Best serum routines for Day and Night

Modern skincare is all about being effective without making the process complicated. In the wide range of skincare products available in the market, serums have marked their place as essentials. They work faster, target specific concerns, and can be easily incorporated in your skincare routine. 

When it comes to serums, a one-size fits all approach doesn't work. Your skin is ever changing - by seasons or even by the hour. A serum routine that works for someone with oily skin might not work the same for someone with dry skin.

In this guide, we'll discuss what the best serum ingredients are and how you can build a personalized serum routine that gives your skin exactly what it needs.

What Are Serums and Why Are They Different?

Serums are lightweight, absorb quickly, and penetrate deep into your skin to address specific skin concerns. While moisturizers and sunscreens are great for overall protection, they all have different jobs and cannot be used interchangeably with serums. However, they can be combined to get better results.

Serums are treatment products, packed with highly concentrated actives that target skin concerns directly. This is possible because of their small molecular size, which allows them to bypass the skin's protective outer layer. 

Best Serums for Day vs. Night Use

The basic difference between a day and night serum lies in their purpose and the ingredients they contain. 

During the day, our skin is constantly exposed to pollution, UV rays, dust, and blue light, which can damage the skin barrier and cause rough, pigmented, and dry skin. Day serums help protect the skin from these environmental stressors and lock in essential hydration. 

Key ingredients for daytime serums:

• Antioxidants like Vitamin C and Ferulic Acid  

• Hydrating Agents like Hyaluronic Acid 

• Vitamins like Niacinamide (vitamin B3) and Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)

According to a study by W Philip Werschler, our skin heals and regenerates while we sleep. The goal of night serums is to help boost this healing process while the skin is resting and most receptive.  

Key ingredients for night time serums :

• Exfoliating acids like glycolic acid and salicylic acid - Gently exfoliates and removes dead skin cells to reveal a more even complexion. 

• Retinols - Accelerates cell turnover and reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and blemishes.

• Peptides - Help the skin produce more collagen and improve elasticity and firmness. 

While exfoliating acids can be used during both day and night routines, they can also make the skin extra sensitive to the sun. Applying a broad spectrum SPF is non-negotiable when using exfoliating agents in the morning routine. 

Retinol, on the other hand, is strongly advised for use only at night. UV rays break down the retinol molecule, reducing its potency. The retinol ingredient itself is sensitive to sunlight, and breaking it will negatively affect the results.

The basic rule of layering skincare is to apply products from thinnest to thickest in consistency. 

The thinnest, fastest-absorbing product goes on your face first. Layer the next heaviest over it, then the next, so that the thickest formula ends up on top. 

Apply your products in this order: cleanser, followed by toner, serum, moisturizer, and SPF. Sunscreen always goes last.  

Serum Routines Tailored for Tropical Climates

Living in a tropical climate comes with its own set of challenges for the skin, especially because of the intense humidity, heat, and increased sweating. The serum routine that works in a dry climate would feel heavy and clog pores in a tropical climate. Therefore, adjusting your serum routine according to the environment is necessary. 

How humidity affects serum absorption 

When the humidity is high, the skin develops a layer of moisture over it, which prevents the absorption of heavier products. Instead of penetrating the skin, thick serums will sit on the surface potentially clogging the pores.

The best serums for a tropical climate are those with a watery or gel-like consistency and focus on ingredients that hydrate without heaviness, protect against environmental stressors, and control oil.

• Vitamin C - Brightens dull skin, evens out skin tone, and protects against pollution and UV rays.

• Hyaluronic Acid - Retains moisture in the skin, is lightweight and absorbs quickly.

• Niacinamide - Reduces redness, minimizes pores, and regulates sebum production, making it ideal for oily skin.

Common mistakes to avoid in tropical skincare routines

• Skipping sunscreen - Applying sunscreen should be non-negotiable when in a tropical setting. Opt for a gel-based, fluid sunscreen that doesn't feel sticky. 

• Using heavy, cream-based products - Avoid thick, oil-based products as they will likely clog your pores.

• Over- exfoliating - This can damage the skin barrier and lead to even more oil production. Exfoliate a maximum of 1-2 times a week.

• Neglecting hydration - A humid environment does not mean hydrated skin. Use a hydrating serum to keep the skin moisturized. 

Understanding how your skincare needs to adapt for different climates helps you personalise your serum routine better.

For instance, in a cold climate, the air is very dry, which physically damages the skin's protective barrier, leading to dry, sensitive, and irritated skin. The focus here is on both restoring moisture and repairing the skin's barrier function.

In a dry climate, the goal is to prevent moisture from escaping. You would use thicker, richer serums with ingredients like ceramides.

Choosing Serums for Your Skin Type.

Knowing and understanding your skin type should be your top priority before you build a personalized serum routine. Every skin type has unique needs that help you decide on the perfect ingredients for your skin.

