Relatively speaking, that is.

There is a much heavier focus on skincare for me at home now, but that’s partly because I love trying new products for my face.
But it’s also because I truly believe, deep down, that a big part of the job of makeup can be done with a helping hand from skincare, for sure.

Now, I usually always wear a foundation when I go out, day or night.

And next up in order of importance is, without doubt, my eyebrows. As I watch them fade into insignificance, they are probably the single most dramatic feature on our face that you can quickly and easily change, to define your eyes and face.

So I guess what I’m getting at is that makeup really does need to change and evolve with our faces. As they evolve in our lives, too.

Inside this post I want to explore some of the biggest foundation mistakes you might be making as you pass 40.

And why it’s worth taking note, and perhaps pulling back on your technique, your tools, or perhaps even the very foundation you use.

Yes, my friend, the foundation shade, texture and type you use might be worth taking a good hard look at. And perhaps this post will have you reassessing your product choice, and being open to trying something new to help you achieve a youthful and radiant look.

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This post may contain affiliate links, such as Amazon, that I may earn from qualifying links. This means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

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1. Neglecting Skincare

I know it can be easily done. You’re busy. I’m busy; we’re all busy. But a proper skincare routine will work absolute wonders behind the scenes for your foundation makeup.
And it doesn’t need to be an 11-step routine at any time!
By simply using a moisturizer and an SPF to begin, you can make improvements to your skin health. Particularly if you have especially dry skin.

Remember, a well-hydrated and prepped skin canvas not only helps your foundation look good, but will help it last longer, too!

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2. Using the Wrong Shade

This is a common one. And something we are probably all guilty of at one time or another.

Just recently, I noticed my skin tone deepen with some extra sun, and within days, my foundation shade was too light.

It is common for our skin tone to change with age as well. So what that means is your old faithful Clinique foundation that you’ve been buying for over 10 years might not be the perfect shade for you anymore.

So take a good look in daylight.
If your foundation is too light for your skin tone – you can look ashy or unwell.

Too dark – you can look like a beauty queen without a pageant.

Next time it’s time for a new foundation, do try going into a store, testing samples on your jawline, throat and chest. Even see how it looks on your outer forearm as well.

And if you still struggle with matching, ask for help in-store. Or get a few shades within the one you think is closest to your skin tone. You can always play at home.

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3. Applying Too Much Product

Just because you want full coverage on your face, doesn’t mean you need to use a lot of product.

More foundation does not necessarily equal better coverage.

Full coverage foundation can settle into fine lines on your face, and result in actually aging you.
By starting with a little product, and blending it well, you can layer if you need to and build up from a small initial amount of product on your face.

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4. Skipping Primer

Now, while I’m a big proponent of less is more, particularly when it comes to working on film and tv projects, it is worth acknowledging the power of a primer.

Especially if you have oily skin or are someone that can tend to sweat a lot.

A primer can help to create a smooth surface on your skin. It can also help minimize the appearance of pores on your face. And another thing, it can help your foundation last longer, too.

But for me, it’s not to say that really thorough skin prep should ensure you don’t really have to rely on a primer. I know that I don’t 99% of the time. I guess its apples and oranges, right?

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5. Ignoring the Right Tools

For me, foundation brushes are a must to create flawless, flattering foundation finishes.

And just because I’m a professional makeup artist, doesn’t mean you can’t pick up on my techniques and adapt them for your own use.

Foundation brushes have so many benefits, from cleanliness and hygiene, to product efficiency and environmental awareness.

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The Key Takeaways

For my “skip to the end” friends, here are the main points that I touched on that you should be taking home from this post:

The 5 Foundation Mistakes You Should Be Avoiding Once You’re Over 40

Neglecting Your Skin Care

Skincare and skin prep can go a long way to improve and increase the staying power of your foundation makeup.

Using the Wrong Foundation Shade

Not matching your foundation shade correctly can lead to unflattering results. Whether it be too light or too dark, when your foundation shade is off, you will look and feel off, too.

