Should I use face serum every day?

What decides how often to use a serum?

Serums are light, concentrated liquids, and their effects depend on the active ingredients, formulation and stability. Some contain one main ingredient; others combine several. Read the directions for your particular serum rather than treating "serum" as a daily instruction. Serums typically come in small bottles with droppers, but the packaging is not a tiny contract for daily use.3

A serum is an extra, not a requirement for healthy skin. Cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection form a useful basic routine. Add a serum to address something specific, such as dark spots or signs of aging, rather than simply adding another bottle.34

How to start using a serum

1. 1Test before using it on your face. For an anti aging product, apply a small amount to your inner forearm twice daily for four to five days. Use it on your face only if the area remains free of redness, itching or other reactions.
2. 2Introduce one new anti aging product at a time. Starting several together can irritate your skin.
3. 3Cleanse, then apply the serum before moisturizer. A few drops typically cover the face, but follow your product's amount and frequency instructions.
4. 4Keep moisturizer and sun protection in the routine. A serum does not replace moisturizer; use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

Should I use serum in the morning or at night?

Vitamin C is a good morning option because it works alongside sunscreen to improve protection against sun damage. Apply it after cleansing and before moisturizer. Vitamin C can also be used overnight, but using it in the morning puts its protective role to work during the day. For other serums, use the time of day specified on the label.2

What if my skin is sensitive or I use a prescription?

Strong serum ingredients can irritate sensitive skin. Be cautious about combining acid containing products, vitamin C with a retinol cream, or a retinol serum with a prescription retinol cream. These combinations can cause irritation. For sensitive skin, start vitamin C at a low concentration of L ascorbic acid, a form of vitamin C, rather than choosing the strongest formula.23

Stop a nonprescription product that stings, burns or tingles. If a dermatologist prescribed the product, ask whether those sensations are expected before stopping it. A reaction can appear after repeated use, and an allergy can develop even after years without problems. Seek medical assessment for a recurring rash; cosmetic allergy can be investigated with patch testing.15

How long should I wait for results?

Most anti aging products take at least six weeks to work, and some take up to three months. Vitamin C takes about three months to show its effects. Using more than directed can cause clogged pores, blotchy skin or excessive dryness rather than faster progress. Continue an effective, tolerated product to maintain its benefits. If the results still fall short after following the directions and allowing enough time, a dermatologist can help you choose a more suitable approach.12