Serum VS Cream: Why You Need Them in Your Skincare Routine.

Skincare is one of the major topics of discussion. One question that we always come across is about serums vs creams.

People have been going crazy about why they need both face serum and cream in their skincare routine. There are discussions going on about how to achieve a flawless result with minimum effort.

And that makes sense! With so many beauty bloggers and skincare consultants, who turned into “Instagram Beauty Experts,” and the rise of trendy cosmetics, everyone is on Google searching for the difference between serum and cream.

The formulation is what makes creams and serums different from one another. Serums include

• Fewer chemicals that prevent water from escaping while moisturizing

• The highest quantity of active substances

• Minimal lubricants and emulsifiers

They become more liquid and lighter than their cream-based moisturisers. Additionally, because serums include a higher concentration of active chemicals, they are more efficient at addressing particular skincare issues.

In this article, we are going to understand the difference between serums and creams/moisturisers, how to apply them, and when to apply them.

Let’s get started!

Anti-Ageing Serums vs Anti-Ageing Creams

The best way to differentiate serums and creams is by understanding how they work. Though both offer the same benefits, they do support the skin in different ways.

Anti-Ageing Serum

Serums are simply thin formulations with increased levels of active substances. If compared to a cream, serums soak quickly in the skin because of the ingredients present, which are often formulated with lower molecular weights.

The choice of face serum might be based on the skin problem you experience the most frequently. Since serums often lose their moisturizing abilities, what's left are these active compounds, which have a stronger anti-ageing impact.

Serums may more readily and thoroughly enter the skin without a moisturiser's dilution, allowing them to address certain skin issues including hyperpigmentation, UV damage, wrinkles, and fine lines.

The active agents in an anti-ageing serum help to reduce the visible signs of ageing and prevent hyperpigmentation, hydrating the skin with only a few drops.

Anti-ageing serum is light and readily absorbs into the skin, giving antioxidants and a unique wrinkle-grinding formula. It also prevents and protects the skin from free radical damage.

Anti-Ageing Cream

Serums are used to target various skin concerns, but if we talk about creams and moisturisers, their only goal is to provide moisture.

Skin hydration and moisture retention are the main goals of face creams. While daytime moisturisers and creams often provide some level of UV protection, night creams provide intense hydration.

The formulation of anti-ageing creams includes anti-ageing chemicals in addition to a moisture delivery system.

Because moisturisers are less concentrated than serums, they should be used all over the face. In addition to adding hydration and anti-ageing effects including minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, anti-ageing creams aim to lock in the active ingredients from your serum. Moisturisers are utilized after serum application for this purpose.

Since creams tend to be gentler than serums, they can be used more frequently. An anti-ageing cream can balance out problems like wrinkles, dryness, fine line, and crow’s feet while still providing essential anti-ageing advantages.

Why Understanding The Difference Between Serums And Creams is Important?

You can get the most benefit from both if you are aware of their differences. 

Consistency

Serums have water or gel-like density and are thinner and lighter as compared to moisturisers. Serums also lack the viscosity, creaminess, and thickness of moisturisers.

Purpose

Serums work the skin directly to offer concentrated nutrients. On the other hand, by preserving the water content on the surface of the skin, moisturisers keep the skin moisturised and hydrated.

Working

To address certain issues including blemishes, hyperpigmentation, acne, dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin, serums enter the skin and give high concentrations of nutrients. While moisturisers assist the skin to retain moisture by creating a layer of protection. They also shield your skin from damaging environmental stresses like pollution and UV radiation.

When Should You Apply Serums and Creams?

Since thinner products cannot penetrate heavier products, it is generally advised to apply the lightest skincare products first and the thickest last. Many serums are gel-based like thin fluids or gel, which makes them lightweight and thin in consistency. 

As compared to moisturisers, serums are thin in nature, and they commonly contain oil that works deep down in the skin to address various concerns. Thus, it is advised to use serums before moisturiser in order to get the desired results. 

Scientifically speaking, oil repels water, therefore using an oil-based moisturiser before a serum may prevent the skin from absorbing the serum's contents.

