 64% and hydration by 63%.
If you’ve ever stood in front of your mirror feeling confused about the order of skincare, you’re not alone. The way you layer products can affect how well they work on your skin. In this guide, we’ll clear the confusion and answer the big question: What goes first—serum or moisturizer?
Why Does the Order of Skincare Product Layering Matter?
It doesn’t matter what order you use your skincare items in, but it does. Your face can only absorb so much at a time, and if you apply thicker creams too early, they can prevent lighter treatments, such as serums, from working effectively.
This is why the order of product layers is essential:
- Absorption: Serums and other thin, water-based products are formulated to penetrate deeply into your skin. They don’t work as well when used after thicker creams.
- Better Results: Applying a serum before a moisturiser ensures that the active ingredients target your skin problems directly.
- Avoiding Waste: If you apply moisturizer first or serum second, the serum might sit on top and not do its job, which wastes money and product.
Yes, the way you stack your skin care products does have a direct effect on how well they work. So, have you used serum or moisturiser first? That is still the main question. Let’s look at the right answer.
Should You Use Serum Before or After Moisturiser?
The right method to do it is to put on moisturiser after serum.
A simple rule to remember, work your way up from smallest to thickest. A serum is typically thinner and lighter, and it contains active ingredients such as peptides, vitamin C, or hyaluronic acid. Moisturisers are thicker and hydrate your face while protecting skin’s barrier.
Let’s break this down:
- Serum First: Before applying serum, ensure your skin is clean so it can absorb it fully. This is because the serum is light and full of concentrated active ingredients.
- Moisturiser Second: This seals in the serum and keeps the skin hydrated.
Therefore, unless your doctor tells you otherwise for a particular treatment, serum should always be applied first.
This is a basic order for layering:
- Cleanser
- Toner (optional)
- Serum
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen (in the morning)
This way, the moisturiser will keep everything in place while the serum does its thing.
If you ever get confused about what to apply first, remember that serum goes on first, and moisturiser goes on after.
Adjusting Your Routine Based on Skin Type and Concerns
Most people put serum on first and then moisturiser on second. But the kind of skin you have can determine which products you use and how often you use them. This is how to modify your routine:
1) Oily Skin
- Select a light cream that has niacinamide as one of its ingredients.
- When you moisturise, use a gel-based or oil-free one.
- Don’t put too much on your face; only use what it needs.
2) Dry Skin
- Choose a cream that moisturises and contains hyaluronic acid.
- After that, use a thicker cream moisturiser to lock in the moisture.
- You might get more out of using two serums: one to moisturise and one to heal/repair.
3) Acne-Prone Skin
- Use a cream that contains tea tree extract or salicylic acid.
- Use a moisturiser that does not clog pores afterwards to avoid that.
- Avoid using heavy oils or taking extra steps that could irritate your skin.
4) Sensitive or Aging Skin
- Choose serums that calm the skin and contain peptides or ceramides.
- Use a hydrating moisturiser that doesn’t have any scent.
- For better results, look for collagen supplements and skin care products that contain antioxidants.
You might prevent the serum’s active ingredients from penetrating your face if you apply moisturizer first or serum after.
How to Get the Most Out of Internal Skin Support?
What you put on your face isn’t the only thing that makes up skincare. What you eat and drink also has a significant effect on how your skin looks and feels. At HK Vitals we can help with this.
To increase hydration, reduce dullness, and repair damaged skin, at HK Vitals we offer effective supplements for skin that work from the inside out. These supplements enhance your skincare routine on the outside and prolong the effects.
Here are three great ways to make yourself glow from the inside out:
- Collagen Pills: Supplements of collagen help keep skin flexible, strong, and able to retain moisture.
- Glutathione Pills: Glutathione tablets are known to improve the appearance of the skin and protect it from environmental damage.
- Biotin & Antioxidants: Antioxidants and biotin help strengthen the skin’s protection and reduce inflammation caused by pollution or stress.
By providing your skin with extra support from the inside, you accelerate its natural healing process. Remember that layering applies to both internal and outward care the next time you think about applying serum or moisturiser first. Discover how collagen and glutathione can help you achieve radiant skin.
Takeaway
Hope the answer to the question of what to apply first serum or moisturizer—is clear now. This helps the face properly absorb the active ingredients. Next, use a moisturiser to retain the benefits and moisture. You should not use moisturiser first or serum later, as this can stop the product from working correctly.
No matter what kind of skin you have, it’s essential to follow this golden rule: serum first, then moisturiser. You can also take collagen or glutathione pills daily to improve your face from the inside out.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What goes first, serum or moisturizer?
Wondering serum first or moisturiser, let’s break it down for you: serum is the first step because it’s light and full of valuable ingredients—the moisturiser seals in moisture and nutrients.
2. What are the seven steps of skincare?
A cleanser, toner, exfoliator, serum, moisturiser, eye cream, primer, and makeup are the seven steps that make up a good skincare routine.
3. What is the correct order to apply skincare?
Use the lightest products first, then the thickest ones. In the morning, use wash, toner, serum, moisturiser, and then sunscreen.
4. What happens if I apply moisturizer before serum?
The moisturiser might prevent the serum from working as well on your face because it reduces its absorption.
