Serum before or after cream : ultimate guide for your skin

ENDLESS PURE is a French brand of natural and organic skincare. We offer multifunctional, effective, and anti-aging products made with rare ingredients such as Nordic berries and marine actives. Innovation and purity come together to enhance your skin while respecting nature.
Summary
Introduction: The Dilemma of Serum and Cream
Understanding the Difference Between Serum and Cream
- Serum is concentrated with actives and targets specific skin concerns.
- Concerns addressed by serum include hydration, radiance, and signs of aging.
- Cream serves to protect the skin and deeply hydrate it.
- Applying serum before cream helps better absorb active ingredients.
- Cream seals in moisture and the benefits of the serum.
- A layered approach is essential for an effective skincare routine.
The Science Behind Serum Application
Why is Texture Important?
The texture of skincare products plays a fundamental role in their effectiveness. Serums, often lightweight and fluid, penetrate the skin quickly, allowing optimal absorption of active ingredients. Creams, on the other hand, are richer and creamier, forming a protective layer on the skin's surface. This difference in texture is crucial: applying a serum before a cream not only allows you to benefit from the serum's targeted properties but also ensures that the cream retains hydration and nutrients, creating an environment conducive to skin regeneration. By following this order of application, you maximize the benefits of your skincare routine, promoting healthier and more radiant skin.
The Role of Skin Penetration
Skin penetration is a determining factor in the effectiveness of skincare products. When you apply a serum before a cream, you allow active ingredients to penetrate deeply into the layers of the epidermis. This is particularly important for serums containing powerful ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or peptides, which target specific concerns like dehydration or dull skin. Applying a cream afterward creates a barrier that helps retain these actives while providing additional hydration. This two-step application method not only optimizes the effectiveness of the products but also contributes to smoother, more radiant, and visibly healthier skin.
Skincare Routine: Cream or Serum First?
The Importance of a Well-Established Routine
- Understanding the importance of product application order is essential.
- Apply serum after cleansing and before moisturizer.
- Serum penetrates better without being blocked by the thicker cream.
- Cream helps seal in hydration and the benefits of the serum.
- Incorporating this method promotes healthier, more radiant skin.
Practical Cases: Dry, Combination, and Oily Skin
Each skin type has specific needs that influence the application of skincare products. For dry skin, it is crucial to apply a hydrating serum before the cream to maximize hydration. Serums containing hyaluronic acid or nourishing oils are particularly beneficial. For combination skin, a lightweight serum can help balance oily areas while hydrating dry zones. Finally, for oily skin, a water-based or gel serum rich in ingredients like salicylic acid can help regulate sebum production. In all cases, applying serum before cream remains key to optimizing results and addressing the specific needs of each skin type.
How to Choose a Serum Suited to Your Skin
Serums for Each Skin Type
There are a multitude of serums on the market, each formulated to meet specific needs. For dry skin, choose serums rich in hydrating agents like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which help retain moisture. Sensitive skin will benefit from soothing serums containing ingredients like aloe or chamomile, which reduce redness and irritation. For oily skin, opt for lightweight, water-based serums, often enriched with plant extracts like green tea, which help regulate sebum production. Finally, mature skin can benefit from anti-aging serums containing peptides or antioxidants, which promote cell regeneration and improve skin elasticity. By choosing a serum suited to your skin type, you maximize the benefits of your skincare routine and ensure radiant, healthy skin.
Criteria for a Good Choice
- Read the ingredient list to target specific concerns.
- Opt for a serum containing powerful actives such as bakuchiol, hexapeptide-11, or red bilberry.
- Favor serums formulated with multiple ingredients for optimal effectiveness, avoiding those with only one simple ingredient like hyaluronic acid.
- Test the product on a small area of skin before use.
- Follow these tips to integrate the serum into your skincare routine.
Serum and Eye Contour: Before or After Cream?
Importance of the Delicate Eye Area
The eye contour area is particularly sensitive and requires adapted care. Generally, it is recommended to apply a specific serum for the eye contour before the moisturizer. Serums for this area are often formulated with targeted ingredients, such as caffeine to reduce puffiness or vitamin K to diminish dark circles. By applying the serum first, you allow these actives to penetrate effectively into the delicate skin while ensuring that the moisturizer seals in hydration and protects this vulnerable area. This application method contributes to a fresher and more rested look while preventing premature signs of aging.
Specific Products and Applications
To optimize your skincare routine's effectiveness, it is crucial to choose products suited to your skin type and specific concerns. For example, for dry skin, a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid can be combined with a cream rich in lipids to strengthen the skin barrier. For oily skin, a lightweight, water-based serum paired with a mattifying cream can help control excess sebum while maintaining adequate hydration. Additionally, there are specific serums for the eye contour, often enriched with ingredients like caffeine or retinol, which should be applied before the cream for this area. By incorporating these products into your routine, you maximize the benefits of each step, promoting healthier and more radiant skin.
Conclusion: Serum Before or After Cream?
In conclusion, applying serum before cream is an essential step in optimizing your skincare routine. By respecting this order, you allow the active ingredients in the serum to penetrate deeply into the skin while ensuring that the cream seals in these benefits and effectively hydrates. Whether you have dry, oily, or sensitive skin, this application method will help you get the most out of your skincare products, promoting radiant and healthy skin. Remember that every skin type has unique needs, and it is important to choose serums and creams that are suited to maximize results.