Using Too Much Product

Too much product does not mean better coverage. It can be unflattering, unnatural and necessarily expensive.

Skipping the Primer

A good primer can help create a smoother surface for your foundation. It can also help manage your oily skin or sweatiness and help your makeup last longer.

Ignoring the Right Tools

Not utilizing the best tools that are available today can be unhygienic, messy, and also waste a lot of product. Ultimately, using the right brushes can lead to better-looking results with your foundation. Professional results.

If you’re able to remember to avoid some, or all of these foundation mistakes, your complexion will end up looking a whole lot clearer and more flawless.
Just remember, makeup is a useful tool that we can use to enhance our skin and natural beauty. So embrace your age, no matter what it is, and celebrate what you’ve got!

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Join the waitlist

Do you struggle with the very basics of foundation makeup?

Not sure how to pick the right shade, or even know what skincare to use, or how it can help your foundation makeup?

I’d love to introduce you to

The 40+ Face: Achieving Complexion Perfection

Jump on the waitlist and be the first in line when the doors open to this course that will help you with all of the see challenges – and so much more!

The post 5 Foundation Mistakes To Avoid Once You’re Over 40 appeared first on The Makeup Refinery.

Use Super Heavy or Harsh Lines On Your Eyes

As your skin ages, it becomes less elastic. If you’re applying heavy or thick eyeliner, it can look really severe, and end up drawing more attention to the wrinkles and fine lines around your eyes.

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Using Only Black Eyeliner

A rich, black eyeliner can look harsh on mature skin. So, if you’re attached to your black eyeliner, why not try to mix things up a bit?

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Not Adjusting Eyeliner Style

I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but the style of eyeliner that you used to wear may not be as flattering on your face now as it was back then. Avoid overly dramatic or winged styles that can make your eyes droop and emphasize sagging skin or wrinkles you have at the outer corners of your eyes.

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Using Shimmery Eyeliners

Another minor letdown, I’m afraid. Sadly, strong shimmer or glitter eyeliners can actually draw attention to fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes. This happens because light reflects off the shimmer, and when the surface of your skin is more lined or textured, the shimmer only serves to accentuate those wrinkles or textures.

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Applying Eyeliner to the Entire Waterline

I see this one a lot, and I just want to scream and help women when I see this. It immediately places them somewhere in the late 1980s or early 1990s for me!
Applying eyeliner to your entire waterline instantly makes the eyes look much smaller than they are and is aging, and can look somewhat dated, on anyone over the age of about 25, I’m sorry to say.

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Skipping Tightlining

Tightlining (lining the upper waterline) can add definition to your eyes and help make your eyelashes look more full. It’s a step that can make a significant difference in your overall eye makeup look.

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Neglecting Primer

Ever notice your eyeliner smudging or transferring as you get older? Any guesses why?
One reason may be that you’re not using a good eye primer before you apply your eye makeup.

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Applying Eyeliner on Lower Lashes Only

By applying eyeliner only to your lower lash line, your eyes can make the eyes appear droopy. This is because the eyeliner below your eye creates the illusion of leading your eye downwards.

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Not Blending Properly

Harsh lines and unblended eyeliner can make your makeup look less polished and put together.

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Using Outdated Techniques

As you might have discovered, makeup trends and techniques change over time. And they change constantly.

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Makeup is such a personal choice, it’s a great way to express ourselves, and celebrate the faces we have been given in our own individual way. I hope these suggestions can help you achieve a flattering and age-appropriate look. But do feel free to experiment and find what works best for you!

Here’s a couple of bonus pointers to help you on your way to avoiding eye liners mistakes, for good measure!

Focus on Your Eyelashes

By accentuating your lashes, you can lead the focus away from your fine lines and wrinkles. Be sure to use a mascara and an eyelash curler (yes – they make a huge difference!) to add volume and length to your lashes. This can help give your eyes a more youthful appearance and open up your eyes as well. And if you often find your mascara is smudging, be sure to get these useful tips about how to keep your mascara from smudging right here.

