Can I skip moisturizer and use serum alone? I’m a minimalist. On the subject of skincare, I really suppose that much less is extra, so in fact I’d ask this query. Like, why pay twice for the same moisturizer just because one jar is labelled “face” and the other “eye”? Insane. I believed serums had been like that. Tremendous light-weight moisturizers. Why trouble?
Then, I gave them a go and was blown away. Seems, serums are the workhorses of skincare. They’re full of actives that lighten your pores and skin, struggle your wrinkles, and provide you with a dewy glow. Moisturizers have all these goodies, too. However, they’re barely sprinkled in there. Which means they work far more slowly.
So, little scrooge me began to suppose, “Possibly I ought to ditch my moisturizer as a substitute? Use simply the serum and get the identical outcomes twice quicker? And avoid wasting cash too so I can purchase myself a brand new Kate Spade pockets?” Seems, that’s a foul concept, too. For most individuals anyway. Right here’s the complete reply on whether or not you may skip moisturizer and use serum alone:
What’s The Distinction Between A Serum And A Moisturizer?
Right here’s what folks get fallacious about serums vs moisturisers. They suppose moisturiser is simply the “hydrating” step and serum is the “remedy” step and that’s the top of the story. Nope. That’s like saying espresso and oat milk do the identical factor as a result of they’re each in your latte. They’re each a part of your routine, however they’ve obtained completely totally different jobs.
Let’s begin with the serum. That is the overachiever. The one with the next focus of actives. Vitamin C to brighten, retinol to clean, niacinamide to shrink your pores, peptides to agency, hyaluronic acid to hydrate… it’s all packed in there. And it’s made to go deep. That’s why the feel’s so skinny and watery. It’s designed to sink into your pores and skin quick and get straight to work.
Moisturiser is the good friend who reveals up with snacks after your huge breakdown. It doesn’t must be flashy. It simply must seal in the good things and cease your pores and skin from dropping all of it ten minutes later. That’s why good moisturisers have a mixture of:
- Humectants: pull water into the pores and skin to hydrate it
- Emollients: make your pores and skin gentle and versatile
- Occlusives: lock all of it down so the moisture doesn’t vanish into skinny air
No, moisturisers don’t all the time comprise tons of actives. However that’s not their job. Their job is to ensure your face doesn’t dry out, flake off, or scream at you when the heater’s on full blast. Even once they comprise a bit Vitamin C or a splash or retinol, it’s most likely simply there for advertising. You’re not getting main outcomes from it. Just a bit enhance.
Who Can’t Use Serum Alone?
There’s a cause why serums are full of actives. They’re designed to focus on one particular pores and skin concern, like wrinkles or darkish spots. Moisturizers are totally different. They’re meant to enhance your pores and skin’s moisture ranges and strengthens its pure protecting barrier.
Right here’s the deal: your pores and skin has a defend that retains water in and germs out. However chilly climate, sizzling water, UV rays, and harsh skincare merchandise can injury it, leaving tiny holes throughout it. Moisture will get out. Germs get in. Your pores and skin will get all dry, flaky and irritated.
Enter moisturizers. They patch up the pores and skin’s protecting barrier so moisture stays firmly in and germs firmly out. Serums can’t do that. They typically don’t have ceramides, fatty acids, and all the opposite stuff that helps moisturizers strengthen your pores and skin’s defend.
Yep, some serums ARE hydrating. However, as a rule, they’ll solely draw water into your pores and skin. They will’t seal it in. You want a moisturizer for that, particularly in case your pores and skin is dry or delicate. Additionally price noting: some lively components in serums (like retinol or acids) can weaken your pores and skin barrier if used too typically or with out backup. So when you’re utilizing these with no moisturizer, you’re mainly turning your face right into a flaky science experiment.
Verdict: Serum is your problem-solver. Moisturiser is your security internet. You possibly can’t swap one for the opposite. And except your pores and skin is of course oily and completely balanced, you most likely want each. Even when you don’t really feel dry. Even when it’s summer season. Even when your serum says “hydrating” on the label.
Associated: Dry Skin? Here’s What Your Moisturizer Should Contain
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Who Can Use Serum Alone – With out Moisturizer?
What in case your pores and skin’s robust sufficient by itself? When you have regular or oily pores and skin, chances are high your pores and skin’s protecting barrier is completely intact. It may well maintain water in and germs out by itself. So, do you continue to want a moisturizer? Solely your pores and skin can reply that.
I’ve dry cheeks and, if I skip a moisturizer there, my pores and skin will let me comprehend it’s not blissful. It feels tight. Uncomfortable. If I don’t repair it quick, it might even begin to flake. At evening, moisturizer is a should. I take advantage of retinol and glycolic acid, two anti-aging superstars that may be drying. My pores and skin wants the additional moisture to place up with them. However, within the morning on my oily t-zone? Properly, there are days in summer season once I can get away with skipping moisturizer there. My pores and skin doesn’t really feel any worse for it.
Additionally, some moisturizers are simply… unhealthy. Should you’re utilizing a heavy, greasy cream that clogs your pores, no marvel you’re tempted to skip it. That’s not an indication to ditch moisturizers altogether. That’s an indication to get one that really matches your pores and skin kind. Gentle gel-based moisturizers, for instance, are good for shiny pores and skin as a result of they hydrate with out suffocating your face.
Verdict: So, experiment. In case your pores and skin’s pleased with serum alone, you may skip moisturizer. However solely a fortunate few with regular and tremendous oily pores and skin can get away with this, in my expertise. So, don’t be too disillusioned in case your pores and skin wants each.
Associated: How To Care For Oily Skin
What If You Use A Moisturizing Serum?
Some serums are loaded with humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin, and types will market them as “hydrating sufficient on their very own.” However right here’s the trick: humectants pull water into your pores and skin, not seal it in. So except you reside in a spot with 99% humidity or your pores and skin’ is tremendous oily’s barrier is completely intact, that moisture will simply evaporate into the air with no barrier on high. Moisturizing serum = useful. Moisturizing serum + moisturizer = gold commonplace.
Can You Use Serum Over Moisturizer As an alternative?
Nope. I do know somebody on TikTok most likely mentioned it’s the “new hack,” however serums go on earlier than moisturizer for a cause. They’re thinner, designed to sink deep into the pores and skin and ship these lively components proper to the supply. Moisturizers are thicker and sit on high to lock every little thing in. Flip the order, and your serum can’t do its job. It’s like making an attempt to water a plant via a plastic bag.
The Backside Line
Though they often share the identical components, serums and moisturizers aren’t the identical factor. Serums goal particular pores and skin considerations, whereas moisturizers strengthens your pores and skin’s protecting barrier. Until your pores and skin is oily or in good situation, it wants each.
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About Gio
Hello, I am Gio. I am a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is pores and skin coach and author on a mission that can assist you obtain your greatest pores and skin day ever – day by day. I bust skincare myths and debunk advertising jargon that can assist you work out what’s well worth the splurge and what’s greatest left on the shelf – utilizing science, not hype. I additionally supply skincare consultations that can assist you create the perfect skincare routine to your distinctive wants.
