Glow Definition
A serum in skincare refer to a lightweight, concentrated formula designed for lightweight layering that supports key steps in a glow routine. Serums are typically applied after toner or essence but before heavier moisturizers, making them a pivotal mid-layer step in any glow-forward routine. With textures ranging from watery to gel-like, serums absorb quickly and work efficiently, whether they’re focused on hydration, radiance, calming, or tone refinement.
Glow routines often use serums as the treatment core — the step that aligns with glow goals like hydration, balance, or tone refinement. Serums also layer well with other formats like ampoules (for added intensity) or moisturizers (for sealing in benefits). Unlike creams or oils, serums are formulated for impact with minimal filler, which is why they tend to be the step most personalized to your skin goals.
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Why It Matters
Serums offer the most flexibility and personalization in a glow routine. Because they’re lightweight yet focused, they can be layered easily under essence, ampoules, or moisturizers — allowing you to build your routine intentionally, without overwhelming the skin. Whether your focus is hydration (think hyaluronic acid), clarity (like niacinamide), or radiance (with vitamin C), serums make it easy to bring active ingredients into the rhythm of your glow care.
They also bridge the gap between routine phases — helping anchor glow support between watery steps like toner and richer layers like face oils or night creams. When used consistently, serums become the steady middle ground that makes a routine feel not just layered, but luminous.
GLOW TIP Layer your serum between essence and moisturizer to build glow gradually — it’s the step that turns a routine into a rhythm.
Why We Love It For Glow
Serums are where glow gets personal. With their high concentration of actives and fast-absorbing textures, they act as the precision step in a routine — tailoring care to what your skin responds to best — whether it’s hydration, radiance, or clarity. Unlike moisturizers, which focus on locking everything in, serums are often layered right after an essence and just before a nourishing moisturizer to help bridge the glow-building steps.
But their true glow appeal lies in flexibility. They’re easy to swap based on season, concern, or skin mood — and they blend seamlessly into both minimalist and layered routines. A well-formulated serum doesn’t just improve your skin over time — it feels like a commitment to care, ritualized one drop at a time.
Reach for Paula’s Choice Clinical 20% Niacinamide Face Serum — a concentrated serum designed for routines that prioritize tone clarity and a more refined finish.
This velvety texture sinks in quickly without tackiness, making it ideal for both AM and PM routines. It pairs well with essences or moisturizers when building a glow-supportive regimen.
FAQ
What step in a skincare routine should serum be used?
A serum is typically applied after cleansing and toning, but before moisturizer. This allows its concentrated actives to absorb fully into the skin and to help layer concentrated ingredients without interference from heavier products.
Can you layer multiple serums in one routine?
Yes — layering serums can be part of a personalized glow strategy, especially when curating a layered routine based on skin preferences or seasonal shifts. Just be sure to apply them in order of texture (lightest to richest) and avoid combining too many strong actives at once.
Is a serum really necessary if I already use a moisturizer?
While a moisturizer helps seal in hydration, a serum adds a layer of concentrated care to your routine. Think of your moisturizer as the lock — and your serum as the step that helps set the tone.