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join the wailist

If you’re over 40, and really struggling with makeup!

Be the first in line when we open the doors to the next launch of our course

“The 40+ Face: How to Achieve Complexion Perfection“.

I’ll walk you through the very basics of foundation makeup, and get your skin prep on track!

join the waitlist now!

Eyebrow Maintenance

Well-groomed eyebrows can really frame your eyes beautifully and complement your eyeliner look. So don’t forget to shape and fill in your eyebrows to enhance your overall eye makeup. It can also help give your face a more polished and complete look, too.

Remember, makeup is a form of self-expression, and as I’ve said before, there are no rules. Something I LOVE about makeup.

But what’s more important is that you feel comfortable and confident in your appearance.

While these tips can serve as a great starting point, do feel free to experiment, mix it up, and discover what works best for you and your very own unique features!

The post Eyeliner Mistakes You Need to Stop Making If You’re Over 40 appeared first on The Makeup Refinery.

In the left corner, we have the supreme reigning world champion, the legendary Collagen. Known for it’s age-defying plumpness and hydration.

And in the right, we have the fierce contender, Retinol. Armed with its cell-renewing prowess and wrinkle-fighting skills.

Get ready for a showdown like no other as these two titans go head-to-head in the quest for the best beauty products and better, younger, healthy skin.

A Closer Look At Collagen

So I’m certain that you have, without doubt, heard of collagen before.

That’s why you’re here, after all. But have you ever thought about what it actually is? What it does? And why you so desperately want the latest product from (insert pop star or online celebrity here) that’s loaded with the aforementioned c-word?

So let’s talk about this little wonder protein, and get to know it a little better, shall we?

Okay, so we know that collagen is a protein. And what it does is works as structural support for the connective tissues in your body. So basically, it works to strengthen and support not only your skin, your bones, and all of your organs but your ligaments and tendons, too.

So let’s just pause on our skin. Because that’s really what we are focusing on here, right?

What Exactly Does Collagen Do For Your Skin?

• maintains your skin’s elasticity
• helps contribute to your skin’s hydration and moisture retention
• helps to heal wounds more quickly
• causes your skin to stay supple and plump (that is – helps to reduce the look of fine lines)

And while we’re shouting the praises of collagen, let’s take a quick look at all the other miracles it performs for us that may not be so visible to anyone else.

What Does Collagen Do For Your Body?

• supports joint flexibility
• helps reduce joint pain and stiffness
• supports all over bone health
• works to create resistance to bone fractures
• helps contribute to muscle strength and stability during exercise and movement
• helps to maintain the lining of your gut and improve overall gut health

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How Can You Use Collagen on Your Skin?

Collagen for your skin usually comes in the form of topical creams, masks, and serums. And when you apply these products directly to your skin, they absorb into your skin from the outside to support your skin’s collagen levels from the outside.

Using collagen this way can not only help to improve your skin’s hydration, elasticity, and firmness but may also help improve the overall appearance of your skin as far as minimizing wrinkles and lines. This can, in turn, help your skin have a more youthful appearance. Good news, right?

What I love most about collagen-containing skin care products is that they can also help your other skincare products to work more effectively. This is because collagen can help your skin absorb products better, as it retains moisture like a champion.

Now all of this news sounds pretty good. It’s worth bringing you back down to earth for a second. So without bursting your collagen-supported bubble entirely, consider that the visible effects of collagen may be somewhat short-term. And may not last as long as, say, oral collagen supplements. We’ll get into these shortly.

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What Can You Do To Get the Best Results Using Collagen?

To see all-over results for both your skin and your system on the inside, it may be best to consider taking both as a dietary supplement that you will ingest as well as topical collagen-containing skincare products on your face and body.
And while you might just see results with either of these processes on their own, combining forces with both will give you the best chances of overall improvement and health benefits as much as you can.