Let’s consider this: if you were to apply a serum improperly on after your moisturiser, it would be practically useless. Or if you were to apply your moisturiser over a face oil it would prevent it from adequately moisturizing your skin. Moreover, it would irritate and dry down your skin's barrier over time.

Thus, the right order to apply your skincare products is:

Step 1: Cleanser (AM and PM)

If you want to have glowing and youthful skin for as long as possible, then please remove your makeup and all-day dirt with a good cleanser every morning and night. Moreover, before applying the skin care products, your face should be properly cleansed for the ingredients to properly absorb and do their job.

So, if you want to do things right for healthy and nourished skin, skip makeup wipes and opt for a good cleanser that can remove all the dirt, grime, and makeup without stripping off the natural oils from your skin.

Step 2: Serum (AM and/or PM)

Serums are products made of highly concentrated minerals, hydration, and antioxidants that instantly improve the condition of your skin after use. Although they are the pillars of your skincare regimen, people frequently skip using them.

To keep the face hydrated in the morning, a moisturizing serum is a fantastic choice. The majority of serums include a large number of ceramides, fatty acids, and antioxidants. With the help of these potent chemicals, the skin develops a protective layer that shields it from dryness and free radicals while also reducing inflammation.

Step 3: Moisturiser (AM and PM)

After applying serum, hydrate your skin with a mild, yet very moisturizing product to further prepare it for the day.

Just like SPF, moisturiser is an important skincare step that you should never skip. Twice a day, always! Whether your skin is dry or oily, apply a good moisturiser no matter what – as this is the only thing that will keep your skin’s barrier intact.

A moisturiser helps trap all the ingredients below it, hydrating your skin while also enhancing the effectiveness of the chemicals.

Step 4: SPF (AM)

Your makeup ritual should be finished off with a good SPF with high UV filters. This component ought to be a part of your regimen to completely shield your skin from the sun's UV rays, regardless of the time of year. A good SPF with UV filters protects your skin from harmful UV rays and against environmental factors.

SPF 30 is the bare minimum SPF that is required for your face. Consequently, if you are convincing yourself that the SPF 15 in your base or moisturiser is sufficient, it's time to re-evaluate your understanding of skincare products.

Pro Tip: Always apply serums and creams before makeup to get the utmost benefit from these applications. Moreover, let your serum absorb for at least 4 to 5 minutes before applying other applications.

How To Apply Face Serums And The Creams?

Serum: The Right Way to Apply

• As mentioned above, serum should be applied after cleansing.

• Place two pumps of serum on your fingertips and apply to your face (avoid touching the tip of the dropper directly to the skin).

• Use your fingertips to spread/pat the serum on the skin.

• Don’t massage the serum, let it absorb on its own.

Moisturiser: The Right Way to Apply

• Apply after serum. Though if you are using face oils and eye creams, use moisturiser after these applications.

• Using your fingers, gently massage the moisturiser on your face and neck so it absorbs properly.

• Move your fingers in the outward direction, from your nose to ears, forehead, and chin to jawline, slowly and gently massaging for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Conclusion

Serums and creams have quite distinct functions and are both essential components of a comprehensive skincare regimen. Remember, any skin care product will be most beneficial if used consistently over time. The serums and moisturisers work best when used twice daily. Incorporate these products into your morning and evening skincare routines to get the best results.

FAQs

1. Are cream and serum the same?

No. Serums and creams are two distinctive applications that serve different purposes in the skincare routine. Serums have a light and thin texture that targets specific areas of the skin, whereas creams are moisturisers that are used to keep skin nourished.

2. Can serum replace cream?

No. Though you can use a hydrating serum twice a day, it will not fulfil the purpose of a good cream that helps in retaining the skin’s moisture.

3. What goes first, cream or serum?

Serum should be applied before any cream as it is lightweight and thin. Never use them after your moisturiser since heavier creams and oils leave your skin with a protective layer that prevents absorption.

4. How much time to give serum before applying moisturiser?

Before using a moisturiser, give 4 to 5 minutes for the serum time to thoroughly absorb into your skin. 

5. Are creams effective in preventing ageing?

Yes, with the appropriate ingredients and careful application, creams may indeed lessen wrinkles and halt the ageing.