Most of you guys in all probability know that I’m a vocal skincare fanatic, however this wasn’t at all times the case. In my early twenties, my definition of skincare was remembering to wipe off my eye make-up and wash my face earlier than mattress. Oh yeah, and sunscreen was speculated to be in there someplace. Now that I’m older, taking excellent care of my pores and skin is simply as vital to me as taking good care of my youngsters. Okay perhaps not simply as vital, nevertheless it’s on the rung under that one.
Not solely does correct skincare provide the confidence to rock a foundation-free face in public, it additionally makes your face really feel nourished as an alternative of uncared for. After I first determined to get severe about my skincare routine, getting a grip on the entire merchandise and comprehending how all of the steps match collectively was complicated as hell. It was troublesome to tell apart fad from truth, and I couldn’t appear to translate skincare jargon.
And so, right this moment we’re going to comb via one of many bases of skincare: the serum. If we’re being actual, it’s exhausting to grasp how on earth you’re speculated to maintain your face and what a serum actually even does, except you’ve obtained a private skincare specialist on pace dial. Now I’m no knowledgeable, however I’ve discovered a factor or two on this business. Plus, I such as you guys sufficient to analysis the topic and ensure I’ve obtained every little thing straight.
Now then. Let’s discuss serums.
All Of Your Questions About Serums Answered
What even is a serum?
A serum is a light-weight system containing a excessive focus of lively components that you just apply to nourish and rejuvenate your pores and skin. Serums include the best focus of lively components you can get with out a prescription, which makes them some of the costly skincare merchandise available on the market. Historically, serums are water based mostly, which are perfect for people with oily pores and skin. They’re made up of small molecules that penetrate deeply into the pores and skin as an alternative of merely brushing the floor. A serum may be moisturizing or not relying on which kind you select, and you’ll hand choose a serum with a selected mixture of components that can fight your particular skincare qualms.
When do I placed on a serum?
You must apply your serum twice a day through the use of one or two fingers and massaging into your pores and skin. Since serums include sturdy lively components, it is best to be capable to apply just some drops (1-3) to get the specified impact. Within the morning, it is best to apply a serum after cleaning your face and placing on toner. Within the night, apply after cleaning your face after which placed on moisturizer earlier than mattress.
Do I desire a water-based or oil-based serum?
Historically, serums are water based mostly, which are perfect for people with oily pores and skin. Water based mostly serums have a light-weight gel-like texture they usually soak up extra shortly into the pores and skin. Oil-based serums are higher for anybody with dry pores and skin, and depart you with a luminous complexion. This doesn’t imply you’re restricted to water-based serums you probably have oily pores and skin. Simply make sure that the components you’re in search of are within the serum of your alternative. You may search a non-clogging (non-comedogenic) oil to create concord together with your pure oils similar to an argan oil.
However Sai, what about moisturizers, essences, face oils, and so forth.?
Ah sure, I do know. There are plenty of merchandise on the market and it’s overwhelming. So let’s break down the variations between all these merchandise.
Serums vs. Essences:
Serums and essences are very comparable aside from maybe the feel of every product. A serum is extra gooey and usually has a better focus of components whereas an essence is extra watery. Mainly, these merchandise are simply marketed otherwise, with the phrase “serum” getting used extra within the US and “essence” extra outstanding in Asian international locations. You may obtain the identical results relying on which components you’re in search of.
Serums vs. Face Oils:
Face oils are nice for anybody with dry pores and skin, and depart you with a luminous complexion. A face oil is actually a charged moisturizer that gives much more intense hydration, brightness and nourishment. That is utilized proper earlier than moisturizer or you’ll be able to select to combine in a couple of drops.
Serums vs. Moisturizers:
Moisturizers have larger molecules than serums, which hydrate and shield the highest layer of the pores and skin. They seal every little thing in, whereas serums are extra like your pores and skin’s day by day vitamin, penetrating deeper into the pores and skin tissue.
How do I select a serum?
The excellent news is there are serums that concentrate on all several types of skincare issues so you’ll find your skincare soulmate in a bottle. The primary ingredient has the best presence in every serum, and the efficiency tapers off as you get additional within the components. So you’ll be able to prioritize your pores and skin issues and discover one of the best serum for you. Listed below are some components based mostly in your main pores and skin issues.
Dryness | Vitamin E, niacinamide, glycolic acid, and hyaluronic acid
Dullness | Inexperienced tea extract, ferulic acid, resveratrol
Zits-prone | Vitamin C, retinol, zinc, salicylic acid
Sai