Collagen Do’s and Dont’s

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A Closer Look at Retinol

So we’ve just taken a really good at what a marvel collagen is.

But we can’t discount Retinol by any means. The newcomer that has emerged from scientific research to become a must-have beauty contender for those among us starting to internally freak out about the effect gravity is having on their faces and bodies.

To put it simply, retinol is a form of vitamin A. And it is proven to be able to improve the overall look of your skin. So let’s take a look at just how it does that.

First of all, retinol has the incredible capacity to boost cell turnover. This means that it can help increase the rate your cells can be shed and replaced with new cells. So in the case of your skin, it can help improve to texture of your skin and give it a smoother, softer appearance, too. Retinol can also work to fade dark age spots on the skin, and (drum roll) reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Now, remember that as we age, our bodies produce less and less collagen naturally.

This is where retinol gets to shine center stage.

Retinol can help stimulate collagen production, so it helps keep your skin plump, reduces the dreaded sagging, and generally help us look younger!

Of course, there has to be a caveat. All this good news has to come with a balancing act.

And that balance is having a knowledge and understanding of retinol. As it can be incredibly potent.

If you start using retinol, you may notice your skin has a bit of a freakout reaction. Some call it a period of adjustment! However your skin reacts, it’s important to know that your skin will respond, so its always vital to start small. Start with a low concentration.

Consistency is also key to reaping the benefits as well.

One more thing. Retinol can cause sensitivity to the sun. So always use sunscreen to protect your sensitive skin when you’re using retinol. Or even when you’re not, to be honest.

What Does Retinol Do For Your Skin?

• anti-aging properties – retinol stimulates collagen and, in doing so, can maintain your skin’s elasticity and improve the general appearance of your skin
• cell turnover – it can boost your body’s cell turnover, which results in smoother, softer skin
• improves skin texture – retinol can help to promote smoother more even skin surface
• minimize dark spots – can help fade dark spots and any imperfections and unevenness to create a more even complexion
• skin elasticity – retinol can support your skin’s elasticity, which can in turn make your skin more supple and minimize the appearance of wrinkles
• retains moisture – retinol can help your skin increase hydration and look plumper
• heals wounds – by supporting tissue repair in your skin, retinol assist in the healing process for your skin
• collagen boost – retinol can help maintain collagen levels because it stimulates collagen growth and, in doing so, support skin health all over

What Can You Do To Get the Best Results Using Retinol?

Start slow. Especially if you’re a Retinol newbie. It’s vital to begin with a lower concentration and then gradually build it up, as your tolerance increases.

Be consistent. This will allow your skin to get used to the power of retinol. It will ensure you see results in time.

Use it at night. Take advantage of the natural regeneration that occurs within our skin during the night. This will allow for the most effective results with your retinol treatment.

Follow retinol with moisturizer. A gentle post-retinol hydration will be the best defence against particularly dry skin or the peeling of your skin.

Wear sunscreen. As we know, retinol can exacerbate your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. So pair your retinol treatment with SPF. No questions asked.

Avoid aggressive products. Stay away from harsh exfoliants, and harsh skincare products in general. AHA’s for one, should be avoided by all accounts.

Acquire patience. It is going to take a little time for your skin to adjust to this new product. So give it time, but stay consistent with your daily skincare routine. Including your use of retinol. And as always, if you have any issues or concerns, seek the advice of a professional dermatologist.
Check out some of the most popular Olay Retinol-based products in this deep-dive comparison.

Retinol Dos and Dont’s

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Which is Best, Collagen or Retinol?

While I want you to walk away feeling solid about which works best for you, comparing the effectiveness of collagen and retinol is not straightforward. They both serve entirely different purposes and have their own unique benefits for your skin. Let’s break it down:

Collagen

Collagen is a protein that works to provide structural support to your skin. It helps your skin to stay firm, plump, and elastic.

And while collagen supplements and skincare products can help support collagen levels in your body and promote overall skin health, their effectiveness can vary from one person to the next.

