Is your face looking older with age? That’s not rare. It is common for all individuals that our skin also gets wrinkles, fine lines, spots, and many other problems as we age. But don’t you worry! You have a solution in the form of face serums.
Today, different serums are available in the market for all skin types. Now, you might be confused about what serum does for your face. These serums are designed specifically for different skin types containing skin actives.
They are concentrated solutions frequently absorbed by your skin. You can apply them after cleansing and moisturizing your face. They will help you more effectively treat your face’s anti-aging effect.
What is a Facial Serum?
A face serum is a lightweight solution with a high concentration of active ingredients. It targets skin concerns like fine lines, dark spots, or dehydration.
Face serums are different from moisturizers that moisturize the upper layer of skin. However, these serums can penetrate deep into your skin, and you can see more visible results in less time.
The most common ingredients in face serums include hyaluronic acid for hydration, vitamin C for brightening, and retinol for anti-aging. These ingredients are found in very high concentrations in serums, making them practical compared to other products.
Other moisturizers and toners prep your skin while serum penetrates down and addresses your skin issues at the cellular level. However, research shows that you can use both a serum and moisturizer at a time with correct layering for maximum results.
You need to apply the serum first, and then you can apply moisturizer or face cream.
Key Benefits of Using a Serum
Here, we have listed a few key benefits that you will get by using face serum on your face:
Targeted Treatment
You no longer need to worry about wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. A face serum can help you to cope with all these skin problems without damaging your skin. These serums have active, concentrated ingredients that will work in the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydration
You must keep your skin hydrated to maintain it even in old age. Serums contain hydrating materials like hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture into the skin.
Anti-Aging
Many skin issues arise as you age, but serums are great for that, too. The ingredients in your face serum, like retinol and peptides, help reduce fine lines and improve skin elasticity.
Brightening and Evening Skin Tone
A good serum helps you avoid wrinkles and fine lines, brightens your skin, and improves its texture. A Vitamin C and niacinamide serum will help you reduce dark spots and pigmentation, resulting in a bright and smooth skin tone.
Acne and Pore Minimization
Open pores and acne can destroy your whole personality. But a face serum chosen according to your skin type can be a game changer. It will help reduce pore size and control breakouts, resulting in more transparent and refined skin.
Types of Face Serum
Here, we have discussed the few most common types of face serums available in the market:
Hydrating Serums
If you have dry skin, you need a hydrating serum to make it healthy and fresh. This serum contains hyaluronic acid, which is incredible at binding water to your skin.
Hyaluronic acid will hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making hydrating serums an excellent choice for drawing moisture into your skin. You can add these serums to your daily skin routine, especially in harsh weather conditions.
Recommended Hydrating Serums:
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Anti-Aging Serums
These serums are specifically formulated to combat the signs of aging. They promote skin turnover and boost collagen production, which reduces wrinkles and fine lines on your face.
These serums include ingredients like retinol, peptides, and antioxidants that work together to firm the skin. They also help increase the skin’s elasticity and improve the overall texture. Consistent use of anti-aging face serums can help you maintain youthful skin even in old age.
Recommended Anti-aging Serums
C E Ferulic® with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair
Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum
Brightening Serums
Brightening serums can help you make your skin more radiant. These serums might contain glycolic acid, kojic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, and alpha arbutin. These ingredients best fade dark spots, reduce pigmentation, and enhance skin brightness.
They will also help you reduce the melanin production in your skin, which causes dark spots and dullness. Regularly using this serum will help you get a more even skin tone.
Recommended Brightening Serums
Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution
The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA
Acne-Fighting Serums
Acne-fighting serums are best for treating and preventing breakouts by targeting the root cause of acne. This serum will help unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and control excess oil production.
It might contain salicylic acid, niacinamide, and tea tree oil. They are the best solution to treat acne without drying or irritating your skin. Regular use can minimize the appearance of acne scars over time.
Recommended Acne Fighting Serums
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Antioxidant Serums
Antioxidant serums defend your skin against environmental stressors like UV rays, pollution, and free radicals. These serums might contain vitamins C, E, and ferulic acid that neutralize free radicals.
Regular use of these serums will help prevent signs of aging and improve skin texture. They are also excellent for fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.
Recommended Antioxidant Serums
Paula’s Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum
Obagi Professional-C Serum 20%
How to Properly Use a Face Serum?
