How to Use Night Cream and Serum?

Serum is applied before night cream. Always. Apply serum on clean skin, leave for 60 seconds, then apply night cream on top to seal it in.

The short answer is that it is. However, most people fail to achieve results when using both products properly, the correct amounts, the correct time, and the correct combinations. This guide will take you through it all.

Why Does The Order of Night Cream and Serum Matter?

Products are absorbed into the skin in order. Thin, water-based formulas get absorbed directly into the skin. Thick, cream-based formulas are more on the surface and create a semi-occlusive layer.

Apply night cream first, and your serum has no way through. The emollient base of the cream physically prevents the active ingredients of the serum (Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Alpha Arbutin) from penetrating the lower layers of the skin where they are needed. You're spending money on products that don't absorb.

The night cream does exactly what it says on the tin: it seals the serum in below and helps to minimise transepidermal water loss during the night while your skin repairs itself.

The Difference Between Night Serum And Night Cream:

These are two different products that have two different functions. One is not a substitute for the other.

How to Use Night Cream and Serum: Step-by-Step Routine

Step 1: Cleanse

Take off all make-up, sun cream, and oil thoroughly. The first step is blocked by residue that prevents the absorption of serum. Apply a mild face wash appropriate for your skin type (gel for oily skin, cream for dry skin).

Step 2: Tone (optional)

If you use toners, apply them. Pat in, don't rub. Wait 30 seconds before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Apply Serum

Use 2-3 drops of serum, no more. Gently pat skin on forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. Do not rub.

Your targeted actives will do their job here: Vitamin C to brighten, Niacinamide to work on pores and tone, Alpha Arbutin to work on dark spots, and Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate. Use 1 serum each night; using more than one serum will cause pilling and irritation.

Step 4: Wait for Serum Absorption Time

Wait 60 seconds minimum. If the formula is thicker (such as Retinol) or more active, wait 90 seconds. Before applying the next product, skin should be slightly sticky, but not wet. If you apply the night cream over the wet serum, it will dilute both.

Step 5: Apply Night Cream

Use 2-3 pea-sized amounts (one for each zone: forehead, cheeks, chin, and nose). Massage gently in slow circles for 45-60 seconds. Extend to the neck.

Now, night cream is the seal, which locks in the serum, prevents moisture loss, and provides its own repair ingredients to the skin barrier during the night.

Ingredient Combinations That Do And Do Not Work:

Safe combinations:

• Niacinamide serum and brightening night cream. No conflict; both work to repair the skin barrier.
• Hyaluronic Acid serum and any night cream. Hyaluronic Acid can be used with anything!
• Alpha Arbutin serum and Vitamin E night cream act together to combat dark spots and oxidative damage.

Apply every other night:

• Vitamin C serum + Retinol night cream are both powerful actives, and when combined, can cause redness and sensitivity in most skin types. Alternate Vitamin C one day and Retinol the next.
• AHA/BHA exfoliant serum + Retinol night cream: over-exfoliation, barrier damage. Alternate nights only

Wondering how to layer skincare products with active ingredients? Only use one product with active ingredients per night.

The Skin Care Layering Order At Night:

Layering by Skin Type:

Oily skin: Use a water-based, gel-textured serum. Use a light night cream (not a rich occlusive cream). 2 pea-sized portions maximum. Too much product will block pores on oily skin.

Dry skin: Use serum on slightly moisturized skin after toning; moisture allows the serum to penetrate deeper. Apply a thicker night cream. You can use a face oil in between the serum and cream to provide additional barrier support.

Sensitive skin: Patch test both products before using together. Do not use products that contain both Retinol and Vitamin C. Use Niacinamide serums only; it's the mildest active for sensitive skin at night.

Combination skin: Use serum on the entire face. Apply a lighter night cream to the T-zone and a slightly richer cream to dry areas on the cheeks.

Is It OK To Mix Serum And Night Cream?

No. Don't combine serum and night cream in the palm, as this negates the effects of both. Serums must come into contact with the skin to penetrate to the proper depth.

When combined with a cream prior to application, they are diluted, and the absorption rate is altered. Apply one at a time, one after another, and wait a few minutes between applications.

Common Mistakes When Using Night Cream And Serum:

• Using night cream first, then serum. This blocks absorption 100%.
• Not taking the serum absorption time (SA), serum dilutes, and pills under cream.
• Application of 2 active serums at the same time. It leads to irritation, redness, and barrier damage.
• Both products can be overapplied; excess is not absorbed and clogs your pores.
• Not cleansing well first. As a result, all product layers are placed on top of the sunscreen and oil residue.

FAQs:

How to apply night cream and serum properly?

Apply serum first, wait 60 seconds, then apply night cream last to seal in.

Can you apply serum and night cream at the same time each night?

Yes, if ingredients are compatible. Do not use Vitamin C serum and Retinol night cream on the same night; use them on alternate nights.

How long should I wait between serum and night cream?

Most serums take 60 seconds. Retinol or active-heavy formulas: 90 seconds. Before applying night cream, the skin should be slightly sticky but not wet.

Do you need both serum and a night cream?

Yes. A serum is more potent than a cream and penetrates deeper into the skin. A night cream will lock in moisture and repair the skin barrier. Both products are not substitutes for each other.

Which is the best serum to use at night?

The best serum to use at night is one that contains hyaluronic acid. Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Alpha Arbutin, and Retinol serums are ideal for night use. Vitamin C is safe to use at night, but is more effective in the morning when used with SPF.

Conclusion:

The only rule that matters the most when learning how to use night cream and serum is that serum first, night cream second.

Use the right serum and night cream layering order, follow the absorption time, don't mix incompatible actives, and use the right amount for your skin type.

After 4 to 6 weeks of regular use, the skin tone, texture, and dark spots will be noticeable.