What Are Face Serums? Should You Be Using One?
Sometimes figuring out what the laundry list of skincare solutions can actually do for your skin can seem daunting. Like serums. What makes them different from moisturizers or face oil? And is this extra step in your routine worth it?
Serum Benefits
Serums penetrate deep into the skin. Thick or heavy creams are great for locking in moisture, but they don’t offer your skin a concentrated dose of active ingredients. Serums gel-based or liquid formals are made of tiny molecules, allowing the serum to absorb into the skin more than moisturizers.
Serums are made with ingredients to help tackle several skincare concerns. The concentrated dose of nutrients often includes anti-aging ingredients, antioxidants, peptides, and skin brighteners. When layered underneath moisturizers, serums can be a targeted treatment for fine lines, dry skin, dullness, pigmentation, and wrinkles.
The type of serum you should look for specifically will depend on your skin. The best part is there is a serum out there for everyone - no matter what your skin goals are.
Different Types of Serums
There's one for every skin type. Whether you're a serum-superfan or a newbie, check out these serums to help you get the skin of your dreams.
Anti-Aging - When you're shopping for an anti-aging serum, look for age-defying ingredients like hyaluronic acid that fills the skin with hydration and collagen to fight back against any emerging fine lines or wrinkles.
We love the Plum Plump™ Hyaluronic Acid Serum by Glow Recipe. It's made with 5 hyaluronic acids and antioxidant-rich plums for plump, younger-looking skin.
Skin-Tone Balancing - Not all dark spots are created equal. Uneven skin can be caused by sun exposure, age, or genetics. If you're struggling with dark spots or hyperpigmentation, retinol helps fade existing spots and curb melanin production. Vitamin C can brighten a dull complexion, fight off free radicals, and help erase discoloration.
The heavy-duty Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum by Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare uses L-ascorbic, lactic, and kojic acid to transform the skin.
Anti-Acne - Anti-acne serums hydrate, balance, and clarify. If you have oily/acne-prone skin, a high concentration of natural salicylic acid can unclog blackheads, remove excess oil, and keep acne at bay.
We’re not the only ones who love the Caudalie Vinopure Skin Perfecting Serum. This anti-acne serum even took home a coveted Allure Best of Beauty Award.
How to Apply Serum
Face serums go in between cleansing and moisturizing. After cleansing, exfoliating, and applying toner (depending on your routine), the next step is applying a serum. The best way to get all the serum benefits is by using your fingertips and patting the product into your skin. Serums are usually quick to absorb, so there's no need to massage or rub.
Tip* Always be sure you use enough to cover your entire face - even if that's a little more than the standard "pea-sized" amount.
Follow with your eye cream, face oils, moisturizer, and lash serum.
What about Lash Serums?
Serums absorb quicker rather than sitting on top of your skin. Serums aren’t just for glowing skin and fighting off the signs of aging. Lash serums are concentrated treatments to help promote healthier, fuller-looking lashes.
Our LiLash Purified Eyelash Serum is made with ingredients like almond oil and antioxidants to help build healthy hair follicles by nourishing and conditioning the lashes. Before applying moisturizer at the end of your nighttime skincare, just one swipe of LiLash is all you need to start seeing a noticeable difference in your lashes.