How to Apply Face Serum Correctly

Have you always wanted to try a face serum, but aren’t sure what they are and how to choose one for your skin? Or, maybe you’ve got a serum waiting in your beauty bag, but don’t know how to add it into your skincare routine.

We’re here to tell you more, from how to apply serum to your face, to the golden question: whether to apply serum before or after your moisturiser

What is a face serum?

Face serums are liquid skincare products containing concentrated formulas of key ingredients that can help with specific skincare concerns, depending on which serum you pick.

They’re a great way to incorporate active ingredients like vitamin C, retinol or hyaluronic acid into your routine, which are just some of the actives commonly used in serums, sometimes alone or as a combination with others.

Serums also tend to be more lightweight compared to moisturisers which often have heavier cream or gel-based formulas.

Should you apply serum or moisturiser first?

When it comes to layering your skincare products, the general rule of thumb is to apply lighter products before heavier products to help the ingredients in the lighter formulas absorb into the skin more easily.

This means your serum should be applied before your thicker moisturiser, which will go on top to help create a protective barrier and lock moisture into your skin.

Should you apply serum at day or night?

Serums can be used in your routine both day and night, but you should follow the directions for your chosen serum to see how frequently it can be used, or when best to apply it. Some serums contain ingredients that are better suited to night-time, such as retinol which can make your skin more sensitive to the sunlight. Even if you use retinol at night, don’t forget to use an SPF during the day, such as No7 Future Renew™ DAMAGE PROTECTION Defence Shield SPF50, to help protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays.

For daytime, serums containing vitamin C can be a good option to help brighten the look of skin.

If you don’t fancy alternating between serums, then No7 Future Renew™ DAMAGE REVERSAL Serum can be used both day and night!

A step-by-step guide to how to apply serum on your face

Wondering how to use face serum in your classic cleanse, tone and moisturise routine? Here’s our step-by-step guide.

1. Start by cleansing your skin to remove dirt, impurities, and any make-up (if it’s night-time). Here are plenty of No7 cleansers to choose from

2.  Follow with your favourite No7 toner to remove any excess oil or dirt left behind after cleansing. Yet to discover the benefits of a toner?

Find out more about what toners can do for your skin.

3. Now apply your serum by smoothing it over your face. Take a look at the full No7 range to find the perfect serum for you

4. Next go in with your No7 moisturiser to lock in that all-important hydration

5. Finish with an SPF during the daytime to help protect your skin from the sun’s rays

For more top tips on layering your skincare, read our 7-step skincare routine guide.

How to choose the right serum for your skin type

Finding the right serum for you starts with knowing which skin concerns you’d like to address. Then you can pick a serum designed to help with your needs.

From helping to increase hydration to supporting menopausal skin, No7 have a whole range of serums to choose from. Here are some of our favourites…

For reversing visible signs of skin damage*

Try:  No7 Future Renew™ DAMAGE REVERSAL Serum

Formulated with a world-first peptide technology, Pepticology™, along with hyaluronic acid**, niacinamide, this lightweight serum is clinically proven to reverse visible signs of skin damage, including fine lines and wrinkles, uneven tone and texture, dry skin and the feeling of lost elasticity.* Helping to support skin's natural self-repair, this serum could be a great addition to your morning and night-time routine.

For deep hydration

Try:  No7 HydraLuminous+ Serum

Absorbing effortlessly into the skin, this refreshing formula is powered by 2% hyaluronic acid** to help plump the look of skin^ and deeply hydrate for up to 96 hours.***  'It also includes 5% niacinamide and Pollution Shield Technology™. This serum helps protect skin from external aggressors such as pollution.

For younger-looking skin

Try:  No7 Pure Retinol 1% Concentrate

'Help restore a radiant and youthful look to your complexion while you sleep. This concentrate containing 1% pure retinol reduces the appearance of stubborn lines and deep wrinkles, leaving skin looking visibly smoother, with a firmer and more lifted feel^.

For menopausal skin

Try:  No7 Menopause Skincare Instant Radiance Serum

Co-created with menopausal women, 'this serum is designed to help combat dull skin, dry skin, fine lines, lack of firmness, uneven skin tone, and sensitivity^. 'With hyaluronic acid, this serum helps hydrate the skin for up to 72 hours***, while the instant cooling applicator helps hot skin feel soothed^.

For brighter-looking skin

Try:  No7 Radiance+ 15% Vitamin C Serum

With a sweet, citrus aroma, this gel-textured serum is enriched with vitamin C**. The serum glides on effortlessly, transforming tired looking skin into a brightened complexion^. The result? Skin that looks more glowy and even^.

For balanced-looking skin

Try:  Derm Solutions™ Skin Balancing Serum Suitable for All Skin Types

Dermatologist approved, this non-pore blocking serum is proven to reveal visibly healthier and balanced-looking skin in just 28 days.^ Formulated with an anti-oxidant complex, containing a blend of green tea, vitamin C** and vitamin E**, this serum helps improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, oiliness and uneven texture and pores.^

FAQs

Should I apply serum before or after moisturiser?

Serums have a thinner texture than moisturisers so you should apply them before. This helps the ingredients in the serum absorb into the skin more easily.

How much serum should I use on my face?

This would depend on the exact serum you’re using. It tends to be around 2-3 drops or pumps which is roughly a pea-sized amount, but you should check the directions on the pack of your chosen serum.

Can I skip moisturiser if I use serum?

Although serums and moisturisers sometimes have crossover benefits, they both work differently in your skincare routine. Serums are designed to help active ingredients absorb into the skin more easily, whereas moisturisers sit on top of the skin to help lock in hydration, so you should aim to use both in your routine.

How often should I use a face serum?

Serums can be used in your routine both morning and night, but you should check the directions on the serum you are using to see how many times per day it should be used. For example, some serums may have active ingredients like retinol that are better suited to night-time and used only once a day. In those cases, you could alternate with a different serum, such as vitamin C or hyaluronic acid during the daytime.

*Consumer study. Users saw a reversal in: appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, uneven tone and texture, dryness; feel of firmness.

**Derivative of.

***Instrumental study.

^Consumer study.