Serum vs. Moisturizer and Why You Need Both

At first glance, the nourishing properties of moisturizers and serums can seem interchangeable. They both provide moisture, they both help to soften and smooth the skin, and they both soothe irritations. All of these are true and excellent reasons to use either of these products, but that’s not all they do! By limiting yourself to only using a moisturizer or a serum, you’re missing out on vital hydration and protection for your skin’s health.

Based on the essential ingredients in your serum, they can offer incredible benefits to your skin. There are anti-aging serums, brightening serums, and even serums specifically formulated with retinol or collagen. By leaving out many of the heavier ingredients that are found in traditional moisturizers, serums contain a much higher proportional concentration of active ingredients which in turn will allow for deeper penetration. Due to their ability to work further down, they can help eliminate the appearance of wrinkles and enable skin to better hold on to hydration. This ability helps prevent dryness and increases the supple feel of your skin, contributing to an all-over more youthful complexion.

All the benefits of serums doesn’t mean that moisturizers are now obsolete. There are several important properties to moisturizers that serums just can’t provide. Because serums settle deep down into pores, they don’t provide as much protection to the surface of your skin. That’s where moisturizers come in. Moisturizers don’t just boost the plumpness and hydration of your skin--they also provide a shield to prevent damage to those top layers where deterioration is most visible. The best sunscreens settle on the top of the skin, keeping it from the sun’s harsh rays, and moisturizers should contain at least SPF 30. These properties not only protect from UVA and UVB rays, but the harsh effects of the environment and free radicals that break down sensitive skin.

Without the protection and nourishment of moisturizers on the top layers of skin, serums have to work double to repair and strengthen skin from underneath. And moisturizers can only do so much to rebuild while sitting on top. With a specific serum and moisturizer set for all of your individual skincare needs, you can focus on enjoying your beautiful skin and not worry about missing anything essential. This duo works in harmony to rejuvenate while keeping you from further damage--all while keeping your skin looking and feeling its very best.