Anti-Aging Serums vs Creams: What’s the Difference?

When searching for anti-aging skincare, you’ve probably encountered lots of creams and serums on both physical stores and virtual shelves. And while some products have similar ingredients and claim to do what the other can, they are not the same. Face serums and creams differ in consistency, formulation, and purpose.

So, what is actually the difference between anti-aging serums and creams? Do you need both of them or could you still get skincare benefits with just one product? Continue reading as we discuss the difference between the two and what each of them could do for your complexion and skin concerns.  

What are anti-aging serums?

Face or anti-aging serums are lighter formulations designed to tackle specific skin concerns like wrinkles and pigmentation. They contain a higher concentration of active ingredients and are made up of tiny molecules, which means that they can penetrate faster and deeper than regular face creams or moisturizers. 

As serums are more concentrated, they can deliver effective results when addressing a specific skin concern. They also absorb quickly and feel light on the skin, not leaving any sticky or heavy feeling post-application. They are applied after cleansing or toning and followed by a moisturizer or cream to seal in the ingredients and lock in moisture. 

Another thing that separates face serums from face creams is that they contain fewer moisturizing ingredients or are not diluted with them to keep the water from evaporating. They also have fewer lubricating or thickening agents, which cause them to have a thin, watery consistency. 

The anti-aging serum we recommend

At Cutis Medical Laser Clinics, we have Dr. Sylvia’s Age Defying Serum with Skin Tightening Helix. It has a combination of rare plant extracts that mimics the effects of conventional retinoic products (smoothing the look of wrinkles) without the irritation associated with some retinol skincare. 

Our serum also features a unique snail secretion that has natural protective and restorative properties. It is also loaded with vitamins, proteins, and alpha hydroxy acids to promote youthful-looking skin and improve the appearance of skin elasticity. Benefits include: 

• Gently exfoliates the skin
• Helps smooth and tighten the skin’s appearance
• Supports the appearance of skin elasticity
• Delivers collagen and elastin
• Helps protect the skin against damage from environmental exposure 

We also have other serums that tackle and improve different skin issues. Our Vitamin C 20% Ferulic Acid is ideal for fighting free radicals while also offering skin lightening and extra hydration benefits. We also have our Multi Peptide Essence, which has clinically proven ingredients that can smooth skin texture and reduce the look of lines and wrinkles.  

What are anti-aging face creams? 

Creams can include a number of products like your daily moisturizer, as well as day and night creams. They usually have thicker consistencies and larger molecules, which means that they don’t penetrate the skin as deeply as serums. Creams and moisturizers, however, seal in the serum and help boost the effects of its active ingredients. 

Face creams and moisturizers, moreover, contain oils, water, nutrients, and protection ingredients. Their formulation allows them to not only moisturize the skin, but also protect it and provide a barrier against environmental elements and seal in the active ingredients from your serums and other skincare products you previously applied. 

Many creams are generally oil-based, but there are also water-based formulations, ideal for those with oily and blemish-prone skin. They also contain active ingredients that can help address signs of aging or claim to improve skin tone. While some products do provide subtle improvements, it is recommended to use a quality serum that is suitable for your concern and then follow it up with a cream or moisturizer.

The anti-aging cream/moisturizer we recommend

If you’re looking for a product that can restore moisture without clogging your pores, Dr. Sylvia’s Deep Hydrating Moisturizer is worth considering. This formula re-hydrates and strengthens the skin without the use of oil-based ingredients, making it ideal for oily and blemish-prone skin types. 

It contains hyaluronic acid and seaweed extract that work together in providing the moisture and protection needed for healthy skin. Seaweed extract, moreover, helps strengthen the epidermal barrier of the skin, providing improved protection and water locking-benefits. Our Deep Hydrating Moisturizer can:

• Trap and retain moisture from the air
• Expand with moisture, adding volume
• Soften and smooth skin
• Reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles 

Do you need both anti-aging serums and creams?

If you’re looking to address specific concerns such as fine lines, dark spots, and uneven skin tone, a face anti-aging serum should be a part of your skincare routine. If you, for instance, are worried about fine lines and discoloration issues, using an anti-aging or brightening serum can help improve your concerns.

After applying your serum, follow it up with a moisturizer after 30 to 60 seconds. This creates a seal and locks in moisture, as well as boosts the effects of the active ingredients in your serum. Make sure to choose a cream or moisturizer that is right for your skin type. 

Further reading: 5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Moisturizer

Browse through our blog for more skincare tips and product recommendations. You can also get in touch with us at +65 6801 4000 to schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctor and find out which treatments can help improve or address your concerns.