You must have heard about ‘skincare serums’ many times – be it on Instagram, Facebook, Nykaa, in Ads or in various blogs. It won’t be a surprise if you have wondered about exactly what a serum is!
Many of you must have done extensive research on it. But in the end got more confused with the number of serums available in the market. Worry not! Through this blog we will try to clear your confusion providing a thorough guide on skincare serums for your daily skincare routine guide.
Skincare Serums – The Must Have Solution In A Bottle
Welcome to the world of serums! Skincare serums have become a staple in our daily skincare routine these days. But what is this serum? What purpose does a serum serve? Why would you include it in your regime? Will it resolve skin issues without harming more?
You will get all the answers here one by one. But first let’s know what serum is.
What are Skincare Serums?
Skincare serums are lightweight and concentrated formulas. Unlike heavy moisturizers, these are designed to deliver a high concentration of active ingredients directly to your skin.
Serums work like targeted treatments that penetrate deep into the skin. They address specific concerns like wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne, and dehydration.
Their formulation allows for better absorption, making them more effective than many other topical products. Serums are usually applied after cleansing and toning and before moisturizing following the thinner to thicker application technique.
Serums are generally water-based or oil-based, containing fewer lubricating and thickening ingredients. This allows for a higher concentration of active ingredients, ensuring maximum efficacy.
Benefits of Skincare Serums
Serums offer a multitude of benefits. This makes them an essential in any skincare routine. Their lightweight texture allows for deeper penetration. This helps them to deliver a concentrated dose of active ingredients directly to the skin cells.
This targeted approach allows serums to effectively address specific concerns. These concerns are fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne, and dehydration. The concentrated formulas ensure that you’re getting the most out of your skincare.
The bonus is that the serums maximize results with minimal amounts. Less is more – that is the rule to use serums. Moreover, serums are incredibly versatile. They cater to a wide range of skin types and concerns. So the key features are –
- Targeted Treatment
- Deep Penetration
- Potent Formula
- Versatile
Types of Skincare Serums
As we all know already, the world of serums is vast, potent and versatile. You have acne, you have a serum to treat it. You have wrinkles, you apply a few drops of serum every day and reduce them.
You have spots, scars, hyperpigmentation, you get a super serum to treat it. So for every skin issue you have skincare serums at rescue. Let’s categorize serums as per their needs!
Vitamin C Serum
- It takes away your tiredness and dullness, giving you brightened skin.
- Vitamin C serum like that in Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop works like an acne serum too, fading scar marks, dark spots and even hyper pigmentation.
- It protects against sun damage and reduces fine lines.
- This vitamin c serum like Minimalist Vitamin C 10% Serum boosts collagen production and keeps your skin firm and bouncy.
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Hyaluronic acid serum provides deep hydration for your thirsty skin.
- It makes your skin look fresh and glowy.
- This serum soothes the skin from irritation and dryness.
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Serum is a perfect example that provides deep hydration and its gel texture makes it easier for oily skins to absorb more without making it greasy.
- It is made lightweight and non-sticky like that in L’Oréal Revitalift 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Serum and it quickly plumps the skin softening fine lines.
Serum with Retinol
- Retinol works like magic as a key ingredient in anti anti-aging serum like that by The Ordinary Retinol in Squalane.
- It reduces lines, improves skin texture, unclogs pores, clears up acne and breakouts.
- Retinol works beautifully as an anti acne serum, preventing new acne and pimples from forming.
- Plum 1% Retinol anti-aging face serum boosts collagen, reduces fine lines & wrinkles.
Serum with Peptides
- Peptides are tiny proteins that signal your skin to make more collagen – helping your skin feel firmer and look lifted.
- With regular use peptide serums like The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%, a multi-peptide cocktail, reduces fine lines and promotes firmness.
- It works great as an anti-ageing serum. Products like Minimalist Multi-Peptide Serum, it strengthens skin barrier and boosts collagen production.
Serums with Salicylic Acid
- Holy grail to prevent acne, pimples and sudden breakouts, salicylic acid serums are the best anti acne serums in the market.
- Salicylic acid dives deep into your pores, dissolving oil, dirt, and dead skin that cause blackheads and pimples.
- The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution is one such product when applied after cleaning your face twice or thrice every week, you will notice your acne and pimples vanishing gradually.
- It not only is an anti acne serum, it also reduces oiliness, exfoliates gently and shrinks blackheads and whiteheads.
