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f you’ve ever stood in front of your mirror, bottle of serum in hand, wondering if you’re doing it “right,” you’re not alone. It might seem like a small step in your skincare routine, but how you apply your serum can make a huge difference in how well it works — and how your skin looks and feels afterward.
Serums are like little skin superheroes: packed with powerful ingredients that target specific concerns, like dryness, fine lines, dullness, or redness. They’re designed to deliver a high concentration of actives deep into the skin — way more efficiently than your moisturizer alone. But to really get the most out of them, it’s not just about what serum you use; it’s about how you use it.
Let’s dive into how you can turn applying serum into a simple, soothing ritual that leaves your skin glowing — and feeling totally loved.
Step One: Start with a Clean, Fresh Face
First things first — your skin needs to be clean and prepped. Start by cleansing to remove dirt, oil, and anything else sitting on the surface. Think of this like wiping down or priming a canvas before you start painting: clean skin = better absorption.
After cleansing, a quick swipe of toner can help balance your skin’s pH and prep it to soak up everything that’s coming next. Some toners also leave your skin slightly damp, which is perfect because…
Pro tip: Serums actually absorb better when your skin is a little damp, not completely dry. It’s like how a sponge soaks up water better when it’s already a bit wet.
Step Two: Less Is More
When it comes to serums, you don’t need much. Usually, two to three drops are plenty — just enough to cover your face without overdoing it. It’s tempting to slather it on (especially when it smells amazing or feels luxurious), but piling it on can actually overwhelm your skin and waste product.
So, drop a couple of precious drops into the palm of your hand and get ready for the magic.
Step Three: Apply Gently, Like You’re Handling Silk
Warm the serum gently between your fingertips for a second. It feels so nice and helps the product glide on even smoother.
Then, lightly press the serum into your skin using your fingertips. Think tapping, patting, gentle pressing motions — almost like you’re giving your face tiny hugs. Start from the center of your face and move outward: across the cheeks, up to the forehead, around the nose, down the chin.
Avoid rubbing or tugging at your skin. It’s not a race — you want to work with your skin, not against it. Pressing helps encourage absorption without irritating or pulling at delicate areas, especially around your eyes.
Step Four: If You’re Layering, Follow the Rules
Got more than one serum you want to use? No problem. Just make sure you layer them the right way. The basic rule of thumb: apply products from thinnest to thickest texture.
- Water-like serums go first
- Thicker, oil-based serums come later
Give each layer a moment to absorb before moving onto the next. It doesn’t have to be a long wait — 30 seconds to a minute is usually enough.
Pro tip: If you’re using active ingredients like vitamin C and retinol, it’s best to use them at different times of the day (or even on different days). Vitamin C is great for mornings because it helps protect against sun damage, while retinol works best overnight when your skin is in repair mode.
Step Five: Watch Out for Common Mistakes
Even the best serums won’t perform their magic if a few key things are off. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Applying on dry skin: Damp skin helps the serum sink in better.
- Using too much product: Stick to a few drops — trust the process.
- Mixing clashing ingredients: Some actives, like retinol and vitamin C, can irritate your skin when used together unless specifically formulated to be mixed.
- Skipping SPF: If you’re using actives like vitamin C or retinol, sunscreen is non-negotiable during the day.
A few tweaks to your technique can really maximize your skincare results.
Turn It Into a Mini Spa Moment
You know how we just love to go on about how taking simple self-care moments for ourselves can do wonders for nourishing the mind, body and soul? Well, whether that’s taking a luxurious milk bath like we discussed in this post here, or even just applying serums- both are perfect excuses to just slow down for a minute. But lets face it, you may not always have time to indulge in a silky and delicious all-over milk bath, but you could totally turn applying your serums into a mini ritual:
When you apply your serum try to do so mindfully, notice how the cool serum droplets feel when they touch your skin – fresh, soothing, almost like tiny kisses. Then, feel the silky texture as it just melts and absorbs into the pores of your skin leaving it feeling soft and hydrated. Notice how your skin feels and how it looks plumper, healthier and more loved.
Even if you feel a bit silly at first just go with it and allow yourself to relax, these little moments are just so good for your skin and your mind.
You could even turn on your favorite playlist, light a candle, and just take your time. It’s skincare and it’s self-care and both are so important.
Final Thoughts: Your Skin Will Thank You
At the end of the day, applying serum isn’t just a step in your routine — it’s a chance to be kind to yourself. It’s a few minutes where you’re not rushing, not stressing, just taking care of the skin you live in every single day.
Treat it like a gift you give yourself, and you’ll not only see the difference — you’ll feel it too.