Collagen products may improve your skin’s hydration and texture, but the ability collagen has to penetrate the skin deeply and directly replace lost collagen is still a hot topic of debate.

Retinol

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A. And it’s best known for its ability to boost cell turnover and stimulate collagen production.

Retinol is highly regarded for its anti-aging properties. It can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots in your skin. Retinol has been extensively studied and proven incredibly effective in addressing various signs of aging and improving overall skin texture.

Can I Use Both Collagen and Retinol in My Skincare Routine?

Now, while collagen and retinol have their own unique benefits, they can complement each other in a skincare routine. So, the answer is yes.

Collagen focuses on providing structural support and hydration, while retinol targets cellular renewal and collagen synthesis. Combining the two may have even better results than either single product on its own; enhancing the overall health and appearance of your skin.

The choice between collagen and retinol depends on your specific skincare goals and concerns.

If you’re primarily looking to address signs of aging and improve skin texture, retinol is often considered a more potent and scientifically validated option.

However, if you aim to support overall skin health, including hydration and elasticity, the benefits of collagen can make it a valuable addition.

It’s worth noting that your individual results may vary from the next person. And it’s always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional. They can help to determine the best approach for your specific needs.

Additionally, a comprehensive skincare routine that includes other beneficial ingredients and practices can further enhance the effectiveness of collagen and retinol.

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Whether you join Team Collagen or Team Retinol, remember that each fighter has something incredible to offer on the journey to radiant skin.

Embrace the power of both, take your skincare routine by the gloves, and enjoy the ever-evolving quest for timeless beauty. Let’s raise a cheer for both of these contenders, and may your skin always be the winner!

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Featured Image by Jess @ Harper Sunday

The post Collagen Vs. Retinol: The Epic Battle for Better Skin! appeared first on The Makeup Refinery.

There’s something kinda exclusive sounding about a serum, but the truth is way less mysterious.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an affiliate marketer, I earn from qualifying links. This means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

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What Is A Serum?

A serum is simply a highly potent yet lightweight liquid product that is used to give your skin an intense treatment for a very specific issue. It is full of potent ingredients and is also usually water-based.

How to Use A Serum

To use a serum in your skincare routine effectively, use the following steps:

• start by washing your face
• then by cleansing and applying your toner
• apply a small amount of serum to your face and neck, literally a few drops but be sure to follow the directions of the product you are using
• massage it gently into your skin
• finish the process with a moisturizer to lock in the benefits of the serum
• aim for use twice a day for the best results possible

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When to Use A Serum?

As we just discussed, you can use a skin serum after cleansing and toning your face, but before you moisturize.

The purpose of a serum is to deliver active ingredients directly to your skin. And they can also help to address any specific concerns you may be looking at, such as fine lines, dark spots, and dullness. The best approach is to choose a facial serum that targets the specific skin concerns you may have and then (most importantly!) use your serum consistently for the best results.

And as I mentioned earlier, ideally, try to use your skin serum once or twice a day. Of course, this depends on your skin type and very much on the instructions on the product.

The best approach is to follow the recommended usage for optimal results in your skin.

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My Favorite Serums

Here are some of my most ravable about serums!

tatcha dewy skin serum

Ah, the Dewy Skin Serum from Tatcha. Much loved and relied upon by Japanese skincare aficionados everywhere.
The divine dewiness of the serum comes from the lactic acid within the exclusive Hadasei-3 – which is Tatcha’s very own trademarked blend of superfoods – from green tea, Okinawa algae, and Akita rice. Couple that with hyaluronic acid, gentle alpha hydroxy acids, and sugarcane-derived squalane, and you’ve got yourself one power-packed hydrating and skin-protecting serum

Buy Now!

biossance squalane and copper peptide serum

If you know me, you know I adore Biossance. My bathroom cupboard is full-of-it! Seriously! And the newest addition may just be this beauty. Containing key ingredients like collagen-supporting copper peptides, and instant hydration hero hyaluronic acid, and paracress, you will notice an instant improvement to the “plumpness” of your skin once you swipe on this baby blue serum.

