When asked if a serum is necessary if you are using a moisturiser, SCOUT Cosmetics Director and Founder Sylvie Hutchings says they are essential no matter your age, lifestyle, what you do and what environments you spend your time.

If fact, she is so passionate about using both she guarantees you would notice a difference.

Serums and moisturisers are essential to a beauty routine and they complement each other perfectly.

The main differences you’ll find between serums and moisturisers is in the concentration of the products, the skin absorption and the depth each reach, and their function.

HOW DOES A SERUM WORK?

If you have aged, irritated or sun-damaged skin, an appropriate serum is your best choice to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and calm your skin.

They should provide a dramatic effect on the radiance of your skin, especially when used every day.

SERUM IS FULL OF ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

A little goes a long way. Serum is great because it delivers a high concentration of Vitamin C, Aloe Vera, Peptides and Actives to your skin. Only a small amount, often just a drop or two, is necessary.

Formulated to be lightweight and penetrating, their goal is to rejuvenate at the cellular level of the skin and deliver these carefully selected nutrients and much needed hydration to the inner layers of the skin.

WHEN TO USE A SERUM?

Best applied straight after cleansing and before your moisturiser, they will boost the hydrating effect of moisturiser.

Times to reach for your serum before applying moisturiser include:

• to fade brown spots and pigmentation
• rejuvenating sun-damaged skin and diminishing wrinkles
• when deeper skin hydration is needed
• for smoother more radiant skin
• calming redness and sensitivity
• when you simply feel your appearance needs a boost of brightness

HOW DOES A MOISTURISER WORK?

A moisturiser has two fairly simple but extremely important functions; it both hydrates the outer layer of skin and creates a physical barrier to prevent moisture and nutrient loss.

HYDRATE AND PROTECT YOUR SKIN 

Moisturisers protect sensitive skin, improve skin texture and help to mask imperfections.

They contain compounds that draw water into the skin (humectants) and others that smooth the skin (emollients).

Sunlight, pollutants, seasonal changes and environmental factors cause irritation and loss of hydration.

To prevent this, a moisturiser will seal in nutrients, hydrate and help protect the skin.

For these purposes, it is thicker and richer than a serum as it has film-forming emollients.

Ingredients in a moisturiser have larger molecules than those contained in a serum and typically don’t penetrate into the skin deeper than past the surface layers of the skin.

As we all have different skin needs and live and work in different environments, it is important to use the right moisturiser.

TWO TYPES OF MOISTURISERS

Fortunately, there are basically two types of moisturiser, classified by their actions. However, they should each provide hydration, balance and protection.

A richer heavier moisturiser will provide deep, long-lasting hydration and contain anti-ageing ingredients to boost collagen production and works to reduce the signs of ageing and prevent dryness.  Resulting in a firm, hydrated and younger looking complexion.

A lighter moisturiser works to nourish and replenish the skin throughout wear to reveal a more radiant, balanced and healthier complexion.

This article was approved for republish by Sylvie Hutchings, SCOUT Cosmetics Direct and Founder.