How to Use a Facial Serum

By Valerie Monroe
Valerie Monroe
Photo: Jonathan Skow

You've got questions? Our beauty director, Valerie Monroe, has answers.

Q. Does the facial serum I use prevent my moisturizer from being absorbed?

A. First, may I congratulate you on your diligence? Using a serum is an excellent idea. It can deliver antioxidants (such as vitamin C in La Roche-Posay Active C, $42) or it can exfoliate, which not only brightens your complexion but also improves the absorption of your moisturizer. So apply a serum to your clean, dry face, wait three to five minutes till it's absorbed, and then put on your moisturizer, says Susan C. Taylor, MD, a dermatologist based in Philadelphia and New York. (She recommends, naturally, her own Absolute Radiance Intensive Exfoliating Serum, by Rx for Brown Skin, $36.)

Bottom line: Applying a serum doesn't block a moisturizer's absorption.