Serums vs. Moisturizers: Do You Need Both?

When it comes to beauty, many women often spend a considerable amount of time focusing on their face.  This makes sense when you consider that your face is the most visible part of your body.  However, it can mean that women spend hours trying to understand the seemingly endless amount of beauty products that are designed to restore, enhance and maintain healthy complexions.  Many companies promote the enormous benefits of facial serums, while other companies promote the enormous benefits of facial moisturizers.  So which one is better?  Or do you need both?

Serums vs. Moisturizers

Serums and moisturizers can both help your skin, although in very different ways.  There is actually no one-size-fits-all answer to using these products, as some individuals will discover that using only a serum can work, while others find that using only a moisturizer will work, and still others use both.  More importantly, what your skin needs can vary based on the time of year, the climate and even your age.  Therefore the first step to determining what product you should use on your skin is understanding the products themselves.

Serums usually contain active ingredients that penetrate your skin as deeply as possible so as to deliver valuable nutrients to your skin.  They are thinner and lighter than moisturizers, and are normally designed to address specific skin issues.  Some serums are anti-aging serums, some are brightening serums, and some are acne preventative serums.  They can be used in the morning and at night, and while they should not replace a moisturizer where moisturizer is needed, they can boost the hydrating effects of moisturizers.  Individuals with particularly oily skin may find that they benefit from using a lighter serum rather than a thicker moisturizer. 

Moisturizers are used to hydrate the skin and prevent damaging water loss.  Some moisturizers include extra ingredients in an effort to address certain skin problems, such as anti-aging ingredients to address aging problems, but as they tend to be thicker and creamier than serums they aren’t as effective at penetrating the deeper layers of the skin.  This means that while moisturizers are definitely important in order to keep the skin hydrated, difficult skin problems should be addressed with a good serum.

Companies that manufacture skin care products may promote the benefits of using moisturizers and serums together, but you need to determine for yourself whether both are actually necessary to address a specific skin issue.

Love,

Gen