5 Tips for How to Layer Serums in Your Skincare Routine
Lightweight, efficient, and packing a heavy punch, serums are the very example of big things coming in small packages. Each tiny vial contains a high concentration of workhorse ingredients that penetrate deep in the skin, delivering potent, skin-loving actives straight to its target—whether that’s signs of aging, dark spots and pigmentation, or uneven tone and texture. But while plenty of A-list ingredients can hit two (or more) birds with one stone, getting rid of all your skin woes and keeping your skin in fighting form isn’t always a one-serum job. The solution? Layering. But how exactly does it work, and how do you know if you’re using the right formulas for the task? Ahead, we list down our best tips on how to layer serums.
How to Layer Serums in You Skincare Routine
1. Incorporate Serums the Right Way
You may have the makings of a game-changing anti-aging potion in your hands, but you won’t be reaping your concoction’s benefits unless you know exactly when and how to apply it. To get the most from your routine, remember these tips:
- Apply serums after cleansing and toning and before moisturizers to help active ingredients penetrate deeply and more effectively.
- Wait at least two to three minutes before layering your second or third serum to give each product enough time to fully seep into your skin and prevent pilling or rubbing off.
- Introduce serums to your skincare routine slowly, and pay close attention to how your skin reacts.
2. Pay Attention to Your Pairings
Certain skincare ingredients work better together while some should never be allowed to touch your skin at the same time. Layering serums calls for ingredient synergy, choosing actives that enhance and support each other’s benefits while filling in the gaps and making sure all your bases are covered. Here are some of our favorite serum pairings:
Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol: A powerful hydrator and an anti-aging MVP combo is your best bet in delaying the most common signs of aging.
Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid: Let your skin bask in the best glow up with these daytime skincare staples that transform dull-looking skin, brighten dark spots, and deliver intense hydration.
Peptides and Retinol: Layering retinol with peptides helps reduce irritation and ensures your skin barrier isn’t compromised by heavy-hitting active ingredients.
Niacinamide and Retinol: Niacinamide is a multitasking vitamin with a long list of benefits, including soothing and nourishing retinol-treated skin.
Ceramides, Peptides, and Pre- and Probiotics: These ingredients are the absolute go-tos if you’re serious about strengthening your skin’s natural barrier and balancing its microbiome.
Hyaluronic Acid and AHAs/BHAs: Hyaluronic acid can nourish, soften, and rehydrate the skin after undergoing chemical exfoliation.
3. Consistency Matters
Are your serums watery and lightweight or do they tend to be heavier and oil-like? As a general rule, serums should be applied from thinnest to thickest consistency. Thin formulas are lighter and have a smaller particle size, which means they can penetrate the skin faster and deeper. By applying them first, you’re not hindering their efficacy and slowing down their absorption rate. If you’re layering serums with similar consistencies, start with the ingredient that addresses your most stubborn concerns.
4. Don't Go Overboard
Bombarding your skin with layers upon layers of potent actives is not only time consuming, it can also overwhelm your skin and reduce the chances of each ingredient being properly absorbed. Keep things simple and limit your serum products to no more than two or three.
5. Layering Serums Can Be Done During the Day or At Night
Ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are a must during your AM routine because they provide your skin with protection from environmental stressors and all-day hydration. Niacinamide, peptides, and ceramides, on the other hand, are best used twice daily (morning and night) to maximize their benefits. Retinol serums are recommended for nighttime use to avoid sun exposure and take advantage of the body’s natural repair process.
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FAQ
Which Ingredients to Avoid Mixing
On the other side of the equation, some ingredients that are great on their own don’t always end up being a match made in skincare heaven. These include:
Retinol and Vitamin C: These anti-aging heroes are best kept apart to avoid increasing the risk of irritation and sensitivity. Vitamin C works great during the day while retinoids are your skin’s perfect nighttime companion.
Retinol and AHAs/BHAs : Using potent chemical exfoliators on skin that’s already coping with another heavyweight ingredient like retinol can often lead to increased sensitivity, dryness, and irritation.
Vitamin C and AHAs/BHAs: Exfoliating acids can change the pH of vitamin C, making it less stable and significantly reducing its potency. Use vitamin C in the morning and acid-based treatments for your PM routine.
The Bottom Line
It’s safe to say that when it comes to skincare routines, serums are the main event. But even the biggest stars need a little bit of support to enhance their shine, which is why layering serums can be a crucial step in addressing several skin concerns and maintaining healthy and youthful-looking skin. Although it can seem intimidating at first, layering serums doesn’t have to be complicated as long as you do a little bit of homework and understand what ingredients and combinations work best, the right order of application, and how to layer serums efficiently and effectively.
Janeca Racho is a Journalism graduate with over 15 years of writing experience. After getting her start in public relations and advertising, she made the switch to freelance writing and began working for various lifestyle, fashion, and travel brands. Her love for all things skincare has led her to beauty reporting and research for the last ten years. Writing for several hair and beauty blogs, she reports on anti-aging staples, trending brands and products, must-have ingredients, and health and wellness.
