Skin Serums: Here’s Why You Should Add One to Your Beauty Collection, ASAP
July 02, 2020
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It’s no secret that skin serums are having a moment. Scroll through any skin-care influencer’s Insta-feed or blog or take a peek into a beauty fanatic’s medicine cabinet for proof. But what exactly is all the hype about, and should you start incorporating serums into your skin-care regimen? To get the down-low, we reached out to dermatologist Adam Geyer, MD. for an expert’s take on the benefits of skin serums and how to choose the right one for you.
What Is a Skin-Care Serum?
“As people have become savvier about their skin-care routines, layering has become increasingly prevalent,” says Dr. Geyer. “By using a serum, people are able to intensify the strength of their regimen or round out the ingredients they are applying to their skin to provide a more comprehensive approach to anti-aging and hydration. Serums are usually formulated with a higher concentration of active ingredients so that a few drops are sufficient to cover the entire face. The texture is usually lighter than a moisturizer, which allows for it to be used as a stand-alone product for someone with oilier skin, or used under a moisturizer for someone with normal to dry skin.”
When Should You Apply Skin Serums?
Serums should be applied twice daily. “They are the first products that should be applied to the skin after cleansing and toning,” Geyer explains. “A sunscreen should be applied over the serum in the morning, and a moisturizer appropriate for an individual’s skin type should be used over the serum at night. Apply the serum with one or two fingers (so as to avoid wasting the serum on your hands) and massage thoroughly into the skin.”
Skin Serums to Try
Now that you’ve got the basics and application covered, which skin serum should you choose? Well, the answer depends on your skin goals. “There are many different types of serums and both the active ingredients and the texture can provide different functions and benefits,” Geyer explains. “Serums formulated in a water base, for example, tend to be well-suited for those with oily skin, and those with a richer texture, or formulated with oils, tend to work well for those with drier skin. However, it’s really the combination of active ingredients that define the serum.”
Ahead, find five of our favorite serums that are perfect for your nighttime routine or morning makeup prep.
L’Oréal Paris 1.9% Hyaluronic Acid 7 Replumping Ampoules
For a boost of hydration, try the L’Oréal Paris Replumping Ampoules. The set of seven ampoules comes with enough serum to apply morning and night for a full week. After the week is up, expect your skin to be refreshed and revitalized.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
If you have acne-prone skin, this resurfacing serum is a must-try. It contains retinol, niacinamide and ceramides to minimize the appearance of pores and stubborn post-acne marks but is also gentle on the skin.
This serum will become your new BFF if you’re looking to even out your complexion. “Antioxidant-rich serums tend to work well at preventing oxidative strain from pollution and UV radiation that we are all exposed to during the day, making them ideal for application under sunscreen in the morning,” says Dr. Geyer. Before applying your makeup, add a few drops of C E Ferulic to your skin to help protect every inch.
Chock-full of exfoliating glycolic and lip-hydroxy acids, as well as hydrating hyaluronic acid, Effaclar works to minimize the appearance of pores and smooth out the skin texture.
Vichy LiftActiv Peptide-C Anti-Aging Ampoule Serum
For a formula that addresses fine lines and wrinkles, try these powerful ampoules. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and peptides, these highly potent ampoules will firm skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles in just ten days.
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