Serums can be a fabulous addition to your skincare routine, bringing a variety of different benefits to help your complexion. But with so many different skincare products on offer, you might be confused – what do serums do? What benefits do serums have and do you really need another product in your skincare routine? If you’re puzzled by serums, read on to find out everything you need to know about this powerhouse product.
What is a serum?
A serum is a liquid skincare product that contains a high concentration of active ingredients. Different serums will be designed to target different areas, from aging to dullness, acne and dryness.
Benefits of serums
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Brightening
Many serums use a combination of gentle exfoliants and antioxidants to leave skin bright and glowing. Vitamin C is a powerful ingredient that can brighten and even the skin tone and is used in many serums. This type of serum can be especially powerful as a glow mist, converting the serum into a spray so you can reapply throughout the day for a boost of radiance.
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Antioxidant protection
Most serums are packed with ingredients that are rich in antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E. These will protect your skin from free radicals and environmental damage, such as UV light and pollution. This can help to fight the signs of aging and make your complexion more radiant.
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Anti-aging
As well as protection from environmental damage, many serums contain retinol, which gives skin a boost of collagen. This will help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, plumping skin so it looks firm. Retinol also exfoliates, helping skin to look brighter and more youthful.
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Nourish and soothe skin
Nearly all types of serums will nourish and soothe the skin. They’re formulated with powerful ingredients that protect and care for your skin. Even just applying your serum and taking the time to gently massage it into your skin, will feel wonderfully soothing. An effective but gentle night serum will work wonders on your complexion, so you can wake up to smooth and calm skin.
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Light formula
Serums can often be suitable for those with oily, or acne-prone skin, thanks to their light formulation. Even though many serums are oil-based, they won’t clog pores or leave skin feeling oily. Serums feel like a silky water – the oil in serums just helps to balance the complexion, stopping it from drying out or over-producing oil.
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Quick and easy absorption
Serums have a thinner viscosity than a moisturizer, which means they can be more easily absorbed into the skin. This means they don’t just sit on the surface of your skin. Instead, they penetrate the deeper layers, where they can distribute the active ingredients. It also means you’ll be less likely to feel greasy after using a serum, making them great for those with oilier complexions.
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Lock in moisture
Whilst serums aren’t technically a moisturizer, they will help to lock in moisture. This helps to prevent skin from drying out. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, are able to penetrate the skin in a serum, hydrating from the inside out. The result will be fresh, dewy skin.
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Visible results
Serums have a higher concentration of active ingredients and contain smaller molecules, so the formula can be easily and deeply absorbed by the skin. This means you’re likely to see visible results much quicker than with some other skincare products.
When to use serums in your skincare routine
It’s best to use serums after you’ve cleansed and toned. At this point, your skin will be in the best condition to absorb all the nourishing ingredients in serums.
If you’re using a combination of different serums in your routine, you’ll find it most beneficial to apply serums that contain a lot of antioxidants in the daytime. This will help to protect your skin from pollutants as you go about your day. At nighttime, it’s better to use an anti-aging serum, when the ingredients can work with your skin’s natural repair and restoration process. If you’re using a hydrating serum, you can apply this both day and night to help keep your skin moisturized.
When you’re trying a new serum, you should only use a small amount. Because serums are so powerful and contain such a high concentration of active ingredients, those with sensitive skin could find some cause irritation. You should always do a patch test if you’re unsure how your skin might react to a new product.
You can follow your serum with your usual day moisturizer or night cream. You should always finish your daytime skincare routine with SPF, to ensure your skin remains protected from harmful UV rays.