Written by: Maritza Tsabitah
Note: These are not prescriptive recommendations. Some people may not even need a serum. Please choose your skin care products based on your personal skin needs and what your healthcare provider recommends. This is an informational guide only.
What is face serum?
A face serum is a formula with a high concentration of active ingredients. Serums can be used to address a single issue or a combination of them. A serum contains fewer ingredients than a cleanser or moisturizer. Instead, it contains more potent actives that penetrate the skin more deeply and efficiently. Your skin will benefit from a concentrated formula that will give your complexion a much-needed boost.
What are the types of face serums?
Exfoliating Serums
Purpose: Exfoliating serums are chemical exfoliators that use acids and other ingredients to break down the bonds between skin cells, allowing them to shed more easily. They also smooth and tone the skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and correct discoloration and hyperpigmentation caused by natural aging and sun damage.
Key ingredients: Alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid or lactic acid, retinol, enzymes from plant or fruit extracts, Beta hydroxy acid like salicylic acid (BHA)and citric acid.
Good for: Oily skin and/or acne prone.
Hydrating Serums
Purpose: Hydrating serums, when used in conjunction with regular moisturizers, provide an extra boost of moisture to your skin. The most common ingredient found in hydrating serums is hyaluronic acid, which is a powerful humectant that attracts and binds moisture to the skin, keeping it plump and hydrated.
Key ingredients: Argan oil, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, rosehip oil, ceramide, rosewater, sea kelp, jojoba, and vitamin E.
Good for: Suitable for all skin types.
Brightening Serums
Purpose: Brightening serums are intended to reduce hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and improve brightness and glow. Two of the most important ingredients to look for are vitamin C and niacinamide. Vitamin C promotes healthy skin cell turnover and inhibits the enzyme responsible for melanin production, allowing you to glow. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is well-known for its ability to treat dullness and uneven skin tone.
Key ingredients: Green tea, licorice root, and grapefruit or antioxidants like vitamin E and vitamin C as the main ingredient. With additional ingredients: Kojic acid, Ferulic acid, Peptides, and Light reflectors or Optical diffusers.
Good for: Suitable for all skin types.
Anti-aging Serums
Purpose: Anti-aging serums can aid in the prevention or reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. These typically contain active ingredients such as retinol (vitamin A) and niacinamide (vitamin B3), which can treat the most common signs of aging while also slowing the process in general. They also promote increased cell turnover, as well as cell repair and renewal. And it helps to rejuvenate the skin by smoothing out its texture and appearance.
Key ingredients: Retinol (Vitamin A), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), fruit stem cells, Evening primrose, Grape seed extract, Vitamin C, Peptides, Hyaluronic acid and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs).
Good for: Adults in their early 20s or 30s above.
Serum Recommendations
Acne-prone skin: Look for serums with vitamin C, retinol, zinc, and salicylic acid as ingredients.
Dry skin: Look for serums loaded with vitamin E, niacinamide, glycolic acid, and hyaluronic acid that suit dry skin.
Feeling dull: It is best to use antioxidants like green tea extract, resveratrol, ferulic acid, and Vitamin C.
References:
Barnardo, Antoinette. “Face Serums: A Complete Guide to Incorporating Them Into Your Routine.” Yora.com, 18 Dec. 2019, yora.com/blogs/journal/face-serum.
Walker, Ava. “The 6 Different Types of Face Serums.” FaceSerum.com, 14 Sept. 2017, www.faceserum.com/6-different-types-face-serums/.
“How to Choose a Face Serum.” The Skin Experts, theskinexperts.co.uk/blogs/beyond-the-routine/how-to-choose-a-face-serum.
Khadija. “What Is Face Serum?Types: Benefits: How to Apply: Which One to Buy?” KHADIJA BEAUTY, Khadija, 5 July 2020, khadijabeauty.com/what-are-face-serums-types-benefits-how-to-apply/.
Disclaimer: This organization's content is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Content provided on this website is for informational and educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this website should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional.
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