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la Roche-posay hyalu b5 serum

This drugstore gem is loaded with Vitamin B5 (aka panthenol) which will soothe and moisturize, while the centella asiatica (or Madecassoside) which will help to nourish and restore your skin’s surface. Oh, I almost forgot that it contains not 1, but 2 different types of hyaluronic acid, which will do double duty to lock in moisture, all while you sleep.
A more affordable option for a high-quality serum that will help soften the appearance of fine lines and keep that plump level sky-high! Great for oily skin, too.

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cosrx advanced snail 96 mucin power essence

Yep, I said snail mucin. And I have talked about snail by-products before – see my post on the best Korean Lip products here
for more snail-derived goodness!
Now this essence is formulated with over 96% snail secretion filtrate, which delivers vitality directly to your skin. It will repair and rejuvenate your skin’s surface and soothe that dehydration.
Mucin Power Essence also doubles as a direct way to help repair dark spots, acne prone skin and dehydrated skin, so it is targetted to these concerns.

Buy Now!

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What is A Moisturizer?

Now, looking at our old friend, the humble moisturizer. A moisturizer is a cosmetic product that is used to nourish and hydrate your skin. It helps to prevent dryness and keeps it soft and supple. I also feel that a good moisturizer keeps your skin barrier strong.

How to Use a Moisturizer

• start by cleansing your skin and patting it dry
• next, apply a small amount of moisturizer to your face and neck, using gentle upward, circular motions. Be careful to avoid your eye area.
• aim to use your moisturizer twice a day, both morning and at night, to keep your skin hydrated and healthy

When to Use a Moisturizer

As we mentioned, aim to use a facial moisturizer twice a day, in the morning and at night. This will keep your skin hydrated and healthy, and fresh as a daisy.

Of course, these aren’t hard and fast rules. And you should feel free to adjust how often you moisturize, depending on your skin type and where you are in the world. Of, and also what season it is, too.

What Are the Main Differences Between Serum and Moisturizer?

When you want to identify the main differences between a moisturizer and a serum, you simply need to look at both of their properties and aims.

Facial moisturizers hydrate and protect the skin’s surface.

While serums are formulated to deliver active ingredients deeper into the skin.

Typically, moisturizers have a thicker and creamier texture than serums. Serums tend to be lightweight and have a more fluid consistency.

Also, serums are more concentrated and often have a high concentration of active ingredients. And this makes them way more potent and powerful than moisturizers.

Moisturizers also contain ingredients to help keep hydration in your skin. Ingredients that we call occlusives; that help lock in hydration to your skin.

And without getting too sciency on you, serums are made of smaller molecules than moisturizers. And molecules are made from larger molecules than serums. And what this means to you is that in terms of layering your skincare, thinnest to thickest (on top) is a good rule of thumb, but it probably won’t be the end of the world when you mix it up.
So don’t spend too much time worrying about the molecules!

What Are the Similarities Between Serum and Moisturizer?

Facial moisturizers and serums are both skincare products that are designed to hydrate and nourish the skin. Additionally, they both help to improve the overall appearance and health of the skin. However, serums typically have a higher concentration of active ingredients and are designed to target specific skin concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots, while moisturizers are more focused on providing general hydration and protection to the skin.

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My Moisturizer Picks

Here are some of my all-time favorite moisturizers for you to check out.

Sonia Roselli water elixir

Now you might be surprised, confused, and bewildered by this top recommendation. After all, Sonia Roselli’s Water Elixir is, in fact, a liquid. But I view this product as a moisturizer first and foremost.
A milky-white, water-thick moisturizer that will quench your skin’s thirst, strengthen your skin’s barrier, and also provide a one-step skin prep when time is pressing.
I adore the Sonia Roselli line, and this is the perfect product, to begin with if your relationship with her is still fresh and new.
Packed with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and Japanese rice, this moisturizer will call and nourish your skin as it hydrates.

