Are you ready to go beyond the usual moisturiser and cream for your face care, and add face serums to your skincare routine? Face serums are thinner in consistency, and require you to use only a pea-sized quantity to cover your face. These are touted to be concentrated drops of moisture and a treatment for fine lines, acne, and wrinkles. However, choosing the type of face serum may get challenging, considering one's skin type and the myriad options available in the market. If you have also been struggling to find the right serum for your skin type, then here is a skincare guide for you to follow!

What is a face serum?

First things first, let’s understand what face serum is. “To put it simply, a face serum is a product for caring for the skin. It contains high levels of active ingredients meant to be absorbed directly into the skin,” explains dermatologist Dr Priyanka Kuri. In comparison to lotions, serums are lighter in weight and generally have less viscosity, which enables them to penetrate deeper into the skin layers and target specific issues. A study published in the Journal of Clinical And Aesthetic Dermatology suggests that face serums can help with fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin pigmentation, skin firmness/elasticity, skin tone and resilience, skin radiance and colour, smoothness, and overall appearance. There was a significant change that was noticed over 12 weeks.

Why do we use a face serum?

Face serums outperform other products in dealing with diverse skin problems. “They specifically target ageing, pigmentation or hydration by introducing powerful active elements that enhance texture, tone and general well-being of the epidermis,” explains Kuri. A study, published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, states that when serums are combined with a gentle moisturiser and facewash, they can work wonders on fine lines and wrinkles.

What are the main ingredients in a face serum?

Face serums contain the following ingredients:

1. Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is great for hydrating the skin and is good for dry skin. A study, published in Dermatology and Therapy, also suggests that face serums containing Hyaluronic acid can help with poor skin plumpness, decreased skin hydration, and photoaging. Serums are one way of including hyaluronic acid in your skincare regime.

2. Antioxidants

Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E are great for skin care. These vitamins also help with anti-ageing. A study, published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, claims that vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants used for skin. It has antiaging and photoprotective qualities. It increases the synthesis of collagen and decreases its degeneration. Check out other anti-aging skincare tips for women.

3. Peptides

The benefits of using peptides for skin include repairing damaged skin cells or niacinamide that brightens dullness. A study, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, states that peptides help in skin rejuvenation, and are therefore an important part of face serums. “Each ingredient has its role when it comes to such things as minimizing fine lines, boosting elasticity or giving some moisture,” says Kuri.

What are the different kinds of face serums?

1. Hydrating Serums

Contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid to boost moisture levels and improve skin hydration. These work on enhancing the hydration levels of your skin, making sure it does not dry out and can retain more moisture.

2. Anti-Aging Serums

These serums feature ingredients such as retinol and peptides to reduce wrinkles and improve skin elasticity. This also tightens your skin and will make wrinkles less noticeable.

3. Brightening Serums

These often include Vitamin C or niacinamide to lighten dark spots and even out skin tone. This helps to reduce flaws on the skin and helps to nourish it well.

4. Anti-Acne Serums

Formulated with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to combat acne and reduce inflammation. These serums also help to reduce redness as well as swelling that accompanies acne.

5. Calming Serums

Contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile to reduce redness and irritation. It also helps to reduce sebum and the production of oil.

Face serums are great at targeting target ageing, pigmentation or hydration. Image courtesy: Pexels

How to choose the right face serum?

Based on your skin type, here is your guide to choosing the right face serum

Dry skin

For dry skin, use a hydrating serum rich in hyaluronic acid, glycerine, or squalane, says Dr Kuri. These ingredients help attract and retain moisture, providing a boost of hydration and leaving the skin feeling plump and supple.

Oily skin

Oily skin benefits from serums with lightweight, non-comedogenic ingredients like niacinamide or salicylic acid, says Dr Kuri. These ingredients help regulate oil production, minimize pores, and prevent acne without adding extra oil.

Sensitive skin

For sensitive skin, choose serums with calming ingredients such as chamomile, aloe vera, or hyaluronic acid. Avoid serums with fragrances or alcohol, which can cause irritation or exacerbate sensitivity.

Acne-prone skin

Use an anti-acne serum containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil or even sulfur varieties for oily skin if you have blackheads before they develop into pimples leading to acne scarring which is permanent if not treated early enough.

Combination skin

For combination skin, opt for a balanced serum that offers hydration without being overly heavy. Ingredients like niacinamide or a lightweight hyaluronic acid can help manage both dry and oily areas effectively.

How to use a face serum?

1. Start with a clean face to ensure better absorption.

2. Dispense a small amount of serum onto your fingertips.

3. Gently pat or press the serum into your skin, avoiding the eye area.

4. Allow the serum to absorb fully before applying moisturizer or sunscreen.

There are special face serums, containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, that help to reduce acne

What to keep in mind while using a face serum

Make sure to keep these things in mind while using any face serum

• Do a patch test before applying the new serum always check if it doesn’t irritate your skin.
• Apply serums before heavier creams or oils to promote better absorption.
• Use the serum continually as instructed for optimal effects.
• Some serums have vitamin C especially which can increase sun sensitivity therefore use sunscreen during daytime hours.
• Store serums in a cool dry place so that they retain their strength and do not degenerate

FAQs

When is the right time to use a face serum?

Face serums should be applied after cleansing and before moisturizing. This usually means using them in both your morning and evening skincare routines for optimal benefits.

Can a face serum make your face oily?

A well-formulated serum will not make your face greasy. However, if you use too much of it or opt for a serum that is too heavy for your skin type then this may contribute to an oily feeling. Always use the recommended amount and select a serum suited to your skin type.

How much face serum should we use?

Usually, a pea-sized drop of serum will suffice for an entire face already including more than this won’t necessarily give further benefits but rather lead to wastage or probable irritation.

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