Anti-aging skincare: what is the difference between a cream and a serum

After the age of 35, anti-aging products are an essential part of your skincare routine. From peptides to Vitamin C, the anti-aging actives in your skincare can help fight the aging process by helping to counter the impact of the loss of essential collagen and Hyaluronic Acid as well as a slow in the skin renewal process, both of which are responsible for skin aging. But different active ingredients are absorbed in different ways, which is why the anti-aging products you choose need to be used in the right way to get maximum benefit from your anti-aging skincare. And while creams with the right ingredients can be an effective weapon against aging, adding a serum to your routine can help you power-up the benefits of those careful skincare choices you’re making.

Serums are designed to deliver a higher concentration of active ingredients, in small, powerful doses that complement the action of the cream that follows. Lighter than moisturizers, they penetrate the skin more quickly, delivering actives deep and prepping your skin for the products to come.

How to apply your anti-aging serum: After prepping skin with careful cleansing, and toning to remove cleanser residue, pat – don’t rub – serum into slightly damp skin, which is more permeable. Make sure it has absorbed completely before moving onto the next step in your anti-aging skincare routine.

Anti-aging moisturizers and night creams are regular creams with added active ingredients designed to keep skin plump, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, or boost radiance. It’s all-around action on skin, including hydration and targeted benefits for several signs of aging, but be sure to choose a formulation that is designed for your skin type. Avoid anything too greasy or heavy if your skin is oily; harsh or overly chemical products if you have sensitive skin, or talc, sebum regulators and other shine-busting agents if your skin is already dry.

How to apply your anti-aging cream: Once your serum has soaked into the skin completely, massage in your SPF cream or moisturizer in the morning, or night cream in the evening, taking it all over your face and neck to lock in the goodness. If you use an anti-aging eye cream, it is best tapped gently on as the final step in your skincare routine, after moisturizer.

How to choose between anti-aging serum and cream

Knowing how to use creams and serums as part of your anti-aging skincare routine can make a big difference to how your skin absorbs all those actives, and ultimately, to how effective they are in keeping your skin at its best. Serums and creams both have different skincare functions and play a different role in your beauty routine.