When walking up to a beauty counter, shopping online, or visiting your dermatologist to discuss skin treatment options, are you instantly overwhelmed with all the choices?
You’ll hear about creams, lotions, serums, and potions of all colors, consistencies, shapes, and sizes. How can you tell the difference by just looking? Does a more expensive cream mean a better cream? Do you need them all? Find out the specifics before you get out your wallet.
Distinguishing Between Creams and Serums
To determine whether serum or cream is better, you first have to decipher the difference between them.
Serums
A serum is often chosen by individuals with naturally oily skin, but there are various other treatment options, including serums for cleansing, toning, and SPF protection.
Serums are fast-absorbing, light, and frequently used in addition or as an alternative to other creams and lotions. What you won’t find in a serum that is present in other skincare treatments is the more decadent, airtight moisturizing components like mineral oil or petrolatum that are more beneficial for people with dry skin.
Serum skincare products are more concentrated, and they eliminate the extra fluids during the mixing process. The formula creates a more potent treatment that is especially beneficial in skin brightening, anti-aging, and antioxidant purposes.
Creams
Creams are more for hydrating the skin and often contain larger concentrations of fat components or oils and less watery properties. Most creams’ primary purpose is for hydration, which creates a healthier, well taken care of glowing appearance.
Should You Use Both Serum & Cream in Your Beauty Regimen?
Most professionals recommend that you should use both a serum and a cream when working through your daily skincare routine. Serums are incredibly fast-drying, so the time it takes to apply the extra product is less than ten seconds.
In some cases, you can select a cream or moisturizer that can be combined with your serum to cut down on time if that’s something you’re worried about. However, be aware that not all products can be mixed. It’s vital that you talk about the compounds you’re working with and how they should be used with a professional.
Which Product Should Be Applied First?
In almost every instance, it’s advised that you apply the serum first. It absorbs super-fast, so it allows you to use other products without waiting for them to dry.
A sample beauty routine would start with you removing your makeup, then applying your desired serum. Finally, finish up with a moisturizing cream for hydration.
Are Both Products Necessary?
To determine whether both a serum and a cream are necessary requires an evaluation of your skin type. Serums and creams work excellently together, and even more so if you have dehydrated skin. The serums’ active ingredients work to repair and restore the skin while also applying anti-aging properties. Following it up with a cream locks in the serum’s moisture and other benefits and prevents evaporation.
The only time you should not use both products is using the serum alone. The high concentration of active ingredients could be reversed if you do not follow up with a good moisturizing cream.
Creating a Perfect Beauty Care Regimen with Serums and Creams
At the end of the day, it’s up to you whether or not you add a serum to your beauty routine. Moisturizing creams should never be excluded, as they contain all the properties necessary to keep your skin hydrated, fresh, and supple.
Serums are more of a treatment option, and it can be determined by working with your beauty care specialist or dermatologist if you would benefit from one, and if so, what type to use. There are a plethora of options out there for every skin type, so make sure you get one that coordinates with the issues you’re working at resolving before investing.
Discover our serums:
Hyaluronic Gel – hyaluronic acid booster serum with plumping and antioxidant properties
Perfect Serum – instant uplifting & firming serum
Serum – Boosting and intensive anti-aging serum
