What Comes First, Serum or Moisturizer? Learn From An Expert

By now, everyone understands that skincare is necessary. However, following the skincare routine in the right order is more important to get the effective results. 
 
When it comes to the beauty who doesn’t want a glowing skin like Kim Kardashian, we have all heard how beneficial it is to follow a right skincare routine to achieve that. But one also wonders the order of application of these products: should a serum be applied first on the face or a moisturizer? Many people believe that whatever works is all that matters. But it is very important to use everything in the correct order to achieve the effective results. One can understand this by taking the example that eating the right food at the right time is important to keep fit. Similarly, it is equally important to follow the correct order in a skincare regime when it comes to skin. 
 
Dr. Nivedita Dadu, Chairman and Founder of Dadu Medical Centre, states, "The one reason why people fail to benefit from their skincare routines is that they fail to understand the correct order of product application.” The thumb rule one should follow is to apply the lightweight products first and the heaviest in the end.  
 
To provide one with a clearer perspective and to solve all the queries related to it, the expert dermatologist has provided a step-by-step skincare routine in the order in which the products should be used. 

The Correct Steps in Which One Should Layer Out the Skincare products are as Follows:

1. Cleanser
The first step is to remove the makeup residue, excess oil, dust, and impurities. It’s very important to cleanse the skin first before using any other products. Use a cleanser that suits the skin type to remove the makeup, as clean skin is oil-free, which is necessary to absorb the ingredients properly. Follow the product-specific instructions given on the product or as recommended by your dermatologist. Ideally double cleansing is recommended to clean the skin properly. Some may advise applying the cleanser while on wet skin, and some suggest using it on dry skin depending on formulation of product and your skin type too. Rinse it well with water and tap dry your face with a clean towel.

 
2. Serums/Retinol/Spot treatments 
Serums are powerful ingredients that must be included in the skincare routine. Serums include concentrated nutrients, hydrators, antioxidants or other active ingredients like retinol, antiacne or anti pigmentation molecules that seep into the skin to provide deep nourishment or correct the skin concern that you want to get treated. Serums are the absolute thirst-quenchers for the skin and are instantly absorbed by the skin to improve its health from within due to their formulations. It is important to choose a serum wisely after knowing the concern and skin type, whether it’s for anti-ageing, moisturizing, brightening, or spot reduction. 

3. Eye Cream
To avoid dry skin around the eyes, many skin specialists advise using a hydrating cream that will reduce the risk of dryness around the eyes and eventually result in fewer wrinkles and fine lines. Those facing water retention problems and under-eye bags should use a caffeine-rich formula with a rollerball applicator. The doctor further explains, "If we compare the eye creams and face moisturizers, the eye creams are lighter and thinner as compared to the latter." Thus, before applying creams and oils, use the eye cream. The under-eye area is delicate compared to other skin cells on the face, so it is important to apply the eye cream very gently. Multiple serums can be used together depending on concern and skin type in combination under dermatologist’s recommendation or different serums of active molecules can be used on alternate nights as per the skin’s requirement. Certain serums can specifically be used at night while others can be used in morning too like vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid etc. It is advisable to consult your dermatologist for the right advice and to know under which conditions they are not recommended at all. 

4. Moisturizer
No matter which product one skips or uses, no skincare routine is complete without using a moisturizer. Applying moisturizer is critical because it not only hydrates the skin but also traps all of the products beneath the skin to provide one with great results. Using a moisturizer is an essential part. This step is bound to provide one with glowing skin. Some people believe that if they have oily skin, they shouldn’t be using a moisturizer, but the expert dermatologist has busted this myth. Dr. Nivedita Dadu, suggests that regardless of skin type, everyone should use moisturizer as it acts as a barrier against premature aging. 

5. Sunscreen- 
Every morning after your skincare routine you must use a sunscreen of SPF 40+ and PA rating +++. You can choose between chemical and physical sunscreen and right formulation as per your skin type. But it is advised you use sunscreen 365 days a year says, Dr. Nivedita Dadu. 

Dr. Nivedita Dadu, best doctor for skin treatment in Delhi concludes, "It’s completely fine if one goes for a basic CTM routine or for a 10-step skincare method, just taking care of the correct order of layering the products will make it more effective." One may skip whatever step one feels isn’t for one. Moreover, taking a beauty sleep, hydrating yourself well and eating healthier will also provide wonderful results and healthy skin. 

For skin-related concerns, one can visit Dadu Medical Centre, located at Rajouri Garden (West Delhi) & Paschim Vihar (West Delhi).