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When and how to apply SkinCeuticals Serums: How to use multiple serums on face

Serums are a big part of the SkinCeuticals range, designed to help you achieve the results you desire. Whether you're targeting visible ageing signs, or the appearance of blemishes and discoloration, our range offers effective solutions. Discover answers to questions like 'Can you layer serums?' and 'Can you use two different serums for day and night?'. Moreover, explore the benefits of serums for your skin and find the perfect SkinCeuticals serum tailored to your specific concerns. Start exploring now!

What is a serum and how does it differ from a moisturiser?

When should I apply a face serum?

Do you put a serum on before moisturiser?

Can you layer serums?

Can you use two different serums for day and night?

How do I apply a serum?

Which SkinCeuticals serums are right for my skin concerns?


What is a serum and how does it differ from a moisturiser?

Serums are different to moisturisers as they contain high concentrations of active ingredients. This composition allows serums to deliver potent nourishment and targeting a wide range of skin concerns, including the appearance of ageing, blemishes and discolouration. On the other hand, moisturisers are thicker and creamier in texture than a serum. They primarily focus on replenishing lost moisture in the skin, ensuring hydration and restoring the skin's balance.

When should I apply a face serum?

Generally, you should apply your face serum after cleansing and toning, and before moisturising or applying SPF. This is to allow the ingredients to be effectively absorbed into the clean skin and then locked in with the barrier created by the moisturiser and SPF. Moreover, some serums can increase sun sensitivity, so it is important to protect the skin from the sun’s UV rays with a broad-spectrum SPF.

Do you put a serum on before moisturiser?

Yes, you should put a serum on before moisturiser so it can more easily absorb into the skin. As a general rule, it is best to apply lightweight skincare, such as serums, before heavier skincare, such as moisturisers. If your serum is a hydrating serum, depending on the formulation, this can complement a daily cream moisturiser to provide you with extra hydration, or you can use this alone instead of a cream moisturiser.

Can you layer serums?

Yes! You can layer skincare serums to target different skin concerns. However, it’s important to always review the ingredients and composition of the formulas, to ensure they work well together and will not be too harsh or compromise the health of your skin. If you’re unsure, speak with a SkinCeuticals Skin Expert over a free 1:1 video call today!

Can you use two different serums for day and night?

The skin’s needs are slightly different during the night and day, so you may want to use different serums. Dermatologists recommend protecting the skin from environmental aggressors during the day by using an antioxidant serum, while the evening is the best time to introduce resurfacing ingredients such as retinol and glycolic acid.

How do I apply a serum?

Below is a step by step guide on how apply a typical skincare serum. However, please refer to the instructions provided on your chosen skincare which will indicate specific usage directions.

Step 1: Cleanse and tone your skin
Step 2: Apply your serum onto your fingertips
Step 3: Press your fingertips and serum into the face, neck and chest
Step 4: Complete your routine by moisturising, and applying a SPF if in the daytime

Which SkinCeuticals serums are right for my skin concerns?

At SkinCeuticals, we offer a range of hydrating and corrective serums to target specific concerns. Here’s a simple guide to our most popular cult serums.

What is the best serum for blemishes and oily skin?

SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF is our award-winning daily antioxidant for oily and blemish-prone skin that provides environmental protection while fighting against visible skin ageing. It does this with a formula that combines 0.5% Silymarin (an optimised concentration of the milk thistle plant) with 15% L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C), 0.5% Ferulic Acid and 0.5% Salicylic Acid.

After applying this preventative antioxidant serum, apply our corrective serum Blemish + Age Defense to target your specific concern of the appearance of blemishes and ageing. This light-weight, non-oily serum helps to reduce the appearance of blemishes, fine lines and wrinkles. It has the active ingredients: dioic acid, alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids.

What is the best serum for discoloration and uneven skin tone?

If you have skin discolouration and stubborn brown patches, SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF is our award-winning Vitamin C serum that helps to improve the appearance of discolouration, fine lines and uneven tone. This powerful antioxidant features a patented combination of 2% Phloretin, 10% pure Vitamin C (L-ascorbic Acid), and 0.5% Ferulic Acid to help protect against environmental damage and brighten the look of your complexion.

After applying this preventative antioxidant serum, apply our corrective serum Discolouration Defense to target your specific concern of discolouration. is our formula enriched with tranexamic acid and niacinamide, to help improve the appearance of the skin, revealing a brighter and more even complexion. Its lightweight texture also means it can be layered with other products or serums.

What is the best serum for visible signs of ageing?

Antioxidants are a very effective way of preventing signs of ageing, by helping to neutralise free radicals and protecting the skin against excessive oxidative stress. C E Ferulic for example, is a daytime antioxidant that delivers up to 8x environmental protection with 15% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)*. This helps to reinforce skins natural protection against free radical damage and improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and a loss of firmness. 

Secondly, ageing signs are often caused by a loss of hydration in the skin. Therefore, if you are experiencing visible signs of ageing, hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient to look out for, as this molecule is essential in our skin to maintain moisture levels. When laying serums in the morning, after your antioxidant, we recommend applying H. A. Intensifier, which works to amplify the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid levels by 30%. This super humectant helps to plump skin with moisture, smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the process. It can also be combined with others in your routine, such as antioxidants and retinol.

For additional information regarding serums that target fine lines and wrinkles, please refer to our comprehensive guide on the top-rated solutions for addressing these concerns.

*Lin FH, Lin JY, Gupta RD, et al. Ferulic acid stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E and doubles its photoprotection of skin. J Invest Dermatol. 2005;125(4):826-832.

What is the best serum to soothe and calm skin?

To soothe, calm, and hydrate skin, and also help to improve the appearance of discolouration and uneven skin tone, try SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, cucumber, thyme, and other botanical ingredients, this soothing serum is ideal for sensitive skin. It also features mulberry to help minimise the appearance of discoloration and promote a clear, fresh-looking complexion. Lightweight, non-oily, and non-comedogenic, this serum is also suitable for acne-prone skin.

For more help in finding the right serum for you and learning how to layer serums effectively, try our SkinCeuticals Routine Finder.

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