Serums with Azelaic Acid
- One of the best anti acne serum in the market would be the one with Azelaic Acid, like The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%.
- Azelaic acid gently unclogs pores and kills acne-causing bacteria – great for stubborn pimples and even hormonal breakouts.
- It reduces redness and rosacea, fades dark spots and acne scars and smooths rough or bumpy texture.
Niacinamide Serum
- Niacinamide serum controls excess oil, minimizes pores, fades dark spots and acne marks and tightens the look.
- It can be paired with other acids to amplify the effects.
- This serum soothes redness, strengthens skin barrier and boosts overall skin glow.
- You can use The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% or Minimalist Niacinamide 10% + Zinc with vitamin c and retinoids.
Alpha Arbutin Serum
- Fades dark spots and pigmentation.
- Evens out your skin tone.
- Brightens dull skin.
- Gentle on sensitive skin.
- Whether you’re dry, oily, or combo – alpha arbutin fits in almost any skincare routine.
- Using Minimalist Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA Serum regularly fades your dark spots and scars.
Green Tea Serum
- Green tea is known for its calming properties – it helps reduce redness, inflammation, and overall skin stress.
- It fights acne and breakouts, making it great for oily skin types.
- Green tea is full of powerful antioxidants (like EGCG) that protect your skin from environmental damage and early aging.
- Most green tea serums are lightweight but still give your skin a nice dose of moisture, like Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum and Isntree Green Tea Fresh Serum.
Rice Water Serum
- Rice water is known for giving skin that luminous, healthy glow. It helps fade dullness and dark spots over time.
- It’s packed with vitamins and amino acids that deeply moisturize, leaving your skin feeling silky smooth.
- Rich in antioxidants, it helps fight free radicals and keeps your skin looking firm and youthful.
- I’m From Rice Serum, The Face Shop Rice & Ceramide Moisturizing Serum and Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum are some excellent rice water serums to treat various skin issues.
Lactic Acid Serum
- Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that works on the skin’s surface to sweep away dull, flaky skin – leaving it soft and refreshed.
- Brightens uneven exfoliating, hydrates while exfoliating and softens the lines gradually.
- The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% or 10% + HA gives smooth texture and is suitable for sensitive skin also.
Glycolic Acid Serum
- Glycolic acid gently lifts away the top layer of dull, rough skin – making way for fresher, glowier skin underneath.
- Brightens dull, tired-looking skin, fades dark spots & acne marks, smooths out rough texture and reduces fine lines over time.
- L’Oréal Revitalift 10% Glycolic Acid Serum and Minimalist 8% Glycolic Acid Serum can be real game changers and can be applied all over the body too along with the face.
- Best to be used twice a week and then build it up.
How To Choose The Right Serums For Your Skin?
Yes, this step is very important as you should not apply every other serum on your face. Short listing some key points to consider below –
- You need to identify your skin issues.
- Along with that you need to be sure about your skin type,be it oily, dry, normal, sensitive or combination skin.
- Once you short list some of the must have serums in your skincare routine, go through their ingredient list and consider the concentration of the actives.
- Before buying go through the reviews and do an extensive research on the serums to know about their possible side effects.
- Always do patch tests before proper application.
How To Include Serums in Your Daily Skincare Routine?
You can very easily include serums into your daily skincare routine:
- Always start with a clean face.
- Apply a toner to balance your skin’s pH.
- Apply a few drops of serum to your face and neck and gently pat or massage it into your skin.
- Always apply a moisturizer after a serum to lock in hydration and create a protective barrier.
- Don’t forget to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen in the morning to protect your skin from sun damage.
Side Effects & Precautions
While serums are generally safe, some people may experience side effects, especially when using potent ingredients like retinol or salicylic acid. Potential side effects could be irritation, redness, dryness, flaking and sudden breakouts. So always start slowly. Slowly include the actives in your skin and gradually increase the concentration and frequency of application. Always remember, less is more and thin to thick application technique!
Final Thoughts
One of the powerful tools that can transform your skin is skincare serums. To utilise them to their fullest potential, you need to understand their benefits, different types, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
By including serums in your daily skincare routine, you can unlock radiant and healthy skin. Whether you’re looking to reduce wrinkles, brighten your skin, or treat acne, there’s a serum out there for you.
So, embrace the power of serums and elevate your skincare routine to the next level!