Serum vs Moisturiser - What's the Difference
The Importance of Moisturising
Skincare is vital for your daily health. It is more than a beauty concern. Our skin is the body’s largest organ, and while a skincare routine may sound like high maintenance, in reality, the steps for healthy skin are easy to implement.
Two products, in particular, should belong in your skincare cabinet, to make up a healthy skincare routine.
One is a serum, and the other product is a moisturiser.
Using a moisturiser keeps the moisture and elasticity in your skin. Moisturiser not only acts as a protective barrier for the skin but also helps reduce wrinkles, age spots, and other fine lines.
There are other benefits of moisturising, such as:
- Prevents extreme dryness, or oiliness
- Protects from the sun
- Soothes sensitive skin
- Helps skin stay young
- Reduces skin problems
Moisturise after you wash your face. Hot water strips all the moisture and oils out of your skin; therefore, it needs moisture to repair itself. Dry skin by itself isn’t a medical worry, although severe cases can result in cracks that invite infection and inflammation.
Apply moisturiser gently in a circular, upward motion. Avoid pulling the skin in a downward motion as it can lead to premature wrinkles.
Don’t forget that the moisture your skin receives also comes from your body. Drink water, and eat plenty of vegetables and fruits.
Caring For the Skin Around Your Eyes
When it comes to moisturising, it’s easy to forget the under-eye area. The skin around the eyes is fragile. It’s the thinnest skin you have.
To keep this area hydrated, we recommend using a different product to your daily moisturiser. You want an under-eye cream that is lightweight, and it absorbs quickly.
- Avoid rubbing the product at all cost
- Gently dab eye-cream into the eye area
- Choose a cream that is free of fragrances and essential oils
Don’t neglect your neck. Use the same products on your neck, even chest and hands, because all these areas need moisturising. Your lips, if they tend to get flaky, also need a regular application of lip moisturiser.
Serums – What They Can Do
What makes serums different than moisturisers? What are the benefits of adding this extra step to your skincare routine?
Serums contain a range of highly useful nutrients for your skin. They absorb quickly and won’t leave a sticky residue on your face. The molecules in serum can truly penetrate the skin on the deepest levels – something a moisturiser isn’t able to do.
The serum is applied before a moisturiser to help lock in moisture.
Benefits of face serums:
- Hydration boost
- Refining pores
- Reducing the appearance of fine lines
- Smoothing surface of the skin
- Calming redness and sensitivity
- Skin firming
- Improved texture
How to apply a serum?
- Cleanse your face
- Tone your face (if you use a toner)
- Apply a serum and gently massage; don’t forget the neck area.
- Moisturise
Serums should be used daily – in the morning and then at night. At night, after a day of exposure and damage to the sun and other irritants, a serum will deliver active ingredients into your skin.
Serum vs Moisturises – Do I Need Both?
Both moisturisers and serums play a different role, and we recommend using both products.
Moisturisers are designed to hydrate the skin and keep the hydration there. Serums, on the other hand, are formulated to penetrate deeply into the skin and to deliver more nutrients, more antioxidants, and more vitamins.
When combined, both products work to repair the structure of skin cells and to promote radiance and smoothness.
Healthy and radiant skin is achievable regardless of age.
There are many skincare products on the market, and it could be a challenge to choose the ones that suit your needs. Choosing the right moisturiser and a serum depends on the skin type, the ingredients you’re looking for, and your age.
Experiment with various skincare products before finding the right moisturiser and serum that will keep your skin nourished and hydrated.
Here at Higgins Pharmacy Sligo, skincare is our passion. Contact our friendly team, who is here to help with all your skincare needs.
