{"id":1233345,"date":"2025-12-24T02:18:28","date_gmt":"2025-12-23T23:18:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1233345"},"modified":"2025-12-24T02:18:28","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T23:18:28","slug":"at-what-age-you-should-use-face-serum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1233345","title":{"rendered":"At what age you should use face serum?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n
\n

Serum vs. Moisturizer: The Difference and How to Use Each<\/h1>\n
\n
\n
\n
By<\/span><\/p>\n
Jen Adkins<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\"Headshot\"Headshot<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nJen Adkins\n<\/div>\n
\n
    \n
  • <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
    \nJen Adkins is a beauty writer and licensed cosmetologist. Her biggest passion is sun protection and sun safety, and she loves to\u00a0educate readers on how to best take care of their skin.\u00a0She graduated cosmetology school in 1997, and holds a license to practice cosmetology in the state of Wisconsin.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    and<\/span><\/p>\n
    Michelle Rostamian<\/p>\n
    \n
    \n
    \n
    \"Michelle\"Michelle<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \nMichelle Rostamian\n<\/div>\n
    \nMichelle is a writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience in the beauty industry. Her work has appeared in publications including Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, The Zoe Report, W Magazine,\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    Updated on February 22, 2024 04:31PM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \n
    Reviewed by<\/span><\/p>\n
    Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD<\/p>\n
    \n
    \n
    \n
    \"Dr.\"Dr.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    Reviewed by<\/span>
    \nRachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD\n<\/div>\n
    \n
      \n
    • \n
    • <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
      \nRachel is a board-certified dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor at Mount Sinai Hospital Department of Dermatology. She has contributed to Byrdie, as well as Harpers Bazaar, Marie Claire, Allure, Vogue, and the New York Times, and more\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      \nAbout Byrdie’s Beauty & Wellness Board\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      Board-Certified Dermatologist<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      \n
      Fact checked by<\/span><\/p>\n
      Anna Harris<\/p>\n
      \n
      \n
      Fact checked by<\/span>
      \nAnna Harris\n<\/div>\n
      \nAnna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor.\u00a0\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      \nLEARN ABOUT BYRDIE’S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      \n
      \n
      \n
      \n
      \n
      In This Article<\/span><\/p>\n
      \n
      View All<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
      In This Article<\/span><\/div>\n
        \n
      • \n
        What Is Serum?<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
      • \n
        What Is Moisturizer?<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
      • \n
        Serum vs. Moisturizer<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
      • \n
        Can You Use Serum and Moisturizer Together?<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
      • \n
        How to Layer<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
      • \n
        When to Apply Serum<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
      • \n
        The Final Takeaway<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
      • \n
        Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
        \n
        \n
        \n
        \n
        \"collage\"collage<\/div>\n<\/div>
        <\/p>\n

        Tawni Bannister for Byrdie<\/p>\n

        <\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        \n

        Quick: What’s the difference between a serum and a moisturizer? If you’re a little stumped about the age-old serum vs. moisturizer question, don’t worry! First, this is not a pop quiz, and second, we’ve called in the pros to help us sort this out. Herewith, read all about serum vs. moisturizer: From how the skincare products are different, to what each of them does, and how they can be used together to amp up skin health. Keep reading to finally uncover how serums and moisturizers differ\u2014and to get pro tips on incorporating both into your skincare regime.\n<\/p>\n

        \n

        Meet the Experts<\/p>\n

        \n
          \n
        • Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama.<\/li>\n
        • Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Westport, Connecticut.<\/li>\n
        • Noelani Gonz\u00e1lez, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Bayam\u00f3n, Puerto Rico.<\/li>\n
        • Dr. Tiina Meder is a dermatologist based in London and the founder of Meder Beauty.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

          What Is Serum? <\/span><\/h2>\n

          “Serums are typically lightweight formulations that deliver potent concentrations of actives,” explains dermatologist Corey L. Hartman. “They are usually thin and absorbent, leaving little, if anything, remaining on the surface of the skin.”\n<\/p>\n

          Serums can take different forms. “Traditionally, the name serum was used to describe water-based skincare products,” explains London-based dermatologist Dr. Tiina Meder. “Sometimes, you can see oil-based serums, but it is not common.” Meder explains that serums can used for daily skincare, or as part of an active regime that targets specific needs such as acne, dryness, or age-related changes to the skin. Common types of serums include hyaluronic acid and vitamin c.\n<\/p>\n

          What Is Moisturizer? <\/span><\/h2>\n

          “Moisturizers use a thicker formula to create a physical barrier that locks in hydration and prevents skin from drying out,” says dermatologist Deann Mraz Robinson. “Additionally, they can enhance the functioning of the stratum corneum (the uppermost layer of skin that’s made up of fat and oil skin cells) to help retain moisture.” The key functionality of moisturizers is, naturally, to moisturize the skin, and thus they typically contain ingredients like the following:\n<\/p>\n

