Finding the perfect skincare routine for your skin mood can lead to an endless world of product types and brand options. Skincare is such a saturated industry, which is great for resources but often leaves people more confused than when they started. Luckily, there is a magical product that works for any routine and will leave you feeling like that b*tch! Introducing the face serum. Serums are great tools for targeting any and all skin concerns to leave you feeling your best self.
Face serums are best described as thin-viscosity topical products that contain concentrated amounts of active ingredients. (1) The higher intensity of serums versus other diluted products is meant to provide quicker, more visible results. Serums are a great tool to attack a targeted skin issue head-on because the products can be so specific to your need. Serums can be seen as a boost in your skincare routine that can help anything from dry skin, spotting/aging, dullness, acne, or redness. Once locked in by a moisturizer, your serum of choice should have no problem doing all the work that your skin needs to thrive.
Because there is a whole world of face serums at your disposal, we have developed a serum starter pack with tips, tricks, and popular serum ingredients that will instantly make you feel like that that b*tch.
Face Serum is one of the best products to use not only for its effectiveness but also for its convenience. Serums are best used when a few drops are applied to your hands and then dabbed directly onto your skin. Depending on your serum, it might need to be used at a certain time of day (morning or night) and it might need to be applied before or after water-based skincare products. Be sure to read labels carefully for detailed instructions.
Ingredients in face serums will be what determines which serum is right for you. Different ingredients in skincare are meant to cater to different functions so it is crucial you are targeting skincare needs specific to your skin mood. Following are some popular types of serums based on their ingredients and use which can be very helpful in narrowing down your search.
Collagen is a great protein tool meant to store youth and prevent aging or sagging in the skin. As a serum, collagen boosts skin cells to help stimulate the production of protein (2). Collagen serums often work with anti-aging ingredients to amplify that function into your skin. Overall, collagen face serum is a great option for anyone looking to keep their youth intact. I mean who wouldn’t want that?
Hyaluronic acid serum is a best friend to anyone with dry skin. Primarily, hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin, so the benefits of using it as serum are fairly universal and can reduce wrinkles, redness, and dermatitis (3). These serums are most effective when they are used alongside a hyaluronic acid active moisturizer. This helps to lock in the ingredient for the best results.
Because acne is a primary reason for even developing a skincare routine in the first place, some serums are meant to target just that. BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) are a great ingredient to look for in acne-treating serums because they help deal with blackheads by working to dissolve excess oil and dead skin that leads to acne (4).
Looking to hyaluronic acid serums can be a great start to combatting dry skin with serums, but there is also a world of other oil-based serums that can take your newfound moisture a step further. Plant-derived squalane and vitamin B5 are also two ingredients to look out for in serums when working to fight dryness.
Finding the right face serum for your skin needs can still feel overwhelming if you are looking to revamp your entire routine. Luckily, there are resources that can help you figure out exactly what you need based on your skin mood. The Ordinary, which is a major serum brand, has a full list of not only their products but each product function and what they don’t mix well with. Their serum tab lets you filter by your targeted issue and they even have a regimen builder to fully prepare your routine for you.
While some brands are known for general skincare needs, there are key brands to kickstart your serum journey that will help you target your needs and find the formula that fits you. In no particular order, here are the best of the best in face serum brands:
The Ordinary is the most notable in face serum products for its high quality and affordability. With The Ordinary, there is a serum for all skin moods and needs. Their website is also super efficient in telling which products to get and which go together.
Drunk Elephant is an award-winning skincare brand that is known for its many, unique serums. These serums are all very different in their function but all pride themselves on the integrity of their formulas.
Glossier is another brand that has great serum options. Their serum comes individually or in a pack of three while catering to different skincare needs. Glossier serums include hyaluronic acid, vitamin c, and niacinamide.
The Inkey List is a great, clean skincare brand that focuses its mission on emphasizing its ingredients while also having a specialty in serums. Their website also has a recipe builder that caters to your individual skincare needs and is packed with information.
Glow Recipe is a top brand that categorizes its products by fruit (yes, fruit), active ingredients, skin concern, and routine. From serums, they are most noticed for their hyaluronic acid serum, but also have a full list of options for your needs.
Face serums are all about taking your skincare to the extra level that will make you feel most confident. Serums are a great way to milk your self-care during your routine and really pamper your skin. They are relaxing, easy-to-use products that directly target all your needs. What more could you want in a product?
Written by Daniela Rodriguez
