Have you ever wondered how your daily serum benefits your skin? Celebs and dermatologists on social media frequently sing praise for them, and these lightweight skincare staples are in everybody's beauty bag. They have become an absolute essential in skincare routines. Formulated to deliver a high and potent concentration of active ingredients to the skin, there are specific face serum benefits that it would help to be aware of before investing in one:
1. Intense hydration:
Popular ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E found new fame with the surge of serums. HA, a powerful humectant, can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This makes it an excellent pick for deep skin hydration, helping to plump and smooth the skin's texture.
2. Targeted anti-ageing:
Face serum uses expand to targeted anti-ageing action as they typically contain antioxidants and other actives that protect your skin from environmental aggressors and can speed up cell renewal in the skin. Ingredients like vitamins C and E, retinol, and peptides can help to neutralise free radicals and boost collagen production in the skin. This is especially beneficial when retinol, a form of vitamin A, is incorporated into your routine to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of ageing.
3. Even-toned skin:
Common serum formulas include vitamin C, niacinamide, or kojic acid – these ingredients can help brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark marks, dullness and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
4. Anti-acne action:
Serums formulated with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can also effectively treat acne-prone skin. When paired with other hydroxy acids, they can help unclog pores and balance sebum production in your skin.
5. Prep under makeup:
Face serums' benefits can be spotted immediately in pre-makeup routines. Need to give a glass-skin finish to your makeup? Boost the prep with a hydrating serum. Going for a no-makeup look? Opt for a calming serum to counter redness on your skin.
How to add a face serum to your skincare routine
As a beginner, you might feel lost while choosing the right skincare serum for you, but there’s a simple 1, 2, 3…technique to add a serum to your everyday routine:
1. Decode your skin type and needs:
Similar to moisturisers and cleansers, your skin type also decides your skin serum needs. While dry skin types can benefit from oil-based serums, oily and combination skin must stick to water and milk-based serums. Normal skin types are free to experiment with serum textures. Do a label check to ensure your serum targets your specific skin concern with the right ingredients. While vitamin C benefits skin extensively damaged by the sun, stressed skin will benefit from a Centella Asiatica-infused pick.
2. Patch test:
It is important to patch test before using a potent serum. Apply 2-3 drops on the inside of your arm and monitor the area for 24 hours. Add it to your routine if you do not notice any redness or irritation. While a hyaluronic acid serum can be used every day right away, take it slow with a serum that contains active ingredients like retinol by using it1-2 times a week and increase gradually.
3. Layer them right:
Face serums benefit your skin but sometimes they need happy little helpers to help enhance their action further. For instance, when paired with ceramides, an exfoliation AHA/BHA serum can help skin renewal without the risk of irritation.
Overall, serums are a great addition to any skincare routine and can provide a range of benefits to the skin. Because highly concentrated serums can be customised to meet your skin's specific needs. You can choose a serum that targets your concerns, such as dryness, fine lines, or uneven skin tone. However, it's essential to choose a serum appropriate for your skin type and concerns and use it as directed to avoid any adverse effects.