Common Mistakes That Make Your Face Serum Ineffective

 A facial serum carries a high concentration of one or more active ingredients. The formula’s watery consistency allows it to seep into the skin, addressing specific concerns like dullness, dehydration, and more. Trust this nifty little tube to transform your skin 180 degrees. 

However, using a serum incorrectly reduces its efficacy. So, if you have been using a result-oriented treatment and not seeing visible improvement in the skin – it's time to backtrack your steps. Common application mistakes include  – using too little or too much product, skimping on sunscreen, and layering incompatible products. Keep scrolling to learn more. 

Mistake 1: Choosing The Wrong Serum For Your Skin Type  

The pre-requisite to picking the right serum is having an unerring knowledge of your skin type and its concerns.  

Case in point, if your skin is oily, you need to seek ingredients like Salicylic Acid or Niacinamide in the formulation. On the other hand, sensitive and dry skin can benefit from humectants like Hyaluronic Acid. In other words, map your skin problem to the right active ingredient for best results. 

To get you started, refer to this cheatsheet 

• Vitamin C for brightening
•  Niacinamide for oil control
• Retinol for improved texture, fewer fine lines and wrinkl
• Ceramides for reduced oxidative stress, smoother skin, and long-lasting hydration  

Mistake 2: Using Too Much Or Too Little Product 

When it comes to skincare, less is more. Since a serum is power-packed with actives, you don’t need to go overboard with the product amount. Just take a few drops of the formula and apply it diligently. Overuse of the serum can cause irritation, inflammation, and other flare-ups. 

Mistake 3: Not Layering Skincare Products Correctly 

The order in which you apply the products does matter! No matter how elaborate or simple your skincare routine is, always start with -

1. Cleanse: This step removes dirt, grime, and dead cells from the pores, ensuring a healthy skin microbiome. It also ensures better absorption of your serums and treatments.

2. Tone: A toner expels the remaining impurities from the skin while restoring its pH balance. Pick a variety based on your primary needs like Exfoliating for oil control, hydrating for a refreshing, dewy glow, and so forth.

3, Serum: Now, using a light hand, apply the serum to your face. Observe caution around sensitive areas like the eyes and the mouth. 

4. Moisturize: Next, use moisturizer to seal the treatment and hydration into your skin. Ensure that the formula doesn’t clog pores or make the skin greasy.

5. SPF: Active ingredients make your skin more photosensitive. To avoid tanning, burns, pigmentation, and premature aging, apply 2 fingers’ worth of your fave sunscreen. Experts suggest that Indian skin needs SPF 30 or more to ward off UVA and UVB rays successfully. 

Mistake 4: Rubbing Instead Of Patting The Serum  

Rubbing the serum vigorously is a BIG NO. Use a light hand to pat the formula on your skin. This little step prevents any stress or strain on the face. It also minimizes product wastage and prevents the active’s break down – adding to the efficacy. 

Mistake 5: Mixing Incompatible Ingredients  

Not all active ingredients are compatible. Case in point, layering Vitamin C with AHAs BHAs or Retinol with Salicylic Acid can irritate your skin. Results? Redness, inflammation, flakiness, and other flare-ups. To circumvent this problem, use these skincare acids at different times in your skincare rotation. 

Mistake 6: Skipping Sunscreen After Using Active Serums 

Your efforts for great skin are futile if you aren’t using sunscreen in your routine. You see, certain actives (re: Retinol, AHAs, BHAs) make your skin extremely photosensitive – leading to burns, pigmentation, and aging. To prevent these problems while ensuring infallible sun protection, you need a broad-spectrum SPF. 

Mistake 7: Expecting Instant Results 

Word to the wise – manage your expectations. Don’t anticipate results overnight. If you’re opting for a hydration treatment, you might see results in 2 to 3 days. On the other hand, topical anti-aging serums like Retinol, Ceramide, and Peptides take a few weeks to months to soften fine lines.

Mistake 8: Storing Your Serum Incorrectly