Cream vs. Serum

Cream vs. Serum

Due to the sheer number of skincare products on the market with different consistencies, the average consumer is often confused when selecting the most suitable product.  In this issue, we will provide you with some tools to help you make the best selection.

Let's start with the basics – what is the difference between a Serum and a Cream?

Medical licensed esthetician and anti-aging manufacturer Anis Lacerte believe that creams have been around for a long time and are still the most popular form of skin care. Creams are typically made by mixing oil with water. They tend to be moisturizing in action and may or may not contain active ingredients to address specific skin concerns.  However, you always want to look for creams with active ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, VITAMIN E, and Q10. Generally, creams are best suited for normal and dry skin types. Serums are the new kids on the block and are gaining loyal followers quickly. Serums tend to be more liquid-like and are water based. This makes them lightweight and easily absorbed into the skin. Best serums are formulated to deliver topical ingredients such as peptides , Matryxl 3000, and m-Tranexamic Acid more effectively. Serums are a concentrated way to get key ingredients into the skin. Serums can be layered on (normally no more than 3 at a time) without adverse effects or degrading efficacy of the ingredients. Since serums tend to be light and water based, they are suitable for most skin types.

The bottom line: Cream or Serum?

The most important factors in determining if you should select a Serum or Cream are your skin type, weather, and your living environment. Cream-based skincare is most suitable for people with dryer skin since they lack moisture and are most prone to tightness and peeling. Reinforcing skincare with cream-based products will help restore sebum and moisture to the skin, thereby delaying the speed at which moisture escapes from the skin. People with combination skin and those who live in island or humid environments can also use cream-based skincare during seasonal changes. You can reinforce your hydrating efforts by simply applying cream based products to areas prone to dryness and peeling. People who work in air-conditioned areas can also reinforce their skincare with cream-based products to protect skin from moisture loss. Oily and/or acne prone skin are prone to oil and have slower renewal cycles. If you use cream-based products with high oil content, it can cause your pores to become clogged, thereby increasing occurrence of pimples or acne. For people with oil or acne prone skin, we would recommend that you use oil-free serums or lotions with lighter consistencies to lock in moisture.

Basic Tip:

Regardless of whether you use serum or cream-based skincare products, we recommend that you start with products that have lighter consistencies since they have smaller molecular sizes and are easily absorbed. Proceed to layer with products that have heavier consistencies.