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La-Roche posay double repair face moisturizer

A lovely, lightweight, everyday face cream that is filled with power ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, and prebiotic thermal water.

Yes, glycerin is indeed an overlooked skincare worker bee. By drawing in moisture from it’s surrounding environment, glycerin can help prevent water loss within the surface layer of the skin.
Double Repair Face Moisturizer is a great way to provide daily hydration regardless of your skin type. It’s even perfect on sensitive skin as well.

Buy Now!

biossance Squalane and Omega Repair cream

If you don’t know by now, Squalane and Omega Repair Cream is one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE skin care products. And I don’t say that lightly. This cream feels light, but it is so rich. Goes on with ease and absorbs like a breeze. And literally works overnight.
As with every Biossance product, it contains ethically sourced squalane and is the perfect product to add to your daily skin care routine. I also love using this a night cream if my skin is feeling well hydrated, too.

Buy Now!

mario badescu buttermilk moisturizer

Another of my favorite super-lightweight yet super-effective moisturizers.
Mario Badescu is one of those brands that may not kick and scream when it enters the room but certainly knows how to put on a skincare party.
Check out their incredible range of highly tailored moisturizers, of which the Buttermilk may be my prized pick for a lightweight moisturizer every time.

Buy Now!

Moisturizer Vs. Serum FAQ’s

Q: Are They The Same?
A: Moisturizers and serums are not the same, though they both provide benefits to the skin. Moisturizers are designed to hydrate and protect the skin’s barrier, while serums are formulated with a higher concentration of active ingredients to target specific skin concerns.

Q: Do I Need To Use Both a Moisturizer and a Serum?
A: Whether you need or want to use both types of products depends on your skin’s needs. And only you can really answer that question. If you don’t have dry skin, perhaps a serum alone will be enough to treat your skin. Generally, it’s a good idea to use a moisturizer daily. And then, you can add a serum to your routine as needed. And don’t be afraid to experiment a little and see how your skin responds.

Q: When Do I Need To Use Them?
A: Use your moisturizer daily. Then add a serum as needed to work best with your skin and environment.

Q: What ingredients should I Look For in A Serum?
A: Look for specific ingredients that are known for their hydrating, nourishing, and soothing qualities. Ingredients such as argan oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil and olive oil are great starting points. And don’t forget hyaluronic acid, which is your first stop for hydration. Look for it in your moisturizer as well as your serum.

Q: How Do I Know Which Serum Is Right For Me?
A: The right serum for you depends entirely on your own skin’s concerns. Things such as your age, whether you have or have had acne, sun damage, or hyperpigmentation. Any scarring and the environment you live in as well.

Q: Are there any Side Effects From Using a Serum?
A: This all depends on your skin. And you knowing your skin. I can actually recall feeling a burning or tingling sensation from one or two serums over the years – and you know what? I just washed them off at that point. And eventually stopped using those products. If you experience anything more extreme, wash the serum off immediately and stop using it. Seek medical advice if you have any concerns.

Q: Can I Use One Without the Other?
A: You can use a serum without a moisturizer. And if you have naturally hydrated skin, this may be all you need. If you are drier, it’s probably best to use both. But it’s important to note that your moisturizer will provide your skin with essential hydration and protection. And your serum can hone in and target your own specific skin concerns on top of providing extra hydration.

Q: Can I Just Use A Serum?
A: It’s best for your skin to use both a serum and a moisturizer. And while a serum can go a long way to help provide your skin with very targeted ingredients, your moisturizer will lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated and supple.
Having said that, every single skin type is different. So you can experiment with only using a serum if you like. And see how your skin health responds. Because in the end, that’s what this is all about, right? Looking after the health of your skin.

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Resources

Harvard Health Publishing

Lab Muffin Beauty Science

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Featured Image by by Miska Sage

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