Oily Skin Type

Oily skin benefits from serums that regulate sebum production and prevent clogged pores:

• Niacinamide: Controls oil production and reduces pore appearance

• Salicylic Acid: Provides exfoliation and prevents breakouts

To minimize clogged pores and manage excess oil, try Deconstruct’s Pore Control Serum (2 % salicylic acid + 3 % niacinamide) for gentle yet effective exfoliation.

Dry Skin Type

Dry skin needs something that provides extra hydration and support barrier repair:

• Hyaluronic Acid: Provides long-lasting hydration

• Ceramides: Supports and improves skin barrier function

• Peptides: Stimulate natural moisture factor production

 

Combination Skin Type

Combination skin needs a more balanced approach:

• Niacinamide: Addresses both oily and dry areas of the skin

• Vitamin C: Provides antioxidants and brighten your complexion

• Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates without overwhelming oily zones

Sensitive Skin Type

Sensitive skin requires gentle, fragrance-free formulations that work without irritating the skin:

• Low-concentration Niacinamide: Provides benefits without irritation

• Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates without causing sensitivity

Adapting to Changing Skin Types

Skin type can evolve due to age, hormonal changes, climate shifts, and lifestyle factors. Regular skin assessment ensures your serum routine remains effective. What works in your twenties may need adjustment in your thirties or during hormonal fluctuations.

If niacinamide suits your skin type, explore our list of the best niacinamide serums in India for effective options.

Gender-Specific Serum Recommendations

While the majority of skin issues like hydration, breakouts, and aging are universal, there are differences in biology and lifestyle, meaning men and women may benefit from slightly different serum routines.

Men tend to experience higher oil production and a thicker skin texture, along with irritation from shaving.

Recommended ingredients for a balanced skincare routine for men include:

• Niacinamide: Controls excess oil production 

• Vitamin C: Provides antioxidant protection for active lifestyles

• Peptides: Support collagen production 

Women’s skin concerns focus on pigmentation, hydration, and hormonal breakouts. 

Recommended ingredients include:

• Alpha Arbutin and Vitamin C: For pigmentation concerns

• Retinol: For anti-aging benefits

• Hyaluronic Acid: For hydration

The best serum ingredients work across genders. The idea that skincare is gender-exclusive is a myth. 

Serums and Moisturizers for Pigmentation

While both serums and moisturizers can contain ingredients that improve hyperpigmentation, they do so in very different ways.

Serums are specially formulated with much higher concentrations of active ingredients to target specific concerns, while moisturizers help seal in these ingredients and provide barrier protection. Research from 2011 suggests that using both moisturiser and serum together improved facial dry skin better than using a moisturizer alone.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how and when to apply pigmentation serums and moisturizers:

1. Use a cleanser to gently remove impurities.

2. Apply 2-3 drops of Vitamin C serum in the morning.

3. Follow with a lightweight moisturizer.

4. Always finish with sunscreen to prevent further pigmentation.

5. Alternate Vitamin C with niacinamide or retinol in the PM routine for gradual brightening.

A research by Cíntia Marques shows it takes consistent use of pigmentation treatments for 6-12 weeks to see noticeable improvements.

Since many people wonder how serums and moisturizers can be layered with makeup, you can read more in our detailed guide on using niacinamide with moisturizer and makeup

How to Build the Best Personalized Serum Routine for Your Skin

Creating an effective personalized serum routine requires consideration of multiple factors. The best serum routine is one that adapts to your skin type, climate, and gender. While advice and general guidelines are helpful, skincare is personal, which means finding the right combination requires experimenting and observing how your skin responds.

When combining serums, for instance you could use a hydrating serum in the morning and Clearing Serum (niacinamide + alpha arbutin) in the evening to target dark spots.

Deconstruct makes this process easier by clearly highlighting active ingredients and concentrations, allowing consumers to pick products based on their skin goals. Breaking down labels and formulations helps ensure you’re choosing the right product rather than following trends.

To make your serum routine even more effective, you can check out some of the best skincare combos with niacinamide

FAQs

What is the difference between a serum and a moisturizer?

A serum is quickly absorbed and penetrates deeper into the skin, while a moisturizer locks in hydration and protects on a surface level. Both are important but serve different functions.

Can I use the same serum for both day and night?

Serums like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and niacinamide, can be used twice daily. But AHA/BHAs or retinol, are better suited to be used at night due to their sun-sensitive nature.

Which serums are best for humid, tropical climates?

Serums with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid would be the best ones to use in tropical climates. They are water-based, absorb quickly and provide hydration without feeling heavy.

How do I know which serum is suitable for my skin type?

Start by identifying your main skin concern (oiliness, dryness, pigmentation, sensitivity). Then choose serums with ingredients tailored to those needs.

Are there serums specifically formulated for men’s skin?

Most skincare serums are unisex. Serums with niacinamide for oil control, vitamin C for skin brightening, and calming ingredients for post-shave irritation work well for many men.