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How to use a face serum
Payal Bhattacharya
A face serum is a product that has a highly concentrated amount of active ingredients. Serums are not packed with many ingredients that are typical with moisturizers or cleansers. Instead, serums have potent actives that deeply penetrate the skin. The main work of a serum is that large amounts of active molecules penetrate the surface of the skin for optimum benefits. Also, due to the high concentration, visible results don’t take long.
If you’re someone looking to use a face serum, but confused about how to use face serum or how to apply a serum on your face, then here is everything you need to know about face serums.
How To Use a Face Serum?
Once your face is cleansed, you apply the serum on your face using various techniques for the best results. Here are the different steps on how to apply a serum to the face.
1. Wash and Exfoliate

It’s essential to learn how to apply serum correctly so that you get the results you are looking for. The first step of applying a face serum is to wash and exfoliate your skin. Use a facial scrub or face wash that works for you. After you wet your face, rub the face wash gently over your chin, forehead, cheeks, and nose. Make sure to use the circular motion technique and wash your face well.
2. One-Drop Technique

The next step on how to apply serum is the one-drop technique. Once you’re done washing and exfoliating your face, it’s time to apply the serum. Apply one drop of serum to each part or section of your face. So, if you’re using a thin serum, you need just a tiny amount. Take just one drop on your finger, and then slowly rub the serum on your cheek. Repeat the procedure with the other cheek, your nose, chin, and forehead. Over time, you will master how to apply a serum with the one-drop technique.
3. Hand Technique

The hand technique shows you how to use dense or thick serums. While making use of dense serums, you have to warm them before you go ahead and apply them to your skin. Here’s how to use a face serum that’s thick. Take a few drops of serum on your hand and rub your palms together to warm the serum. This will help to distribute the serum on both your palms evenly. Rub the serum using gentle pressing movements all over your face.
4. Tap Technique

When it comes to learning how to use serum, the tapping technique is essential. To help the serum absorb in your skin, tap your face for about 30 to 60 seconds. Gently place your fingers on your cheeks and press the skin using a circular motion.
5. Moisturize

Moisturizing your face is the last step when learning how to use face serum. Before you apply a moisturizer, make sure you wait for at least a minute. Squeeze a small amount of moisturizer on your hand and then rub it over your entire face. The moisturizer seals the serum, making your skin glow.
Best Face Serum Products Available Online
1. DermDoc Salicylic Acid Face Serum

Customer Rating: 4 / 5
This is a lightweight serum with a super hydrating formula that’s great for the skin. It helps treat many skin problems like blackheads, acne, scar removal, and oily skin. It works to deeply cleanse clogged pores and also restricts excess sebum production, giving your skin the perfect matte look!
Explore: Top Recommended Face serum by Dermdoc
2. Minimalist Alpha Arbutin Face Serum

Customer Rating: 4.2 / 5
The Alpha Arbutin serum is another great face serum to try. It helps treat pigmentation and reduces acne marks and dark spots. Regular use of this serum can also reduce skin tan, giving you an even skin tone. This waterbased serum is oil-free, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and paraben free.
Explore: Best selling Face Serum by Minimalist
3. Plum Vitamin C Face Serum

Customer Rating: 4.3 / 5
This is another hydrating and nourishing face serum that is perfect to use. Made using active ingredients like mandarin, Kakadu plum, and vitamin C, it gives you glowing and radiant skin. It helps take care of many skin issues like dullness, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles.
Explore: Amazing Face Serum by Plum
4. L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Customer Rating: 4.4 / 5
This is a non-sticky and lightweight serum suitable for all skin types. The skin remains smooth, youthful, re-plumped, and radiant with the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid. It’s a great serum that helps take care of dullness and damaged skin.
Explore: Best Rated Face Serum by L'Oreal Paris
5. Derma Salicylic Acid Serum

Customer Rating: 4.1 / 5
The Derma Salicylic Acid Serum is great if you want to take care of acne or eliminate acne marks. It’s ideal for blackheads, acne, damaged skin, clogged pores, and excessive oil. Perfect for all skin types, it’s made using active ingredients like salicylic acid, witch hazel, and willow bark extract that soothe the skin and prevent moisture loss.
Explore: Top Selling Face Serum by Derma
Learning how to apply a serum to the face isn’t difficult at all. With regular application, you will master the different techniques for the best results.
FAQs
Can you use a serum on your face daily?
Yes, you can use a serum on your face daily as it is gentle and safe. You can also use a serum twice daily, in the morning and night.
How long should I leave a serum on my face?
Leave the serum for at least a minute or so on your face before you use a moisturizer.
Should I wash my face after serum?
No, you don’t have to wash your face after you apply a serum. After waiting for a minute, you can apply a moisturizer and makeup.
Read More:
- 9 Best Eyebrow Growth Serum & Oil You Should Try
- 7 Benefits of Face Serum in Your Skincare
- Best Alpha Arbutin Serums available online on Purplle
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About Payal Bhattacharya
Payal is an editor at Purplle.com. She believes that the world will be a much better place if everyone owns a cat, it’s bizarre but true. She’s very sensitive and particular about her skincare routines and never skips it even for a single day. She loves to read about intimate hygiene and educate herself about female and male personal care which clearly reflects in her writings.









