What is a serum and how do you apply it?

How to choose the right serum

Before learning how to apply serum on your face, you’ll need to choose the most appropriate formula containing active compounds for your skin type and concerns. 

Skin type considerations

Combination skin blends two or more different skin types, often presenting as an oily T-zone and dry patches on the cheeks. Whether you have oily, combo, or dry skin, Génifique Ultimate Dual Repair Serum is a perfect fit for every skin type. Its gentle formula includes a blend of beta glucan-cm along with pre- and probiotic derived extracts and hydrating hyaluronic acid to strengthen and restore the skin barrier.  

Specific skin concerns

For wrinkles, dehydrated or dry skin, choose anti-ageing formulas like that plump up skin with hyaluronic acid for a more youthful appearance.  

For dark spots, vitamin C serums like Rénergie H.C.F Triple Serum will be your best friend, as they’re designed to brighten and reduce hyperpigmentation to bring out your natural glow.  

When to use face serum 

It’s easy to incorporate a serum into your regular skincare routine; many serums, like our Advanced Génifique Serum, are best used morning and night.  

However, you might still be wanting to know how to use serum to maximise results. It’s best to use a serum after cleanser and toner. Try our Crème Mousse-Confort, a rich mousse cleanser which softens while it cleanses, leaving skin with a clean and comfortable feel. Follow with our refreshing Tonique Confort toner, offering an extra boost of post-cleanse hydration. After cleansing and toning, apply your moisturiser (which will help to create a protective barrier and lock in the serum), face oil, eye cream or spot treatment. 

It’s a common misconception that if you have oily skin you don’t need a serum. The good news is that our Génifique Ultimate Dual Repair Serum offers benefits to every skin type, whether you have dry, oily, normal or combination skin! 

Tips for maximising serum benefits

Make your serums work a little harder with these tips to maximise their benefits.  

Exfoliate skin

Get into an exfoliating routine to get rid of the dead skin cells that could block your serums from penetrating the skin effectively. Aim to exfoliate two or three times per week for best results. 

Pat, don´t rub

Rubbing your serum in can waste precious product. Maximise your application by gently patting serum into your skin, using a smooth, gentle upward motion. This helps with product penetration for better results. 

Be consistent with your application

Results take time, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t see a glowing complexion overnight. Be consistent with your skincare routine to give time for the serum to work.  

Common mistakes to avoid

We’re all guilty of overdoing it with the serums, so here are a few mistakes to stay away from.

Overuse 

Stick to a pea-sized amount or single dropper of serum. Any more than this is just wasting the product, as serums are designed to be very potent – a little goes a long way.  

Incorrect application order

Serum should usually go on bare, clean skin. If you apply a thick moisturiser first, it will block the serum from penetrating your skin effectively. 

Incompatible products

While you can sometimes layer serums, some ingredients can cause irritation when combined. For example, mixing vitamin C with AHA/BHA acids is a recipe for irritation. Instead of layering, use clever multitaskers like Rénergie H.C.F Triple Serum that combine multiple active ingredients in one serum.  

Supercharge your serum

One of the most rewarding steps in any skincare routine, serums give visible results with very little effort. With consistent application and formulas that best fit your needs, you’ll see the difference. To find out more about the face serums we offer, why not take a look at our range of serums and find the perfect serum for you?