Building hydration: how to combine serum and cream
Do you apply a hydrating serum, but does your skin feel tight again an hour later? That doesn't necessarily mean the serum isn't working. You may be missing a suitable cream to lock in the moisture, or your cleanser might be too harsh.
"A serum hydrates, but a cream seals it in. Anyone who uses only a serum and then goes outside is often missing the step that makes all the difference. Especially in colder and drier weather, that seal is essential."
Yvonne van Veen, medical beautician
Serum and cream have different roles
A hydrating serum delivers light, moisture-binding ingredients. A cream helps to limit moisture loss and, depending on the texture, provides extra lipids and comfort. Therefore, the products do not always replace each other; they can complement one another.
The correct order
- Cleanse mildly with the IK SKIN Perfection - SILK+ mild 3-in-1 facial cleanser and gently pat your skin dry
- Apply a small amount of hydrating serum
- Spread it briefly and let it absorb
- Finish with a suitable cream
- In the morning, use SPF as the final step
When a serum alone can be enough
For oily or combination skin and during warm weather, a hydrating serum under SPF can sometimes provide enough comfort. If your skin feels tight later in the day, add a light cream instead of more layers of serum.
When serum plus cream makes sense
For dehydrated, dry, or seasonally sensitive skin, IK SKIN Perfection - HYALURON+ can fit well under the IK SKIN Perfection - HYAMAX+ hydrating 24h cream. Start with small amounts and see how your skin reacts throughout the day.
Keep it personal
View the complete routines as a starting point, or send us your skin type, skin feel, and current products via the chat on sQincare.shop. Yvonne or her qualified staff will then help you determine whether you need a serum, a cream, or both.
About the author
This article was written in collaboration with Yvonne van Veen, medical beautician, owner of Salon Rustique in Musselkanaal, and owner of sQincare.shop. Salon Rustique is affiliated with ANBOS and specializes in skin improvement, skin problems, and medical skincare. Thanks to her daily practical experience and additional dermatological training, she combines salon treatments with expert product advice for home use. For persistent or severe skin complaints, we recommend an assessment by a doctor.