A serum is an easily absorbed oil or water-based liquid that sits underneath your moisturizer to provide additional skin-care support. Formulated with high concentrations of active ingredients like antioxidants, vitamins and acids designed to address specific concerns about skin issues, serums are made for those looking for targeted relief from their concerns.
For example, this brightening serum from SkinCeuticals features the popular vitamin C/ferulic acid combination to increase brightness, refine texture, and even out skin tone, along with silymarin from milk thistle to prevent oil oxidation and soothe discolorations. In addition, niacinamide soothes any potential discomfort.
Hydrating
Hydrating serums are an essential part of a comprehensive skincare routine, providing your complexion with a refreshed and revitalized appearance. Their thin yet water-like consistency enables it to easily penetrate deep into skin layers, replenishing them with essential oils or natural hydrating ingredients that keep skin plump and healthy.
The best hydrating serums contain ingredients that work to both diminish fine lines and wrinkles while strengthening the skin barrier by limiting trans-epidermal water loss. One such product, OSEA Hyaluronic Acid Sea Serum features two doses of moisture-attracting Hyaluronic Acid alongside ceramides to strengthen its integrity as an effective moisture retention strategy.
To maximize the effects of your hydrating serum, apply it after cleansing and toning but before moisturizing with moisturizer. Use just a few drops daily so you can reap long-term benefits – then apply sunscreen as the final touch!
Brightening
Brightening serums use lightweight formulas with ingredients designed to visibly diminish dullness and uneven skin tone for a healthier-looking complexion. Many also contain exfoliating ingredients to slough away dead cells and boost cell turnover for smoother texture and greater cell renewal.
Brightening serums typically include Vitamin C as one of the key ingredients, as it works to suppress melanin production and fade dark spots over time. Other brightening ingredients such as Kojic Acid, Alpha Arbutin and Tranexamic Acid may also help address problems like sun spots, post acne marks and Melasma for an evener complexion.
Selecting the ideal serum for your skin type is key when it comes to brightening. Oily or dry serums designed specifically for your complexion will be more gentle on your skin while still offering effective results. Furthermore, L-ascorbic acid should be chosen for maximum effectiveness by avoiding oxidation during storage.
Anti-Aging
If fine lines start to form, look for serums containing peptides or growth factors to minimize them. If dark spots or blotchiness is an issue, brightening formulas with ingredients like vitamin C and alpha arbutin may help even out the complexion and even out skin tone.
Anti-Aging serums containing hero ingredients like Retinol and Niacinamide help promote cell turnover to achieve smooth skin. Glutathione, as a master antioxidant, protects from further damage by neutralizing free radicals.
Serums should be used after cleansing and toning but before applying moisturizer. They have a lightweight texture that penetrates deeper than creams. A serum should be applied daily before sun protection for added defense against oxidative damage and sunburn. Toners help balance pH balance of your skin before your next skincare product; use one that meets your individual needs such as hydrating or exfoliating toners for dry or acne-prone complexions.
Firming
Firming skincare serums utilize targeted ingredients to strengthen and elongate skin’s structure and increase elasticity, as well as products which help fight blotchiness and dark spots with brightening ingredients such as kojic acid, glycolic acid, and niacinamide.
Antioxidants are essential in firming because they help strengthen and protect the skin barrier, supporting natural processes that keep it strong and healthy. At Graydon Skincare, we take an integrated approach to firming with products that use holistic techniques instead of making exaggerated claims like “it visibly lifts skin in one week or defies gravity instantly.”
For optimal results, apply serum to clean, dry skin after toning and before moisturizing. Massage the serum lightly upward in light strokes over any areas where firming is most desired; just a pea-sized amount should suffice. Finally, follow it up with your favorite moisturizer to boost its effects further and lock in hydration and extend its effects of your serum.