Here is the step-by-step guide on how to apply a serum properly to maximize results:
- Always apply serum after cleansing your face. It allows the serum to penetrate more effectively.
- If you use a toner, apply it before the serum. The toners help balance your skin’s pH and prepare it for better serum absorption.
- Take a small amount of serum. Typically, 2-3 drops are enough. Gently spread it over your face with your fingertips.
- Instead of rubbing the serum in, gently pat it onto your skin. This helps the product absorb better without irritating your skin.
- After the serum has been absorbed, you can apply a moisturizer. This helps seal in the active ingredients and keeps your skin hydrated.
When to Use a Face Serum?
There are different serums on the market that you can use at other times. However, we recommend using a serum with antioxidants like vitamin C in the morning. It will help protect your skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays. You can apply it after cleansing and before moisturizer and sunscreen.
At night, choose a serum with retinol or other active ingredients that promote skin renewal. Nighttime is suitable for repairing skin, so these serums will help boost the process. You can apply these serums after cleansing and toning and before night cream.
Usually, you can use these serums daily. But, if you’re using a potent formula like retinol, you can start with 2-3 times a week to avoid irritation.
If you use multiple serums at a time, apply the thinnest one first. Be careful when combining potent actives (like retinol and vitamin C) to prevent irritation.
The Bottom Line
Acne, wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and dryness are the most common problems we usually face. We all look for the perfect solution to treat all the issues without damaging our skin.
Face serums are the best option here. These are specifically crafted formulas with high concentrations of activity that penetrate deep into your skin and eradicate all these problems from the root.
They work at the cellular level, reducing melanin and boosting collagen production, making your skin fresher, even, and youthful. However, you should choose the serum based on your skin type and the problem.
Which serums do you recommend adding to Your daily skincare routine?
Which serums do you use daily, and what are the results? Share Your recommendations and insights in the comments section, or contact us here to tell us your story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it good to use face serum daily?
Yes, it’s entirely safe to use face serums daily. These serums contain active ingredients that will help you refine your skin and keep it youthful without damaging it. However, if you’re using a potent serum with ingredients like retinol or strong acids, it’s best to start using it a few times a week to avoid irritation.
Do I need both serum and moisturizer?
Yes, you can use both serum and moisturizer at the same time to maximize results. You can apply serum first and then a layer of moisturizer. This will help you seal the active ingredients and keep your skin moisturized.
What is the main purpose of face serum?
The main purpose of the serum is to provide your skin with active ingredients that will penetrate deep into it. It helps to target specific skin problems like fine lines, dark spots, or dehydration. Serums are formulated with a high concentration of active ingredients penetrating your skin, and moisturizers work more efficiently.
Does serum remove dark spots?
Yes, serum can remove dark spots from your face by targeting hyperpigmentation. Its powerful ingredients include vitamin C, niacinamide, and alpha arbutin. These ingredients lighten existing dark spots and inhibit melanin production that causes them.
How many drops of serum should I use?
3-4 drops of serum are enough for your entire face. This small amount is usually enough because serums are highly concentrated and spread quickly. Apply the serum with your fingertip, then gently pat and spread it on your skin.
What are the disadvantages of face serum?
Face serums are generally safe for your skin. However, if they contain potent active ingredients like retinol or acids, they can cause irritation, redness, or sensitivity.
Can I skip toner and use a serum?
If you’re using toner along with the serum, it’s completely okay. Both products work differently, so they have their benefits. You don’t need to skip toner for a serum. You can apply the toner first, and then you can use serum. However, if you have to use one of both, you should opt for the serum.
Can I skip moisturizer and use a serum?
I recommend using both of the products to get more visible results. Firstly, you can apply serum to your face. After absorbing it completely, you can use moisturizer. It will help you get the most frequent and visible results.
Does serum remove pimples?
Yes, you can find acne-fighting serums that help you remove underlying causes of acne, such as excess oil, clogged pores, and bacteria. The serums contain salicylic acid, niacinamide, or tea tree oil. These ingredients effectively treat pimples by exfoliating the skin and controlling oil production.
How to pick a serum?
First, consider your skin type and primary concerns, such as dryness, aging, or acne. Then, look for the serum that can fulfill your skin needs. You can choose serums with ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydration, vitamin C for brightening, or retinol for anti-aging.
