A great skincare routine brightens and refreshes your complexion first thing in the morning, then washes away makeup and impurities at the end of the day. Think of it as a daily tune-up for your skin. But if your daily regimen doesn’t include a serum, you’re missing out on incredible benefits you can’t get anywhere else that could take your skincare game to the next level.
What Exactly Is Face Serum?
Face serums are lightweight and viscous topical products designed with concentrated ingredients formulated to deliver targeted results. Unlike lotions and cremes that are designed with large, protective molecules that fortify your skin’s barrier by locking moisture in, a serum’s molecules are very small, absorbing quickly into the skin’s deeper layers.
The magic of serum is in its ability to address a variety of skin concerns with a potent formula of active ingredients that get exactly where they need to go quickly and efficiently.
Will I Really See Results?
In a word, yes. Obviously, the type of serum and the quality of its ingredients matter — a lot. We recommend only choosing a serum that relies on natural ingredients to get results. Other products may contain harsh chemicals and even toxins to get temporary results while potentially doing long-term harm.
Clean beauty products work by strengthening your skin and improving its overall health and function. A great serum will address a variety of specific concerns with naturally powerful ingredients in an easy-to-absorb formula.
Anti-Aging
Fighting the signs of aging is one of the most common concerns people have. From fine lines and wrinkles to sagging skin and uneven tone, the main culprit is the loss of collagen. Collagen is a protein that keeps our skin smooth and firm. As we age, our production of collagen slows down, and our skin begins to lose its youthful appearance.
Anti-aging serums with the right ingredients can actually stimulate the growth of collagen. This helps to diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles and promotes a firmer overall appearance.
Uneven Tone & Texture
Time in the sun, certain environmental factors, and even genetics can result in dark spots, redness, or dull-looking skin. Serums infused with vitamins and antioxidants promote healthy cell regeneration. Some, like vitamin C, can even slow down the production of certain pigmentation, producing a brighter and more even complexion.
The calming effect of natural moisturizers and botanicals can soothe irritated skin, minimizing redness, itchiness, and flakiness for healthier, smoother skin.
Hydration
A quick glance in the mirror will tell you if your skin is thirsty. An overall dull and tired look means you need a boost of hydration. The small molecules of serum deliver quality hydration to deeper layers of the skin, producing that glow we all see as a sign of moisturized, healthy skin.
Shrink Large Pores
Whether you have naturally large pores or the loss of your skin’s elasticity has caused them to get bigger, a serum rich in antioxidants can help shrink their appearance. Unlike lotions and crems, there are targeted serums that can unclog pores, reducing the number and severity of breakouts.
Preventative Care
They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. While serums are highly effective for those remedying existing concerns, they’re also a magnificent addition to skincare routines before signs of aging appear. Serums support healthy collagen production and may delay the effects of a collagen drop-off like fine lines, sagging skin, and discoloration.
In short, it’s never too early or too late to start using a serum.
What to Look for in a Serum
A serum is only as good as its ingredients. We’ve compiled a list of the heavy hitters to look for as you’re reading labels so you can make your skincare routine a home run.
ALA (Alpha Lipoic Acid)
ALA is an enzyme our bodies make naturally and promotes vital functions on a cellular level. Serums containing this powerhouse ingredient support and promote the natural production of collagen, which helps reduce the look of fine lines and gives skin a firmer, more youthful appearance.
Its antioxidant properties soothe and nourish skin, evening out its appearance and texture while softening the look of sun damage and discoloration from environmental pollutants.
MSM
MSM is an organic biological sulfur compound that plays a significant role in the natural production of collagen. A collagen boost from daily application of serum rich in MSM will reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while potentially preventing new ones from forming.
A naturally powerful antioxidant, MSM reduces inflammation, promotes circulation, and is key to healthy cell regeneration. Your skin will look and feel smoother and more radiant.
Vitamin C
This is a powerhouse antioxidant that fights and protects against the free radicals your skin is bombarded with every day. Serums with a high concentration of vitamin C may help prevent and reverse the signs of sun damage, brighten uneven skin tone, and improve the appearance of fine lines, coarse wrinkles, and even acne scars.
ASC III
This is a unique form of vitamin C that identifies a specific type of collagen found in children’s skin and selectively promotes the growth of that particular protein. A serum boasting this ingredient promotes an overall youthful appearance.
How to Properly Use a Serum
There’s a rule in skincare — start with the thinnest product and end with the thickest, allowing each step to absorb before moving on. That said, always start by washing your face with a high-quality cleanser that will effectively remove impurities without irritating the skin. Pat your face dry.
Now it’s time for your serum. It’s concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Start with a pea-sized amount between your fingers and lightly rub it all over your face and neck. It will absorb quickly but give it a minute or two before moving to your eye cream. After you apply eye cream, finish with your facial moisturizer.
Choose Clean Beauty
When deciding on a serum or any beauty product, always look for personal care products that are free of harsh chemicals, sulfates, parabens, and alcohol. Remember, it was nature that made your skin youthful and vibrant in the first place, and it is nature that can restore it.