With more serums on the market than ever promising overnight miracles, it can leave even the most experienced skincare connoisseur feeling dazed and confused. Rather than seeing serums as just another product, they are often a transformative step in your routine. If you’re looking to supercharge your skincare with a powerful dose of active ingredients, a serum might be your not-so-secret weapon!
What is a serum?
Serums are like the ultimate skin problem solvers. As lightweight, fast-absorbing liquids they typically contain a high concentration of active ingredients to target specific skin concerns such as the visible signs of ageing, pigmentation or dehydration. A serum’s core function is to act as the corrective step in your routine.
What are the benefits of serum?
A serum is often faster at delivering results - that’s a consequence of their potency and sophisticated delivery system, which ensures the right ingredients reach the right destination in the skin. Whether you’re tackling stubborn hyperpigmentation or fine lines, a dedicated serum equals action!
Thanks to the lightweight textures of serums, they also allow us to use multiple layers in a way that doesn’t interfere with our moisturiser or SPF application. This is essential for morning routines when most of us will apply a serum, moisturiser, sunscreen and then makeup on top.
How to apply a serum?
Serums sit in the middle of your skincare routine - after cleansing but before moisturiser. If using multiple serums, when layering skincare always remember to apply products from thinnest to thickest. You certainly don't want to apply a thick, occlusive rich moisturiser and then try to apply your water-based expensive Vitamin C serum over the top!
Just like the other steps in your skincare routine, the right application is key for best results depending on what you’re trying to achieve. Apply it where you want results - some are best suited to “zoning” the treatment, based on where the concern lies. For example, if you want to improve the appearance of blocked pores and congestion in your T zone, you can apply a salicylic acid serum on your forehead, nose and chin . Whereas if you're looking for a brightening effect you’ll want to apply an AHA serum all over the face.
Here are four easy steps to apply your serum in the morning and evening:
Step 1 - Applying your serum to clean skin is the best way to unlock its benefits.
Morning and night, use a gentle cleanser to help dissolve makeup, impurities and pollutants.
Step 2 - Dispense a pea-sized amount of serum and apply using the 13 Dot Technique to ensure even distribution over your skin. Take care to avoid areas your serum is not intended for, like around the eye and lips. Better yet, apply “moisturiser goggles” first. Of course, some serums are designed to be used in the eye area as well - know your ingredients, and apply accordingly.
Step 3 - Once absorbed, apply your moisturiser on top to protect and hydrate.
Step 4 - In your morning routine, add a protective layer of broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
What are the best serums to use?
With so many serums on the market, knowing which to purchase can be tricky but an easy solution is to remember these 3 key details:
- Cherry-pick the right ingredients for your skin concern. Barrier needs a boost? Try niacinamide. Redness getting you down? Look for azelaic acid to soothe your skin.
- Find the right formula to achieve the results you want. Make sure your active ingredients are in the right combination at the optimum percentage to deliver results.
- Serums are available at both ends of the price spectrum. More expensive doesn’t always mean better so make sure the price is right and suits your budget.
- Give your serum enough time to work. 6-12 weeks is sensible - and don’t make things over-complicated by using too many products.
For your morning routine, a serum powered by Vitamin C is always beneficial. As a powerful antioxidant it helps to protect your skin from free-radical damage from environmental pollutants. Our best-selling Flawless Brightly Serum delivers multiple active ingredients with antioxidant power in just one pump. Combining a stable form of Vitamin C with barrier-boosting niacinamide and soothing azelaic acid, it supercharges and streamlines your morning routine. At nighttime, opt for a serum focused on renewing and recharging the skin, using ingredients such as retinoids and bakuchiol.
Ultimately, your serums play a leading role in creating transformative skin success. When the formula and active ingredient concentration is optimised, serums are an effective, results-driven step in your toolkit. Navigating skincare when there is so much choice can be bewildering but skin craves simplicity. Don’t over complicate your routine and stick to key active ingredients that are proven to help your skin journey. Above all, be consistent - your skincare journey is a marathon not a sprint!
