Jump to content

Choose locationChoose Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Open I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location
Sutter Health
  • Video Visits
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
  • Locations
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Video Visits
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Giving
    • Volunteering
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Ask an Expert
  • Facial Moisturizers and Serums
Content

Ask An Expert

Facial Moisturizers and Serums

Ask the Expert Team

Ask the Expert Team

Sutter Health

Question:

What does serum used under a moisturizer do, and is it necessary? What is the best moisturizer?

Answer:

The primary purpose of a moisturizer is to make your skin feel better by reducing dryness. Moisturizers do not prevent wrinkles or aging. If you do not have dry skin, you do not need a moisturizer. Using the wrong moisturizer for acne-prone skin may worsen acne. Moisturizers primarily work by trapping water and natural oils in the skin. The best time to apply a moisturizer is immediately after bathing and before drying off.

The concept of a skin serum is not a medical one. This concept was created by cosmetic companies and the esthetic industry as a way to market their products. The beauty industry considers a serum to contain smaller molecules or nutrients that will penetrate into the skin easier than a plain moisturizer. The problem with this idea is that the epidermal-dermal junction of the skin possesses sub-microscopic barriers that do not allow these so-called nutrients to penetrate into the skin dermis, in most cases.

A percentage of dermatologists feel that components in the serums may temporarily reduce wrinkles and signs of aging. Popular "skin nutrients" include vitamin C and other anti-oxidants, growth factors, retinoids, glycolic acid, and many more. I find that some of my patients enjoy using some of these products and do feel that their skin feels better, looks brighter, tighter, less sun damaged, and less blotchy with daily use.

However, the best moisturizers are the ones that make your skin feel less dry. Most dermatologists favor Cetaphil, Cerave, Eucerin, or Neutrogena moisturizers, which are safe and cost-effective. If you have acne-prone skin, look for an oil-free moisturizer. As always, the best moisturizers that can help prevent aging are those that contain sunscreen.

Related Questions

Question
  • The Best Sunscreen?
    I just read information about sun protection, noting the ingredients necessary for a good sun screen. I checked the sunscreens I use and see NONE of those ingredients. Can you recommend a product with the best ingredients?
  • Seborrheic Keratoses Treatment Options
    I'm 75 and have keratosis on my face and upper torso. My PCP is sometimes reluctant to take care of them using LN2, since Medicare regards this as cosmetic. Does the wart remover "Freeze Away" work sufficiently or is there a better product?
  • Hair Loss Causes and Treatment Options
    I was told by a dermatologist that I was born with ectodermal dysplasia. I've never had a lot of hair but it's getting even thinner as I get older. Is there a diet or supplement that I can take to promote better hair growth, and help me keep what I have?
  • Body Acne Causes and Treatment
    I'm a woman in my 20s who gets acne on her back and chest. What is causing this (as I rarely get acne on my face), and what can I do to treat and prevent it?
  • Second-Degree Burn Treatment
    I burned my hand on the oven yesterday, and now the blister has opened up. Is it best to leave the burn uncovered so that it can dry, or should I bandage it?

Back to Skin and Beauty

The Sutter Health Network of Care
Expertise to fit your needs
Primary Care

Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

Specialty Care

Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

Emergency Care

For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

Urgent Care

After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

Walk-In Care

Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Annual Report
  • Awards
  • Community Benefit
  • Contact Us
  • News
  • Giving
  • Find Care

  • Birth Centers
  • Care Centers
  • Emergency Rooms
  • Hospitals
  • Imaging
  • Labs
  • Surgery Centers
  • Urgent Care
  • Walk-In Care
  • View All >
  • Featured Services

  • Behavioral Health
  • Cancer Services
  • Family Medicine
  • Home Health and Hospice
  • Orthopedics
  • Pediatrics
  • Pregnancy
  • Primary Care
  • Women's Health
  • View All >
  • Patient Resources

  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Classes and Events
  • Estimate Costs
  • Health and Wellness
  • Medical Records
  • Medicare Advantage
  • My Health Online
  • Pay a Bill
  • Symptom Checker
  • Our Team

  • For Employees
  • Physician Careers
  • Recruiting Events
  • Residencies and Fellowships
  • Sutter Careers
  • Vendors
  • Volunteers
    • ADA Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Do Not Sell My Personal Information

    • LinkedIn Opens new window
    • YouTube Opens new window
    • Facebook Opens new window
    • Twitter Opens new window
    • Glassdoor Opens new window
    • Instagram Opens new window

    Copyright © 2022 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

    Cookie Policy

    We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences

    Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences