What is the difference between a Serum and a Moisturizer?

What is the difference between a serum and a moisturizer?

Serums are light, fast-absorbing liquids used in addition to creams or lotions. The biggest difference between a serum and a cream or lotion is what the formula doesn’t include. Serums leave out occlusive, or moisturizing ingredients. Most serums are water-based, eliminating oils all together, and work better for oily skin.

The best part of a serum is that most of the fluid is eliminated, so what you are left with is a high concentration of active ingredients. Because active ingredients are more expensive than thickeners, they are also more costly. But when applied properly, a 1 ounce container of serum should last months. Those few drops are super efficient. Serum‘s are made of very small molecules so the skin absorbs them quickly and deeply. Therefore, serum’s are the best transportation for treating a concern: aging, brightness, sunspots, scares,...

Moisturizers are great for locking in water. Serums are a bad match for people with chronic skin conditions like eczema or rosacea, which can weaken the skin barrier. For these people, serum’s may penetrate too quickly. Others need hydration that a rich day or night cream provides. Mature or dry skin cannot get away with using only a serum. I recommend layering a serum under your moisturizer.

How to apply serum:
1. After cleansing your face, apply a pea-sized amount of serum, patting it evenly over your skin.
2. Allow 15 to 30 seconds for serum to soak into the skin. Then apply moisturizer.