            \n
          • Hyaluronic acid<\/li>\n
          • Ceramides<\/li>\n
          • Organic oils such as macadamia, sweet almond, meadowfoam, borago, and enotera<\/li>\n
          • Vitamin E<\/li>\n
          • Carrageenan<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Some moisturizers have added anti-aging ingredients, so they do double duty for your skin. But to address a difficult skincare problem (think: sun damage), you may want to combine your moisturizer with a quality serum.\n<\/p>\n

            Serum vs. Moisturizer <\/span><\/h2>\n

            Serums are thinner in consistency and are intended to deliver potent active ingredients like vitamin C or hyaluronic acid, while moisturizers deliver moisture to the skin and support the skin barrier. <\/strong>“Serums are intended to penetrate deeply into the skin to deliver targeted active ingredients, whereas moisturizers help to fortify the surface of the skin, bind skin cells together more effectively, and work at the surface of the skin to increase hydration,” says Hartman.\n<\/p>\n

            Moisturizers also may have larger molecules than serums. This means that a moisturizer usually won’t penetrate the skin as deeply, or as quickly, as a serum will. This can be a double-edged sword: If you’re looking for strong effects, you should be relying on your serum, but if you’re looking for continuous hydration, that’s your moisturizer’s job.<\/p>\n

            \n

            Byrdie Tip<\/p>\n

            \n

            If your skin is oily, a serum may give you enough hydration and eliminate the need for a moisturizer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

            Can You Use Serums and Moisturizers Together? <\/span><\/h2>\n

            Dermatologist Noelani Gonz\u00e1lez says that layering a serum and a moisturizer “can be very helpful for those with very dry skin.” She explains: “The serum will help deliver any active ingredients, and the moisturizer will help lock in moisture in the skin, seal in the serum, and help potentiate its active ingredients.” That said, if you have acne-prone skin, it may be best to avoid an oil-based serum.\n<\/p>\n

            How to Layer Serums and Moisturizers <\/span><\/h2>\n

            When it comes to layering skincare products, order matters. “In general, skincare products are layered from thinnest to thickest with the thinnest products being applied to the skin first. If you think about the intended goals, it makes sense. Serums are intended to deliver active ingredients deep into the skin and the moisturizer forms a seal to make the serums more efficacious,” explains Hartman.\n<\/p>\n

            To effectively layer your serum and moisturizer, first rub the serum onto your face and neck. Then, wait 30 to 60 seconds before applying your moisturizer on top. “The reason for waiting is that you want the serum to settle in before you apply the moisturizer,” notes Gonz\u00e1lez.\n<\/p>\n

            When to Apply Serum <\/span><\/h2>\n

            While most serums and moisturizers are used both in the morning and evening, there are some serums or creams that should only be used at night depending on their ingredients.\n<\/p>\n

            According to Dr. Meder, any skincare based on active forms of retinol, including retinol itself, retinaldehyde, and retinoic acid, should only be used at night. “Retinol can be quickly excited by ultraviolet rays and transformed into harmful and less efficient substances,” she explains.<\/p>\n

            Be sure to read the instructions on the products you are using to find out which you should use in the morning and which you should use at night. And as always, consult with your dermatologist if you’re in any way unsure.”<\/p>\n

            The Final Takeaway <\/span><\/h2>\n

            If you have an issue with your skin that you’d like to improve, such as dark spots or early signs of aging, adding a targeted serum product to your daily skincare routine can help improve the appearance of your skin. And for those with dry skin, the right serum and moisturizer combo really may make all the difference.\n<\/p>\n

            \n
            FAQ<\/div>\n
              \n
            • \n
              At what age you should use face serum?<\/span><\/div>\n
              \n
              \n
              \n

              Most experts recommend introducing a face serum into your routine once you hit your early-to-mid 20s. This is because as we age, our skin becomes drier, and a serum can help replenish lost moisture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

            • \n
              What’s better, serum or toner?<\/span><\/div>\n
              \n
              \n
              \n

              Both do different things. While serums are meant to deliver actives to the skin, toners are meant to refresh the skin as well as balance the skin’s pH levels, which is typically done post-cleansing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

            • \n
              What are the disadvantages of face serum?<\/span><\/div>\n
              \n
              \n
              \n

              This depends on skin type. For instance, if you have extremely sensitive skin, you should be mindful of serums with strong actives (think: vitamin C) as they can cause slight irritation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

              \n
              \n
              Article Sources<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
              \n
              Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.<\/div>\n
              \n
                \n
              1. \n

                Cleveland Clinic. Skin care basics and types. Updated May 4, 2021.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

                \n
                \n
                Read more:<\/div>\n
                  \n
                • Skin<\/span><\/li>\n
                • Moisturizers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

                  Source URL: https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/facial-serum-vs-facial-moisturizer-whats-the-difference-3013077<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                  Serum vs. Moisturizer: The Difference and How to Use Each By Jen Adkins Jen Adkins Jen Adkins is a beauty writer and licensed cosmetologist. Her biggest passion is sun protection and sun safety, and she loves to\u00a0educate readers on how to best take care of their skin.\u00a0She graduated cosmetology school in 1997, and holds a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[83],"class_list":["post-1233345","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-byrdie-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1233345","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1233345"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1233345\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1233345"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1233345"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1233345"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}