How to Apply a Face Serum Properly & Get Glowing Skin

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A guide to picking and using the perfect serum for your face

Co-authored by Kaveri Karhade, MD and Bailey Cho

Last Updated: October 14, 2024 Fact Checked

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• Applying the Serum
|
• Choosing a Serum
|
• Serum before or after moisturizer?
|
• Video
|
• Expert Q&A
|
• Tips
|
• Warnings

|Show more |Show less

Serums deliver a highly concentrated blast of nutrients directly to your skin. They’re formulated to sink quickly into your skin and address specific skin concerns, such as acne, dryness, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles. In this article, we’ll teach you how to choose the perfect serum for your skin type, as well as how to apply it properly. We’ll also cover what order to apply your serum in your skincare routine, so read on!

How to Apply Serum on Your Face

1. Wash and exfoliate your face with a facial wash or scrub, then pat dry.
2. Rub 3-5 drops of serum between your hands to warm the serum.
3. Press the serum into your face and neck in gentle, sweeping motions.
4. Tap your skin in small, circular motions until the serum absorbs completely.
5. Apply a dime-size amount of moisturizer to your face after the serum has dried.

Steps

Section 1 of 3:

Applying the Serum

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1. 1
   Wash and exfoliate your skin before applying serum. Before you apply your serum, wash your face with a gentle cleanser or exfoliator. Wet your face, then massage the product over your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Move your fingers in small, circular motions, then rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat dry. Washing your face removes oil, dirt, and impurities, while exfoliating removes dead skin cells from the outer layer of your skin.

   • Avoid cleansers that contain alcohol or fragrance.
   • For best results, wash your face no more than twice a day and after sweating. Exfoliate your skin up to 2-3 times a week, and avoid using a manual exfoliator and a chemical exfoliator on the same day.
   • If you use a toner, apply the toner after washing and before applying a serum.
2. 
   2
   Apply a pea-sized amount of serum to your face. This is generally 2-3 drops of serum for your entire face and neck. Dispense the serum into your palms, then gently pat it into your skin. Cover both cheeks, your forehead, your nose, and your chin, and press any remaining product into your neck.

   • Always perform a patch test to check for an allergic reaction. Rub 1 drop of serum onto a small patch of your inner wrist, then wait 24 hours to see if your skin is red or irritated. If so, do not incorporate it into your skincare routine.
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3. 
   3
   Tap your skin gently for 30-60 seconds until the serum is absorbed. After you’ve rubbed the serum onto your skin, press your skin in upward and outward motions until the serum is fully absorbed. Repeat this across the entirety of your face for about a minute.

   • This helps the serum penetrate deeper into your skin.
4. 
   4
   Apply a dime- to nickel-sized amount of moisturizer all over your face. After the serum absorbs into your skin, apply small dots of the moisturizer on areas like your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Gently rub the moisturizer into your skin to seal in all of the nourishing properties of the serum.

   • The amount of moisturizer you need depends on your skin and product type. If you have oily or combination skin, you can apply a nickel-sized amount of a water-based moisturizer since the skin absorbs it quickly.
   • If you have dry skin, a dime-sized dollop of a moisturizing cream or ointment should do the trick.
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Section 2 of 3:

Choosing a Serum

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1. 1
   Try a serum with glycolic acid and aloe vera for an all-purpose option. If you have a normal skin type or simply want a serum to get great looking skin, try one with these ingredients. Aloe vera reduces inflammation and boosts skin hydration. Glycolic acid removes dead skin cells so they don’t clog your pores, plus helps with discoloration, fine lines, and wrinkles.

   • This is a great option if you don’t have any “problem areas” but still want to nourish your skin. It's also a good option to help fade acne scars and sun damage.
   • Additionally, look for serums with rosehip oil. It’s known to moisturize the skin, calm inflammation, clear up acne scars, and minimize fine lines.
2. 2
   Use a serum with zinc, retinol, or salicylic acid to treat acne. Zinc helps regulate oil production, preventing clogged pores and breakouts. Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that increases skin cell production, minimizes acne and acne scarring, and improves your skin tone and texture. Salicylic acid removes dead skin cells, improves the color and texture of your skin, and decreases redness and inflammation. A serum with any of these ingredients works great to control oil production and treat acne.

   • Since retinol increases your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, only apply it at night, and be sure to wear sunscreen and sun-protective clothing during the day.
   • If you’ve never used retinol before, start by using it every other day and then use it daily after 3-4 weeks. This slowly incorporates the ingredient into your routine, reducing the risk of side effects.
3. 3
   Apply a serum with glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid if you have dry skin. Both glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid hydrate the skin and help it retain moisture. Together, these ingredients deliver a potent, moisturizing serum that works great for dry skin. The serum will deeply hydrate your skin, making it appear plump and moisturized.

   • According to board-certified dermatologist Kaveri Karhade, MD, “niacinamide serum may be beneficial to hydrate acne-prone skin.”
   • You can also use a serum with vitamin E, rosehip oil, chia seeds, sea buckthorn, and camellia to hydrate your skin without clogging your pores.
4. 4
   Use a serum with retinol, peptides, or glycolic acid to minimize wrinkles. Retinol helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, while peptides boost collagen and elastin production. Glycolic acid helps exfoliate your skin, clearing your pores and smoothing fine lines. Choose a serum with any of these ingredients, and apply it at night so your skin can absorb the serum as you sleep.

   • You can also use a serum with antioxidants including vitamin C and green tea extract. These ingredients help protect your skin as well as reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
5. 5
   Try serums with vitamin C and ferulic acid to brighten your complexion. Your skin tone can look uneven or dull due to sun exposure, smoking, genetics, and poor sleep. Vitamin C and ferulic acid are powerful antioxidants that can bring your skin back to life. They neutralize free radicals in your skin, making your skin tone more even and lively.

   • In addition, green tea extract may help brighten aging skin.
   • Some brightening serums feature snail mucin, which is popular for repairing scars and healing discoloration or uneven spots.
6. 6
   Treat uneven skin tone using a serum with niacinamide, kojic acid, or vitamin C. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B that can lighten dark spots and brighten your skin tone. Kojic acid can help with hyperpigmentation or dark spots caused by acne, sun damage, or melasma. Vitamin C can also fade dark spots, reduce hyperpigmentation, and reverse sun damage. Within a few weeks, your skin may look more even and radiant if you use a serum rich in these ingredients.

   • You can also choose a serum with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acids, to treat hyperpigmentation and improve your overall complexion.
   • When choosing a serum with vitamin C, look for options with L-ascorbic acid, which is the most effective part of the vitamin. This is helpful when revitalizing an uneven skin tone.
7. 7
   Use a brightening eye serum to reduce the appearance of dark circles. There are serums that are specifically formulated to target dark circles under your eyes. If you want to reduce the appearance of under-the-eye circles, look for ones with ingredients like green tea extract, caffeine, or retinol. Follow the directions on your product’s packaging to apply it correctly.

   • Avoid applying eye serums to other areas of your face. Sometimes, the ingredients are more potent, which can cause irritation or breakouts.
8. 8
   Choose both a daytime serum and nighttime serum for best results. Daytime serums are typically less concentrated, while nighttime serums are much more concentrated. Use both to keep your skin as healthy and flawless as possible. Remember, the goal of a daytime skincare routine is to protect your skin from the sun and pollution, while providing hydration and nourishment. The goal of a nighttime skincare routine is to repair and rejuvenate your skin while you sleep.

   • Example routine: Use an antioxidant serum in the morning to protect your skin, then apply a nighttime serum with retinol to maintain a youthful appearance.
   • Start slowly with your serums to give your skin time to adjust to new products. Start by applying your nightly serum once every other day, and gradually increase build toward nightly application over the course of a few weeks. Then, add your daily serum.
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Section 3 of 3:

Should you apply serum before or after moisturizer?

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1. Use serum before applying your moisturizer. As a general rule, layer your skincare products from thinnest to thickest in consistency. The order which you apply your skincare matters because it determines your skin’s ability to absorb the product, so apply serum after any toner, concentrate, and/or thin, light, and water-based products you apply.

   • Apply oils and moisturizers after serum, then finish with sunscreen.

Expert Q&A

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• Question

  How do I stop my face from being so oily?

  

  Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD
  Board Certified Dermatologist

  Dr. Margareth Pierre-Louis is a board certified Dermatologist and Dermatopathologist, Physician Entrepreneur, and the Founder of Twin Cities Dermatology Center and Equation Skin Care in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Twin Cities Dermatology Center is a comprehensive dermatology clinic treating patients of all ages through clinical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and telemedicine. Equation Skin Care was created to provide the best in evidence-based, natural skin care products. Dr. Pierre-Louis earned a BS in Biology and an MBA from Duke University, an MD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, completed a residency in dermatology at the University of Minnesota, and completed a dermatopathology fellowship at Washington University in St Louis. Dr. Pierre-Louis is board certified in dermatology, cutaneous surgery, and dermatopathology by the American Boards of Dermatology and Pathology.

  

  Margareth Pierre-Louis, MD

  Board Certified Dermatologist

  Expert Answer

  

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
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• Question

  Do you use a serum before or after moisturizer?

  

  Laura Martin
  Licensed Cosmetologist

  Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

  

  Laura Martin

  Licensed Cosmetologist

  Expert Answer

  Some serums may provide sufficient hydration on their own. If you need to use a moisturizer, apply it after the serum. This will allow the serum to penetrate more deeply into the skin.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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• Question

  What does a serum do for your face?

  

  Laura Martin
  Licensed Cosmetologist

  Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

  

  Laura Martin

  Licensed Cosmetologist

  Expert Answer

  Serums are made to address a number of skin concerns ranging from dark spots to dryness to wrinkles.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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Tips

• Remember, consistency is key when it comes to skincare! It generally takes around 4 months to notice a change in your skin.
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• Limit your skincare routine to 2-3 serums. Applying too much serum won’t absorb into your skin, and it may clog your pores and lead to breakouts.
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Warnings

• Retinol increases your risk of sunburn, so be sure to use SPF 30 and wear sun-protective clothing during the day.
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• Avoid using nighttime serums with retinol, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) during the day. Some of these ingredients can make your skin more sensitive to the sun or become deactivated by the sun.
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