Looking back at recent skincare history, we can see that face serums haven't been around for a very long time — relatively speaking. Over the last decade or so, serums have moved from being a professional treatment add-on to something that the average skincare fan can purchase and safely use at home as part of a daily routine, such as products from KarinaNYC Skin & Lash Clinics. Having a serum in your skincare routine adds an extra step that feels more like a luxury than the standard cleanse and moisturize routine many of us are used to. Let's learn about serums — what they are, how they work, and why they could work for you.
What Qualifies As A Face Serum?
A face serum is defined as a liquid product of thin viscosity. Applied topically, serums contain a concentrated range of active ingredients. The more active molecules a serum has, the more effective it will be on the skin’s surface layers and the less time you need to wait before seeing real results. Serums are, more often than not, not intended to take the place of a moisturizer but to work with it to get your skin to live its best life.
What Kind of Serum Will Work For You?
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of serums on the market, all of which aim to treat and support different skin concerns and types. These are the broader categories that most serums can be divided into.
- Anti-aging serums: These products aim to future-proof your skin against the effects of aging — to a degree. They also aim to minimize the existing signs of aging that your skin exhibits — dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, and uneven texture are common concerns.
- Acne/blemish-fighting serums: While you can spot and treat pimples as they appear, an acne/blemish-fighting serum will help prevent breakouts from occurring or reoccurring.
- Brightening serums: For one reason or another, complexions become dull over time. Excess sun exposure, lack of sun exposure, dehydration, illness—any of these may cause less-than-optimal skin brightness. Brightening serums help smooth and pep up your complexion.
- Exfoliating serums: Chemical exfoliants are far safer for your skin than physical ones, so an exfoliating serum is a great product to have in your arsenal for sporadic use. Removing dead skin cells and the dirt that accumulates in our pores is an essential step in the skincare process, and these serums do it better than any other product.
- Hydrating serums: Smaller particles of hydrating and hydration sorting ingredients appear in serums than in moisturizers, so adding a hydrating serum before your cream or lotion is an excellent way to ensure that your skin retains moisture.
- Repairing/ renewing serums: The kind of serum you choose here will depend on your skin concerns or issues. Things like scar minimization, color correction, pore minimization, and post-procedure recovery are all covered by different products.
Take your time to sort out your skin needs and where you need to go on your skincare journey before your serum purchase. Don't be overwhelmed by the wealth of options out there — there's something perfect for you! Look for reviews and dermatologist-recommended products — these will tell the truth about how a product works and if it is right for you.
Why Do You Need A Face Serum?
A serum’s thin, fine texture allows those concentrated ingredients to penetrate deeper than those in a moisturizer. Following your serum step with your lotion helps to lock in hydration and activities and allow them to do their job. Where many moisturizers and cleansers are formulated for broader concerns like skin type, serums are often very targeted. For example, you may have an oily skin type and use a cleanser and moisturizer to help balance that — this is often referred to as a broad treatment. In addition to your oily skin, you may be concerned about excess breakouts that can be targeted with a salicylic acid serum — a targeted treatment backed by a broader treatment.
The Benefits of a Face Serum Include
- Serums absorb quickly into your skin, thanks to their light weight and texture. You’re getting a powerful treatment in a short amount of time.
- Serums can provide visible results, often much faster than just using a cleanser and moisturizer.
- Serums feel light on your skin and are, in most cases, perfectly suitable for wearing underneath makeup.
How Do I Use My Serum?
For most serums, you’ll add a few drops of product to your cleansed, dry hands or directly onto your cleansed, dry face. Pat that serum all over your face and neck, pressing down into your skin. Allow this to settle before moving on to the next step in your routine.
Take note: If your serum contains ingredients like retinoids or vitamin C, it may be wise to use the serum only at night and add an extra sun protection factor to your routine and outfit the following day.
Exfoliating serums may be used daily or weekly. The advice on the packaging should be followed closely so that you do not over-exfoliate your skin or apply the serum to sensitive areas, like around your eyes.
A New Step in Your Skincare Journey
Integrating a serum into your skincare routine is incredibly simple, and you’ll notice the difference soon. There is a serum out there for every pocket, every skin type, every skin concern, and every preference. Will you try a few to find your perfect fit?
