8 bottles of skincare serums sitting upon a bottle green round marble trays
Beauty

How And Why To Layer Serums

April 20, 2022 /

Back in 2018, I wrote a blog post called “Why Serums Should be a Skincare Staple”. Since then, my love for serums has grown even more so, and I am still very happy with the results I achieve from them. Last month I talked about the “I’m From” Rice Serum, and I briefly touched on serum layering, which is what I want to focus on with you today. Please bear in mind that I am not a skincare expert, these routines are simply what I have found work for me, and I like to share what I am loving in case it can help you too. So let’s see what serum layering is all about.

What Is Serum Layering?

 

Serum layering is exactly what it sounds like – one layer of serum on the skin, followed by another layer of serum. Of course, it has to be done with a bit more proficiency than throwing them all on your face at once!

The general rule for serum layering is to apply them from the thinnest to the thickest. However, another rule to keep in mind, that may contradict the first, is that you definitely want your active ingredient serum to be layered first. For example, Vitamin C serum is best applied directly after toning, followed by a hydrating serum. The reason for the active ingredient to be layered first is that you want it to reach the skin without having to fight its way through another serum. In this example, Vitamin C is the active ingredient and should be applied first.

An important exception to serum layering is retinol – it rarely plays well with other serums, so shouldn’t be layered with very much. I don’t have very much personal experience with retinol at the moment, so I can’t say what is safe to layer with it, and I suggest a google search if you want to know more. I do want to try more retinol soon, so watch this space!

Serums usually take around 30 to 60 seconds to fully absorb into the skin, so two serums shouldn’t add too much more time to your routine. Two serums are what is working for me right now, however, some people layer more than two. I would suggest adding new serums gradually to your routine, as too many active ingredients could overstimulate your skin and cause reactions. Find out what your skincare concerns are – is your skin dehydrated, dull, acne-prone, sagging, pigmentation or lines and wrinkles? Some serums target more than one skincare concern, so you may only need one serum for multiple skin concerns. For example, Hyaluronic Acid is an ingredient that is found in many other serums too, so you may not need a serum that is solely Hyaluronic Acid.

 

A collage of two photos, one is a skincare serum dropper with a big drop of serum landing in a pool of serum. The other photo is also a serum dropper sitting in a pool of serum

 

Is Serum Layering Necessary?

 

No, not at all! For me, it is just one of those things I like to do in my skincare routine, it’s a little bit of extra pampering that I enjoy. I think your skin is already winning if you use one serum!

If you do want to go ahead with serum layering I suggest you take it slow and monitor your skin for any reactions.

 

A photo of a skincare serum dropper with a drop of serum landing in a pool of serum

 

How I Layer My Serums

 

Currently, I am using a few serum combinations, as I tend to use different combos for my morning routine and my evening routine. You don’t have to use multiple serum combinations, but I get sent some from brands that need to be tested, and I don’t want to give up my good old favourites too.

My morning routine – after cleansing and toning I use Ole Henriksen Vitamin C Truth serum OR Jumiso All day Vitamin Brightening & Balancing serum. This is followed by either “I’m From” Pear Serum OR By Wishtrend Hydra Enriched Ampoule. All of these serums are thin so I make sure and apply the active ingredient serum first.

 

four skincare serums layin gon a bottle green marble round tray aurrounded by flowers

 

My evening routine – again, after cleansing and toning I use either Vegreen Cica serum OR Jumiso Super Soothing Cica & Aloe serum, followed by “I’m From” Rice Serum OR Essano Collagen Boost Serum. I still work with the thinnest serum first here even though the active ingredient is being layered secondly – this is because the active ingredient serums are both quite thick, and also because I like the boost of hydration after double-cleansing.

I always finish with a moisturiser to lock all that goodness in.

In the mornings, I follow up with sunscreen.

 

four skincare serums laying down in a round bottle green marble tray surrounded by flowers

 

Shop My Serums

 

Ole Henriksen Vitamin C Truth Serum –  AU UK USA

Jumiso All Day Vitamin Brightening & Balancing Serum – International shipping

I’m From Pear Serum – International shipping

By Wishtrend Hydra Enriched Ampoule – International shipping

Vegreen Cica Serum – International shipping

Jumiso Super Soothing Cica & Aloe Serum – International shipping

I’m From Rice Serum – International shipping

Essano Collagen Boost Serum – AU   Check here for International stockists in your area

Please feel free to use my discount codes at:

 

Do you use serums, and if so do you layer them? I would love to know, let me know in the comments.

 

*This post contains affiliate links. I get a small commission for any purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you.

** Some serums here have been sent out as PR samples.

 

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