How to distribute serums and moisturizers according to skin type

Photo courtesy of Jim Lafferty / The Licensing Project

Right now, on the eve of summer, when we are getting ready to face the world more than personally than we have been for a year, we are absolutely focusing on our skin. But regardless of the time of year, the skin needs moisture to look the brightest, feel the most silky and function optimally. A diet with vegetables in advance, restful sleep and body movement are always crucial – and the right routine can also make a huge difference. However, it is not a matter of slapping every product in the medicine cabinet. Instead, top New York dermatologist Robert Anolik gave us a targeted plan based on skin type.

While we love daily serums – for lightening, smoothing fine lines, stopping breakouts and more – Anolik says he considers them a base coat. “Serums are thin, fast-absorbing liquids that make an excellent mechanism for delivering bioactive molecules,” he says. “But I wouldn’t rely on serum for all my moisture.” Anolik, certified dermatologist Center for Laser and Skin Surgery in New York, explains how to combine our favorite valuable serums with rich but absorbent moisturizers and sunscreens (the latter provide extra hydration) for the perfect cocktail to keep any skin type dewy, thick and radiant – healthy – instantly and all through the sun washed summer days.

Skin type: oily

For those of us who are more prone to breakouts or who generally have brighter skin, Anolik advises starting with a light serum, like the one based on hyaluronic acid, for instant moisture absorption without excess oil. “There is a misconception that oily skin types do not need additional hydration,” he says. “It can also feel like the serums themselves are moist enough, but often that feeling comes from soothing ingredients. On the whole, they are not always enough. “Accordingly, he recommends something more nutritious (preferably with soothing, non-comedogenic ingredients), along with a mineral sunscreen.

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Skin type: Dry

Anolic recommends applying several coats of serum if your skin needs a large dose of hydration. “Keep the texture in mind when it comes to ordering,” he says. “Apply the thinnest products first.” But again, the serums leave the skin only slightly more moisturized, so for dry skin, a rich, thick cream finish is necessary. Follow this combination with a creamy mineral protection factor.

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Skin type: sensitive

If you regularly fight irritation and redness, Anolik says to remove known aggressors: “Make exfoliation easier if you have sensitive skin – you just don’t have to do it that often.” Second, make sure your products do not contain odors and other irritants. Equally important is the addition of soothing extracts. Dr. Barbara Sturm includes soothing botanical purslane in almost all of her formulas, and her superserum is full. Anolik suggests using a skin-friendly lotion; we love the blue balm infused with olive and magnolia oil from Furtuna Skin. Lastly, he advises a layer of pure-mineral SPF (all-mineral formulas are especially important if your skin is sensitive, as sun protection chemicals are some of the most expensive compounds used in the beauty industry).