Integrating facial serums into your skincare routine may seem intimidating at first, but with the appropriate formula they’re an easy and effortless addition. Just a few drops can go a long way when applied appropriately and the best results come when used consistently.
Our tester’s favorite is an AHA blend that offers visible resurfacing benefits combined with oil-regulating ingredients that keep breakouts at bay, all in a fragrance-free, gentle formulation that’s suitable for all skin types – including sensitive.
What Are Serums Used For?
Face serums are lightweight, easily-absorbed liquids that target specific skincare concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, breakouts and dryness. They often feature higher concentrations of key ingredients like vitamin C and retinol for maximum efficiency.
Serums can be an indispensable addition to your skincare regimen, either alone or as part of a multi-step regimen. They’re especially beneficial for oily, acne-prone, or mature skin and should contain ingredients like mattifying mats that control sebum production without clogging pores; anti-wrinkle serums with ingredients such as peptides and hyaluronic acid can help minimize fine lines over time.
If your complexion is dull and patchy, try a brightening serum containing vitamin C and niacinamide as brighteners. A resurfacing serum containing alpha or beta hydroxy acids such as lactic acid or glycolic acid may also help – these acids can improve skin texture for a more radiant glow! Additionally, serums containing protective ingredients such as ceramides may provide added support for those with sensitive skin.
How to Use Serums
Face serums often contain higher concentrations of active ingredients than moisturizers, meaning they can penetrate skin more easily and deliver faster results. But in order to work properly, they need to be applied on clean skin – otherwise they must fight through makeup, SPF and daily grime before reaching their destination and doing their work.
Serums are lightweight oil or water-based liquids designed to quickly penetrate your skin after cleansing, toning and exfoliating (if applicable). Most serums come packaged in small bottles with droppers for easier application; just a few drops are usually enough.
Some serums specifically targeting eye areas can address issues like dark circles and puffiness. You should apply these in the same step as regular serums before moisturizers and sunscreen are applied; you can also combine different face serums to address specific concerns.
Serums for Acne
Serums designed to treat acne typically contain exfoliating agents like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), to gently dissolve dead skin cells, as well as anti-inflammatory, pore-minimizing ingredients like licorice root extract and shea butter that soothe skin inflammation while decreasing redness. Other ingredients may include unclog pores such as Azelaic Acid while tightening agents like Glycolic acid can tighten texture; soothing ingredients like Glycerin or Jojoba seed oil can keep skin hydrated as well.
An anti-acne serum formulated with retinol can be extremely helpful to those living with acne-prone skin, according to Sheila Farhang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Arizona who tells Allure. Paula’s Choice contains four forms of retinol–pure retinol, time-released retinol, granactive retinol and bio-seletinoid–that will give skin lift and firmness while improving tone texture and fine lines. This one by Paula’s Choice contains four forms of retinol–pure retinol, time-released retinol with four other forms.
Serums for Dark Spots
For powerful dark spot reduction, try this serum from a dermatologist-acclaimed brand. Our tester found it effective against post-acne marks and sun spots alike, and also prevented new discoloration from appearing in future. Tranexamic acid is key in this formula; other experts consider it crucial in even out skin tone without bleaching out complexion. Plus hydrating ceramides provide additional hydration.
GH Beauty Lab tested this indulgent product and found that it did an exceptional job of reducing dark spots, evening out skin tone and increasing radiance within four weeks. The formula contains skin-clarifying niacinamide and tranexamic acid as well as powerful peptides such as shea butter and black currant seed oil to deliver results.
