Does Anybody *just* Use a Serum?

[nfig]

Hi again

I was just wondering if there are any ladies that use just a serum, no moisturizer. I'm currently using Oil Control Serum, Super Serum, and Hemp moisturizer (I alternate the oil control (day) and the Super Serum (night)). Something is still causing me to break out. I tried the Green Tea and Aloe serum and got even more pimples, so that's out. I was wondering if I should skip the Hemp moisturizer? My skin is very oily and normally anything with oil in it breaks me out like crazy. This is why I'm wondering if my problem has been the hemp moisturizer all along.

Does anyone else just use a serum? What are the benefits of applying a moisturizer on top of a serum? Is it necessary? I'm also confused by the Oil Control Serum because it's white, like a moisturizer so I feel weird using hemp with it.

Thanks in advance

[JenW]

I guess doing what works is probably better than following a general guideline, especially if you are certain you are not in a purging stage from a change in skincare. Purges can sometimes go for a few weeks.

Skin hydration is directly related to pore size and texture. Hydrated skin is the goal...it looks younger, and has more to do with water moisture than oil. Generally speaking, the moisturizer is supposed to seal in water based applications, but most commercial moisturizers are an emulsion of oil and water along with some waxes and who knows what else. SN serums are all water based. The most effective way to hydrate the skin involves the application of something water based (for the actual hydration) and something oil based for sealing. Otherwise, the water just dries up. I think you would still get the benefits of the actives to some degree, but the benefits will not be as visible as they would with hydrated skin.

[karen]

If you're using the Oil Control serum you really don't need a moisturizer...there's raspberry oil in it already so in theory it's a stand-alone complete moisturizer. My money is on you having a purge, but if you're feeling dehydrated try one of the other serums under the OC serum, and you should be in good shape.

[nfig]

Thank you guys! I wasn't aware you could use the oil control serum as a moisturizer. I think I'll use that during the day and the hemp at night. I'm not sure if I'm still having a purge I think I'm on my fourth week of sn. I gave away my sample of the facelift serum because I thought it was breaking me out but I'm betting it was just the purge. Speaking of purging I just bought the aha toner and was wondering how I can work that in with the bha toner. Also, Karen if you read this again (or anybody really) can you tell me how to best utilize the face products I have as far asborder and when to use them? I have the following:

kiss cleanser
pore refining toner
bha toner (I've used super serum right after this with no problems)
aha toner
super serum
oil control serum
vit c peptide (sample size)
green tea & aloe serum (sample size)
hemp moisturizer
microdermabrasion gel
holy crow
various masks

[zeebs]

When I am having breakouts, I only use cleanser (I use Dr Bronners but KISS seems like it would be similar) and BHA toner (plus eyelash gel). Anything more and my pores clog up. I also use hemp lotion but when my skin is oily, I can't even use that.

[lilychemgirl]

I use only apricot oil cleanser followed by super serum. I tried some of the moisturisers but they just made my skin feel tight, and I am fine with just those too.
Cheers,
Lily

[kitten1711]

In the warmer months (and sometimes in winter, dependent on how my skin feels) I just use the Super Serum on it's own at night.

Txx

[egerandi]

I can get away with not using a moisturizer sometimes, but then again, I'm using a home-made primer that has raspberry oil in it, so it's sealing enough. That and the oil control serum under the green tea and aloe serum. At nights, I do seal it in with a light cream or lotion.