What is Face Serum & Why Should You Be Using It? | Lancôme® Australia

Do us a favour: Take a good look in the mirror. If your skin’s appearance has room for improvement, then it may be time to add serum skincare products to your daily regimen.

Face serums come with major skin benefits, and they are often seen as one of the more rewarding steps in your beauty routine. It’s also known that you can layer serums for added results – but you’ll need to remain patient, apply your serum twice a day and your skin will thank you in the future.

Are you curious to know exactly what face serums are, or perhaps when to use them? Below, our beauty experts break down our favourite types of serum and the top reasons to add this product to your routine.

What is Face Serum?

A face serum is a lightweight skincare product that contains a higher concentration of active ingredients (such as Hyaluronic Acid, Glycolic Acid and Vitamin C), compared to typical facial moisturisers. Known for their effectiveness, face serums are often used to manage specific skin concerns such as wrinkles, acne, dry skin and dullness. They are designed to brighten, hydrate and provide a variety of benefits, depending on the types of serum you use. Serum for skin can come in a variety of formulas, including gels and oils—some may even have a water-like consistency.

How To Use Face Serum

AIf you are wondering when to use face serum or how it differs from moisturiser, our experts have all the answers to help you understand proper serum skincare.

When to Use Face Serum: Apply face serums once or twice a day, in the morning and at night. You should always cleanse your skin and apply toner first, followed by the serum. Moisturiser will need to be applied after the serum to lock in moisture and hydration.

How to Apply Face Serum: After cleansing and toning your skin and allowing it to dry, apply two to three drops of serum to your face and neck. A little goes a long way when it comes to serums. Using your fingertips, delicately massage the serum over your skin. Once the serum is dried, apply your moisturiser and any other skincare products you use daily.

Where to Apply Serum: Face serum should be applied to your entire face and neck, as that area requires moisture too. If you are using an eye and lash serum, you will want to gently target the eye area.

Is Serum a Cream or Moisturiser? Serums are neither! Face serums provide moisturising ingredients, but they should not be considered your primary moisturiser, especially for those with dry skin. If you have naturally oily skin, you could potentially use a hydrating face serum on its own. Serums are thinner than moisturisers and absorb into the skin more quickly, making them perfect for layering, but you should still apply moisturiser on top of the serum to help nourish the skin’s outermost layers.

Types of Serums by Lancôme

Whilst some serums may work well for one particular skin type, some formulas may not be the best choice for another skin type. Key ingredients are very important when it comes to picking the right serum. Although Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid are two popular serum ingredients, you will find a mix of other hydrators and antioxidants.