You see, most people make mistakes when using serums — and as a dermatologist, the number of times I see these common skincare mistakes is somewhat alarming. Serums are lightweight, fast-acting liquids that are packed with nutrients to address specific concerns like fine lines, dark spots or lack of radiance. But to get the most out of them, there are a few mistakes to avoid.
So these are the mistakes you should never make with your serums, as shared by Dr. Rupika Singh, MBBS, MD, dermatologist and founder of Akia Aesthetics.
Serum should not be applied on damp skin: A common misconception is that serums can be applied to damp skin to help with absorption. But this can reduce the quality of the serum and make it less active. Serums should be applied to clean, dry skin so they can penetrate your skin and do their job properly.
Layers of incompatible serums: Just like humans, some ingredients pair great with others, and sometimes oils or serums can layer in such a way that they counteract one another. For example, vitamin C serums and retinol-based serums can negate the efficacy of both when used together. Be sure to research serum compatibility or consult a professional for optimal results without any negative side effects.
Not following product instructions: The second issue is that each serum comes with a specific application, frequency of use and order investment and if you disregard the step-by-step guidelines you will not see the results you expect. Failure to do so can lead to irritation, no effect or side effects. Please always remember to read and follow the product instructions.
Not using sunscreen: Many powerful serums make the skin more sensitive to the sun, especially serums containing retinoids or exfoliating acids. Not applying sunscreen after using these serums can lead to sunburn, dark spots, freckles, and skin aging. Active serums may require sunscreen!
Being impatient: Serums are formulated to work slowly into your skin, penetrating deep into the layers. This will prevent you from expecting instant results and giving up on the product before you see significant results. Be patient and persistent, it may take weeks or even months before you see improvements, but most of them are not overnight miracles.
Using too much serum: Don’t use serums as skin saviors – they are often highly concentrated and using multiple serums will irritate the skin, and cause clogged pores and other bad skin reactions. Instead, use one or two serums addressing your specific concerns, and change them as needed.
Serums are part of a larger skincare routine, so while your serum is important, it is not the only step to your anti-aging problems. If you don’t follow these previous steps or you only do a few of them, the serum will not work or will not work at 100% of its potential. A complete routine is essential for healthy skin.
You can make sure they work well together, they all work, and at the same time, you can get all the benefits like healthy youthful skin without any of the disadvantages of mistakes! So basically, consistent gentle exfoliation and following the appropriate steps in your skincare routine can help you get glowing and healthy skin.
