woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
Thank you for signing up to . You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
You might think that price is the overarching factor when it comes to how well your skincare works. The more expensive your skincare, the more active the ingredients, surely?
Actually no. Getting the most from your skincare all boils down to the application. How to apply serum, in particular, is a game changer when you understand the scientific method behind it.
What we can all agree on, is that in order to get results, the ingredients (opens in new tab) in your skincare need to penetrate beyond just the surface. How we do that, however, depends on the consistency of the product.
Something with a more watery texture like a serum, for example, shouldn't be massaged into your skin the same way a face cream or cleanser (opens in new tab) would be.
“Serums and toners work best when you use a 'press/release technique'," says celebrity facialist Joanna Czech (opens in new tab), whose clients include Jennifer Aniston (opens in new tab).
"When you press the skin with all four fingers, it microscopically opens; as you release, it grabs on to the product - a bit like a sponge."
After gently tapping your skin to ensure everything has absorbed, "go in with another layer," she advises.
This is crucial when you consider the role that serum plays in your routine. Serum is ultimately the most transformative of your products. According to dermatologist Dr Justine Kluk, it contains powerful actives in the highest concentrations.
In other words, you apply them with the intent of treating skin concerns. So why not try the trick that maximises their wrinkle-fighting, brightening (opens in new tab) and moisturising performance?
