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You Could Be Wasting Your Face Serum: 8 Mistakes to Avoid
Do you ever wonder if you're really getting the most out of those little bottles... I'm talking about serums. Turns out serums deliver the most highly concentrated active ingredients and are meant to serve as the ""cocktail treatment"" step in your routine. They can deliver more bang for your buck than your cleanser or moisturizer.
But here's the thing. Make sure you're getting the most out of serums otherwise, you're simply letting your money go down the drain. Here are eight ways to avoid serum mistakes.
1. You're skipping your exfoliant
Move over dead skin cells. When we exfoliate, we're getting rid of the dead skin cells on the surface of your skin. This is important because it makes it easier for your serums to penetrate.
Keep in mind that you don't need to exfoliate every day, thoughóintegrate this step into your natural skin care routine two to three times a week and you should be good to go.
2. Applying it in the wrong order
If you have a layer of moisturizer on the skin and then you add the serum, the serum is going to find it much harder to get into the skin. Your SPF and moisturizer must be applied over the top of the serum. You want the serum to go on first, and to be absorbed by the skin. Wait for your serum to dry for a few seconds (no more than one minute) and then apply your favorite moisturizer.
3. Rubbing instead of patting
It's so much easier and quicker to just slap some serum into your hands and rub it all over your face. Unfortunately, when you do that, you run the risk of wasting product because much of it winds up on your hands instead of your face. Instead, pump some product onto your fingertips and press it into your skin. When applying serum, always apply in an upward motion and avoid rubbing or tugging the skin. This pressing motion will help with product penetration, so you'll get more results with less product.
4. Mixing ingredients
Less is more when it comes to serums. Avoid using multiple serums because you run the risk of combining ingredients that might conflict with each other or cause irritation. Pick one and allow it to do its job. If you want a serum that delivers multiple different benefits, look for a formula that's already done the mixing for you like Pure Fiji's Kakadu Super Vitamin C Brightening Serum with Kakadu plum, Bakuchiol and Hyaluronate.
This powerful blend will dramatically improve radiance and luminosity while delivering an instant moisture surge and visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation - rapid results for glowing skin.
5. You are not using the right amount
The standard amount of serum to use is typically a pea-sized amount. If you are applying it to the neck too, add another pea size. Use more than that and you will just waste your money. It's not a larger dose for better effects.
If you have a dropper formula, use 3-4 drops of serum. You want just enough to lightly cover (not coat) your entire face and neck. Remember, face serums are VERY potent with high concentrations of ingredients.
6. You're not consistent
If you're using it occasionally or whenever your feel like it that approach will absolutely impact the effectiveness of your serum. Serums must be a part of your daily skincare routine. Use them twice a day. Once in the morning, under your day cream and at night under your night cream.
7. Using the wrong serum for your skin concerns
Redness, breakouts, dry patches, uneven texture, and inflammation are all signs that your serum doesn't agree with you.
If you're not getting the results from your serums remember that it takes time to see results from skin care products typically, weeks - and sometimes months. Giving up after a week or two because you don't see results is perhaps the worst thing you can do for your skin. Often, it just takes longer use for you to be able to observe any changes.
8. You're applying it too late
Like a sponge, dry skin will hold some moisture, however, if the sponge (or in this case your skin) is damp, it will absorb and retain even more liquid. While the skin is damp, is the best time to apply serums.
Summary
Serums are incredibly effective. If the serum in your skincare routine is not making a positive difference, there is a chance that either you did not pick a suitable serum, or you are not using it the right way. Before picking any product, you need to understand what your skin needs.
