Whether you’re the glow-getter with a 10-step routine or have a less-is-more mindset, you know by now that incorporating a serum into your skincare regimen comes highly recommended by experts in order to retain healthy, balanced skin. Serums are water-based products that contain high concentrations of an active ingredient. Depending on your skin type and condition, there are specific serums that are ideal for treating your skin. There also happen to be a couple ingredients that every skin type could benefit from if used on a regular basis. Let’s get into it!
Since serums traditionally do not contain any lipids (oils or fat), those with oily or breakout-prone skin are able to incorporate them into their regimen without exacerbating oil production. In fact, serums with active ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can help clear up breakouts if used consistently. If you’re on the hunt for a serum that helps combat acne, check out Facile Skincare Clear Targeted Acne Serum, which pairs salicylic acid with niacinamide to promote clean pores and reduce inflammation. If your main concern is scarring or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), look for arbutin in the ingredient list — it’s known for its lightening & brightening properties.
Dry skin, along with mature/dry skin, should opt for a serum with active ingredients like lactic or glycolic acid. These alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) stimulate collagen production and clean pores without over drying the skin — they’re known as “hydrating-exfoliating” ingredients. Over-the-counter concentrations can vary anywhere between 1-10%, and the higher the percentage, the less often these serums should be used.
For those suffering from sensitive, sensitized or inflamed skin, try incorporating serums with high traces of niacinamide such as Facile Skincare Destress Targeted Calming Serum. Combined with additional anti-inflammatory ingredients like ceramides or phytosphingosine (a fat naturally found in skin cells), this formula aids in reducing redness and strengthening the overall skin barrier. As far as exfoliation goes, azelaic acid can remove excess dead skin cells without causing irritation, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.
Now that we’ve covered the star ingredients for your specific skin type, we can talk about some that benefit everyone. First up? Hyaluronic acid. This superstar ingredient is a humectant that attracts water and provides the skin with optimal levels of hydration — that is, as long as you’re achieving your daily water intake goals! Facile Skincare Dew You Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a pure hyaluronic acid serum that provides instant, supple hydration.
Our other universally beneficial ingredient is Vitamin C, an antioxidant that fights free radicals and reduces hyperpigmentation. It comes in various forms, so which one you should choose depends on your skin type. The most popular (and most effective) form of vitamin C is ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid. This form of vitamin C has great anti-aging benefits and works for most skin types. If your skin is sensitive, look for ascorbyl palmitate, a fat-soluble derivative of vitamin C that happens to be gentle and non-irritating. Implementing vitamin C daily can help mitigate hyperpigmentation and improve the overall tone of your complexion.
Now that you’re familiar with ingredients, let’s run through how to add them to your routine. Serums work best when applied to damp skin immediately after cleansing and before your moisturizer or oil. Although you should use serums morning and night, those containing exfoliating ingredients such as retinol, salicylic acid or glycolic acid should only be used before bed and never before direct sun exposure. However, vitamin C is most effective for daytime use.
Serums really can do wonders for your skin. If you’re still unsure which one to invest in, refer to a skin health expert for guidance. Serums or no serums, be sure to apply sunscreen daily to maintain the glow you already have!
