Serum Vs Moisturizer: Which One Do You Need In Your Skincare? (2024)

Serum Vs Moisturizer: Which One Do You Need In Your Skincare?

  • By Srishty Singh

Wondering whether to spring for a serum or a moisturizer in your skincare? Get them both, we say. Serums and moisturizers are skincare staples that serve different purposes in one’s regime – you can’t pit one against the other!

For those unaware, a face serum carries a heavy concentration of an active ingredient (like Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide and more). Due to its thin consistency and stronger active concentration, it travels deep into the skin to treat a specific concern – ranging from dullness to dehydration to pigmentation. A moisturizer, on the other hand, creates a protective seal for the water content and the active ingredient in question.

Ahead, we delve deeper into the many benefits of serums and moisturizers. We also help you pick the best products for an infallible skincare routine.

What Is A Face Serum?

As discussed, a face serum targets and addresses a specific skin concern. Due to the lower molecular weight of the active ingredient infused in the formulation, it travels deep into the skin for swift results. So, whether you’re struggling with acne or extreme dryness, a concern-led serum can help restore your skin to its former glory.

A serum is integral for your short and long-term skincare goals. If you wish to transform your skin with a no-frills, daily AM/PM regimen, take a look at the best face serums.

1. Niacinamide Serum by Foxtale

Active Ingredients: Niacinamide

Skin Types: All

Niacinamide is a skincare workhorse with a myriad of benefits. It is the holy grail of brightening that fights pigmentation and dark spots – by reducing the concentration of melanin. This ideal serum for open pores regulates sebum production for a balanced, healthy microbiome.

More Reasons To Love Foxtale’s Niacinamide Serum

1. Foxtale’s innovative formulation bestows a gorgeous, matte finish to the skin. Use it to create the perfect base for your glam look.

2. Star Ingredient Niacinamide helps uphold the lipid barrier that serves as the first line of defence for your body. A sturdy barrier also prevents TEWL for your skin’s soft, radiant appearance.

3. Foxtale’s Hydrating Serum

Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid

Skin Type: Dry, Normal

If you grapple with dry, flaky skin, Foxtale’s Hydrating Serum should be on your wishlist. It features 6 Hydration Boosters that replenish your skin’s moisture reservoir on application. Use it in your morning/nighttime routine for 75% plumper skin.

More Reasons To Love Our Hydrating Serum

1. The serum ensures 24-hour-long, multi-level moisturization for your skin.

2. Regular use of the Hydrating Serum helps soften fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet, restoring your skin’s youthful appearance.

3. Our Hyaluronic Acid serum also reduces episodes of inflammation, redness, and rashes within 10 minutes of application. It is a must-have for people with dry skin with underlying sensitivities.

3. AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum

Active Ingredients: Salicylic and Glycolic Acids

Skin Types: Oily, Combination

Clogged pores, excessive buildup, acne or small bumps – Foxtale’s AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum fights them all. Infused with meticulous yet gentle exfoliants Salicylic and Glycolic Acids, the serum sloughs off dead cells, debris, and excess sebum for a clean, bright surface. The best part? It doesn’t dry out the skin, not even in the slightest.

More Reasons To Love Our AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum

1. Hyaluronic Acid in the serum deeply hydrates the skin for its soft, radiant appearance.

2. Niacinamide in this AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum reduces redness, inflammation and rashes, owing to its anti-inflammatory properties.

3. This exfoliating serum also fades dark spots and pigmentation with time.

4. Rapid Spot Reduction Drops

Active Ingredients: Tranexamic Acid, Niacinamide & Oligopeptides

Skin Types: All

To combat dark spots, patches, and pigmentation, try Foxtale’s Rapid Spot Production Spots. The milky formula targets localized discolouration to ensure an even tone complexion. Moreover, the duo of Niacinamide and Oligopeptides adds a brightening effect.

More Reasons To Love Our Rapid Spot Reduction Drops

1. The serum boasts Hyaluronic Acid for deep hydration.

2. Sqaulane in the serum shields the skin against free radicals and aggressors.

What Is A Moisturizer?

.A regular moisturizer boasts three components: Occulsives, Emollients, and Humectants.

Together, these three prevent your skin from getting dry and dehydrated. But that’s not all! Here are some other benefits of a moisturizer.

1. A potent moisturizer ensures a soothing effect for the skin, reducing episodes of inflammation and redness.

2. It reinforces the lipid barrier, indispensable to the overall health of your skin.

3. Regular moisturisation prevents early signs of skin ageing like fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet.

Best Moisturizer For Your Skin Type

Regardless of the skin type, moisturizer is a non-negotiable in every skincare routine. Here are some Foxtale Favourites that you must bag STAT.

For Dry Skin Try The Hydrating Moisturizer with Ceramides

This rich moisturizer carries Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymers and Olive Oil for multilevel hydration of your skin. It combats dryness and uneven skin texture while upholding the lipid barrier. Additionally, Ceramides and Vitamin E in the formula forms a protective barrier on the skin, shielding it from aggressors and free radicals.

For Oily or Combination Skin, Try Foxtale’s Oil Free Moisturizer

Infused with Hyaluronic Acid, Red and Blue-Green algae Extracts, this lightweight moisturizer deeply hydrates the skin. It prevents clogged pores, blackheads, and acne bumps with regular use.

