Serums, oils and concentrates are high-value skin care products, so every drop counts! If you’ve ever wondered if you’re using too much product or applying too often, we’ve got some simple tips so you don’t waste a dollop of those luxurious face oils or serums.
Why Serums, Oils & Concentrates? | How to layer | Serum Layering Basics | How much to apply | What if you don’t place them correctly?
Why include serums, oils and concentrates in your skincare routine?
Deciphering the difference between serums, oils, and concentrates can be confusing. Serums contain a high concentration of active ingredients that simultaneously target multiple skin concerns (such as wrinkles and fine lines) and have a gel-like texture. In comparison, face oils are designed to provide hydration and retain moisture in the skin and usually contain botanicals and herbal ingredients to nourish the skin. Concentrates, on the other hand, focus their high potency on one active ingredient and usually have the consistency of a light lotion. You can learn which oil, serum or concentrate to use for your skin type here or read more about using the right amount of serum here.
How to layer serums, oils and concentrates
We recently reviewed the best serum or oil about your skin type on this blog. All of your skin care products should be used in a specific order to get the most out of each product. Ideally, you want to limit your selection to no more than two serums, oils, and/or concentrates so that they can be effectively absorbed by the skin.
We advise you to apply your skin care products starting with the thinnest consistency and ending with the richest:
- Terms
- Concentrates
- Oil paintings
After cleansing and toning, start by layering your face serum, the product with the thinnest texture, as it transports the active ingredients to the skin more effectively. Next are the concentrates and then the facial oils. Face oils come last as they are designed to prevent water loss and “seal” the formulations into the skin.
As ours Eminence Organics The Product Support Team explains: “Applying a facial oil after your serums helps lock in the moisture and nutrient-rich ingredients you’ve just applied to the skin, while allowing for optimal product penetration.”
Watch this video to learn more from our Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar on how to layer your skincare products in the right order:
Serum Layering Basics
Now that you know how to layer serums, oils, and concentrates, some of you might just want to layer serums on top of each other. A classic layerable serum is ours Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum. Contains a unique botanical hyaluronic acid complex formulated with strawberry and rhubarb to deeply hydrate your skin. You may also like Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum, a cocktail of stabilized vitamin C, citrus oils, sodium ascorbyl phosphate (also known as vitamin C salt), and vitamin E. This cocktail improves skin’s healthy, youthful appearance cuticle. If skin firmness is a concern, Marine Flower Peptide Serum is formulated with Smart Collagen+ A complex that revitalizes the appearance of the skin while unique algae extracts increase firmness and provide long-lasting hydration. For oily and combination skin types, the Charcoal Black Seed Cleansing Oil is designed to visibly reduce the appearance of uneven skin while absorbing excess oil.
This holiday season, you can enjoy the Limited Edition Essential Serum Trio Gift Set. These three powerful serums can be layered to target your skin’s unique needs. The Essential Serum Trio Gift Set features some of our most beloved serums, each packed with natural, antioxidant-rich ingredients. Contains C+E Citrus & Kale Potent Serum and Marine Flower Peptide Serum as mentioned above. The third travel-sized serum is the Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum, which is infused with our hydrating botanical hyaluronic acid complex to plump the look of skin.
When and how much serum should I apply?
Apply a thin layer (three to four drops) of each product all over the face. You can use a serum every day during your morning and evening routine. Gently press the product into your skin and don’t forget your neck area. Allow time for each product to fully absorb before layering the next to maximize effectiveness. If you use Eminence Organics face oil, you can follow up with an Eminence Organics moisturizer, as our oils are designed to be used flexibly in your routine.
How to apply facial oils
Eminence Organics face oils can be applied flexibly
The main reason for applying skin care products in a specific order is absorption. Layering skin care products in the correct order determines how effectively the formulation can penetrate the skin. It is usually recommended not to apply a moisturizer before a facial oil, as the oil can trap moisture on top of the skin, leading to clogged pores. There is one exception – our own line of facial oils. Eminence Organics face oils have a unique formula that allows them to be flexibly incorporated into your routine so you can customize it!
Other brands
If you use another brand, you should stick to the order of serums, concentrates, and then oils, followed by a moisturizer. If you apply products in the wrong order, applying serums over oils could leave your skin dry and dehydrated, as not enough water is reaching your skin, according to The Skincare Edit. In addition, you could irritate your skin and create new skin problems. You may also experience pilling and the skin may feel sticky or sticky. But as our Product Support Team advises, waiting about a minute between steps will help prevent pilling.
If you’re wondering how to apply facial oils, you can watch Natalie discuss it in the video below.
Ready to add these products to your skincare routine? If you want to customize your own skin care regimen, we recommend you visit your nearest Eminence Organics Spa partner, where an esthetician can see your skin in person and help develop a custom routine with you. In the meantime, discover our serums, oils and concentrates here.
