Serums contain powerful ingredients that penetrate skin more deeply than creams; thus making them an effective product when used as an initial step before heavier creams or makeup products are applied to your complexion.
Pore-treating serums typically use AHAs and BHAs like phytic acid, a proven blemish-fighter, to lift waxy buildup deep within pores while niacinamide helps regulate oil production for clearer skin.
1. Antioxidants
Antioxidants are powerful tools, capable of neutralizing free radicals that harm skin. Additionally, antioxidants reduce inflammation, helping smooth and brighten skin tone (especially vitamin C), diminish fine lines and wrinkles, discoloration and improve elasticity. Garshick recommends serum as the optimal form for antioxidant supplementation since they penetrate more quickly into skin layers than moisturizers do; in addition, being super concentrated, they often have great impact – just a drop can go a long way in terms of results!
For sensitive skin types, look for anti-inflammatories and soothing ingredients such as green tea extract, coenzyme Q10 and resveratrol as anti-inflammatory products and calmants. For dry or combination skin types, look for products like hyaluronic acid (which binds moisture to the complexion), glycolic acid (gently exfoliates while lightening discoloration) or niacinamide to brighten. Serums work best when applied after cleansing but prior to heavier products like creams or sunscreens – when applied first!
2. Retinol
Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is the gold-standard treatment for fine lines, pigmentation and age spots, skin tone and texture problems, as well as improving overall complexion. Over time it also helps prevent wrinkles while stimulating collagen production.
We recommend this retinol serum because it’s effective, easy to use, and does not smell or feel greasy. It is particularly helpful for individuals receiving in-office skin treatments which may make the skin sensitive or cause redness or breakouts.
Oily skinned individuals looking to control excess oil and sebum production will also find this lightweight cream-like liquid useful, as its formula contains niacinamide to improve skin elasticity and even out skin tone while glycolic acid gently exfoliates. Plus, its lightweight yet sturdy bottle with dropper for convenient application make this an excellent solution!
3. Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is one of the more popular beta hydroxy acids, known to unclog pores and remove blackheads, making it an integral component of many acne serums. But don’t think this acid alone is only useful for fighting breakouts: its exfoliant qualities also help smooth uneven skin tone, brighten dark spots and diminish fine lines and wrinkles – perfect for everyday skincare regimens!
This blemish-fighting formula features the maximum available over-the-counter concentration of salicylic acid at 2%, making it suitable for oily or combination skin types that tend to breakout easily. Glycerin serves as an effective skin hydrator while Niacinamide acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory to address acne blemishes.
Paula’s Choice exfoliant has received over 60,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and is beloved by dermatologists. Packed with salicylic acid and maltobionic acid – both proven PHAs – this Paula’s Choice exfoliant gently dissolves dead skin cells without leaving skin feeling irritated or dry.
4. Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is an incredible hydrating ingredient, capable of holding 1,000 times its own weight in water, making it a fantastic solution for dryness, fine lines and creating an overall healthy complexion.
As we age, our natural levels of hyaluronic acid decline, leading to dehydration and visible signs of aging. Luckily, you can find this superstar ingredient in various skincare products, such as this serum.
This multi-form hyaluronic acid formula features low, medium, and high molecular-weight molecules as well as a crosspolymer for maximum hydration. Furthermore, glycerin and vitamin C work to brighten and even out skin tone while ceramides enhance barrier health for ultimate skin hydration.
This lightweight serum boasts a gel-like texture that absorbs quickly without leaving behind sticky residue, making it suitable for all skin types.
5. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the hottest ingredients that can do wonders for your skin, from fade dark marks to fighting free radicals. But too much vitamin C may be irritating to some individuals if used as L-ascorbic acid – the water-soluble form – which may irritate sensitive individuals. Therefore, lower strength formulas with added soothing ingredients like neurosensine or glycerin may be more suitable.
Paula’s Choice’s serum uses two Vitamin-C derivatives (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate), both less irritating than L-ascorbic acid, along with pumpkin ferment extract to exfoliate. Gonzalez notes the airtight and opaque packaging keeps this product away from water or oxygen that could degrade vitamin C, and testers found the product lightweight yet hydrating.