For Sensitive Skin Try The Skin Repair Cream

Skin sensitivity often goes hand-in-hand with an impaired barrier. If you experience out-of-the-blue inflammation, redness or irritation – we recommend Foxtale’s Skin Repair Cream for your vanity. It contains Olive Leaf Extracts and ProVitamin B5 that ensure prolonged moisturisation for the dermis.

Verdict: Moisturizers and serums are both essential to an infallible skincare routine. Period. A serum (based on the active ingredient) targets and addresses a specific concern. You can turn to Hyaluronic Acid for hydration, AHAs BHAs for acne, Niacinamide for oil control, Retinol for age reversing and so forth. On the other hand, a moisturizer plays a pivotal role in locking hydration and treatment into the skin. Regular use of a potent moisturizer softens ageing lines, alleviates inflammation, and ensures your skin’s soft, supple appearance.

Your morning/nighttime skincare routine should start with gentle cleansing. Follow it with a serum and your favorite moisturizer. For sun protection, use a dewy or mattifying sunscreen based on your skin type.

Serum Vs Moisturizer: Which One Do You Need In Your Skincare? (2024)

FAQs

Serum Vs Moisturizer: Which One Do You Need In Your Skincare? ›

This can be a double-edged sword: If you're looking for strong effects, you should be relying on your serum, but if you're looking for continuous hydration, that's your moisturizer's job. If your skin is oily, a serum may give you enough hydration and eliminate the need for a moisturizer.

Which is more important, serum or moisturizer? ›

While serums are used to address specific skin concerns, moisturizers are used to hydrate and protect the skin from environmental damage. Both products can improve overall skin health and should be incorporated into your skincare routine.

Do I need both serum and moisturizer? ›

Yes! Your skin can benefit from both serum and moisturizer, and it's recommended to use both of these products.

Is it necessary to apply moisturizer after serum? ›

Serums typically have more lightweight formulas; however, moisturizers create a protective barrier over the outermost layer of the skin to lock in moisture. As such, a serum should always be applied before a moisturizer, as this maximizes the contact it has with the skin, helping to achieve the desired effect.

What goes first in skincare routine moisturizer or serum? ›

Applying serum before your moisturizers and oils ensure that your skin gets the maximum benefit from its active ingredients. Serums are typically filled with antioxidants and other beneficial compounds, so applying them directly onto clean skin will help them penetrate faster and more effectively.

Are serums really necessary? ›

“However, while serums are projected as a must-have, they're not an absolute essential for everyone,” she says. Serums are potent, targeted formulas to address specific skin concerns and needs. Even then, your skin type takes top priority when deciding whether you should use one or not.

Should I use face serum every day? ›

Typically, it is okay (and recommended) to use face serum daily. Depending on the type of serum, you may want to use a retinol serum only a couple of times a week to avoid irritation, while something like a vitamin C or hyaluronic acid serum is recommended for daily use.

What are the disadvantages of face serum? ›

Face serums can be more expensive than other skincare products. 2. People with sensitive skin may face irritation, redness or breakouts if the serum's formulation doesn't suit them. Therefore, you should always do a patch test first, to see if your skin is reacting adversely to any of the ingredients.

Can I mix my serum with my moisturiser? ›

Well, the quick answer is yes, you can mix serums with moisturisers. For this, you should follow the same guidelines as when you mix two serums together. Mix a couple of drops of serum in the palm of your hand with the moisturiser of your choice. Then just apply it to your face.

Can I skip moisturizer and use serum? ›

So, serum can be applied alone without any moisturizer as they alone have hydrating properties which are enough for the skin. While a moisturizer can help you to build an extra layer that will reduce the invasion of harmful environmental material and also reduce dryness,s, especially during cold weather.

How long should you wait between serum and moisturizer? ›

There is no wait time required between applying your serum and moisturizer. You can even choose to mix them together in the palm of your hand before applying. (Exception: a daytime moisturizer with sunscreen shouldn't be mixed into other formulas since doing so could hinder the level of protection).

Can I use serum instead of moisturizer? ›

Ultimately, face serum and moisturizer are both necessary for a holistic skin care routine and to ensure that your skin doesn't dry out during the day. Face serum can't replace moisturizer, and moisturizer doesn't give your skin the extra vitamins and nutrients it needs to succeed and look great for years to come.

What are the 7 steps of skincare? ›

  • Step 1: Cleanse! Keeping your skin healthy and glowing starts with clean skin. ...
  • Step 2: Don't touch your face. ...
  • Step 3: Skin type specifics. ...
  • Step 4: Moisturize! ...
  • Step 5: Really, don't touch your face. ...
  • Step 6: Toners and serums. ...
  • Step 7: Monitor skin health.

What is the first rule of skincare? ›

Rule 1: Determine your skin type

To do so, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and don't apply any of your other skincare products. Wait a while after washing and examine your natural skin texture and tone closely. If you look in the mirror and see that your skin is shiny, you have oily skin.

What is the right age to use serum? ›

The right age to start using a face serum can vary based on individual skin type and concerns. However, many dermatologists recommend introducing a serum into your skincare routine in your mid-20s. This is the time when the first signs of ageing, such as fine lines or dullness, may start to appear.

Do I need a serum or moisturizer at night? ›

It is more important to figure out what your issue is. If you have a specific skin condition, a serum will be the perfect solution. However, if you want to have a regular skincare routine to restore its healthy glow, you must consider applying a night cream before going to bed.

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