A good daily skincare routine covers the basics: cleansing, moisturizing, and sunscreen. However, skin experts often recommend additional steps, with serums being one of the most commonly suggested. Understanding what serums do and how they fit into a routine is the first step to getting the most out of them.
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This article unpacks the mystery behind a serum, explaining its unique purpose, how it differs from a moisturizer, and how to choose among different serum types.
A serum is a skincare product with highly concentrated doses of active ingredients – vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, etc. It has a lightweight, often viscous texture and the skin quickly absorbs it.
Face serums address specific skin concerns, such as wrinkles, acne, large pores, or hyperpigmentation. Their formula contains smaller molecules than a moisturizer, enabling the ingredients to penetrate deeper and faster.
Serums are typically water-based, lighter, and stickier than a moisturizer. They contain fewer ingredients and focus on improving a specific skin problem. Both serums and moisturizers can hydrate the skin, depending on the ingredients, but serums are more potent. Since these two types of products address different concerns, it is best to use them in combination.
Serums are traditionally water-based and can help the skin draw in moisture. Face oils don’t have any water in them, and they don’t affect the skin’s hydration – they only seal in existing moisture and protect the skin’s barrier. Serums are applied before a moisturizer, and face oils are applied instead of or after a moisturizer.
Note: Learn about holistic skin care and how to introduce natural serums and creams into your skincare regimen.
Face serums provide the following benefits:
Skin experts recommend serums to people with specific skin issues, such as fine lines and wrinkles, acne, dull skin, and dark spots. People can also start using them in their 20s as a preventative measure against premature aging signs.
Serums are used after cleansing the skin and before moisturizing. People who use toners and essences can apply a serum after these steps.
Place a few drops on the face and neck and apply evenly. Lightly pat until the product is absorbed. Some serums come in a bottle with a dropper for easier application.
Serums may cause redness because of the high doses of active ingredients, especially if they contain retinol. Patch test the serum on a small piece of skin before using it on a larger area.
Most serums can be used once or twice daily. Retinol serums should be introduced in a skincare routine with more caution. Start with once or twice weekly application, until the skin gets used to it.
Note: Learn how a retinol serum differs from a retinol cream.
There are many types of serums depending on their formulation and purpose. The following are the most popular.
Hyaluronic acid is the hydration superstar. It binds moisture to skin cells, hydrating, plumping, and rejuvenating the complexion. Hydrating serums can contain only HA or include additional skin-enhancing ingredients, such as vitamin C, A (retinol), B3 (niacinamide), peptides, ceramides, and soothing botanicals like aloe vera. Hydrating face serums are ideal for people with dull, dehydrated skin, which can occur to any skin type, even oily.
Many people have started using serums for their anti-aging benefits. Retinol, a common form of vitamin A in over-the-counter skincare products, is the most effective ingredient in anti-aging face serums. It reduces wrinkles, dark spots, and uneven texture. Other ingredients that help rejuvenate the skin include vitamin C, vitamin E, niacinamide, glycolic acid, and botanicals such as green tea.
Antioxidants in skin care are powerful rejuvenation aids, especially vitamins C, E, A, and B3. They counter the effects of skin-damaging factors like pollution, UV radiation, and inflammation, helping to improve skin barrier function and promote healthier skin. Face serums typically contain a higher dose of antioxidants than other skincare products.
Aging skin is slower to shed dead cells from its surface, contributing to a dull complexion. This can be reversed using serums with brightening agents, such as niacinamide, vitamin C, retinol, and exfoliating agents (e.g., glycolic and salicylic acids).
Growth factor serums focus on repairing skin damage. Their main ingredients are proteins (growth factors) that promote collagen production, helping to strengthen the skin’s natural protective barrier, improve elasticity, and reduce aging signs.
People who treat their skin with cosmetic treatments like dermal fillers, microneedling, and Botox have a set of aftercare rules to follow to ensure optimal results. One recommendation is to treat the skin with products that support skin recovery and don’t cause irritations.
Many skin experts recommend using serums, because they dramatically improve the skin’s health, especially aging skin. Explore different serum types to learn which are suitable for your concern.
If you need help, contact our experts at Vibrant Skin Bar and we will create an effective skincare regimen for your needs.
We are a Phoenix-based full-service medical spa with a passion for enhancing our clients’ natural beauty from the inside out.
