Is your skin dry or is it oily and prone to acne and pimples? No matter what your skin type, there’s a serum for you out there, waiting to be discovered! This BeautiSecrets article guides you in finding the perfect match, as you learn which is the right face serum for you.
How is serum different from other skin care products? Well, serums are enriched with active ingredients that have a magical effect on your skin, acting as a solution for all your skin troubles. They can be oil- or water-based, and are rich in vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants, that help rejuvenate your skin, making it healthier and younger-looking like never before! However, not every serum is the same, and they differ in their key ingredient and hence, their function. If you have a fair knowledge about the cosmetics market, or even carry out a little research on the Internet, you’ll know that there is a wide spectrum of serums, each promising to offer you a distinct beauty benefit.
In such a scenario, how is one supposed to know which is the best one for her skin? In other words, how can you be sure enough to go ahead and invest your money in a bottle of serum (note that these beauty potions don’t come cheap!) without worrying about having to deal with a nasty skin irritation and other side effects? Well, there is a serum for every skin type and for the most common skin troubles. So, depending on whether you wish to get rid of wrinkles and fine lines, or give your skin that tinted glow, you must choose your serum wisely. Here, we shall address them one by one.
To begin with, a serum alone is not enough to meet the moisturizing requirements of dry skin. Hence, dermatologists recommend people with dry skin to use a serum as an addition to the use of a moisturizer. The best way to go about it is to apply serum below the layer of moisturizer so that it becomes easier for the skin to absorb and benefit from the active ingredients present in the serum, with the moisture level of the skin retained all the same.
Dry skin tends to get dehydrated, which means it tends to lose its moisture. Hence, those with dry skin should go for a hydrating serum that is rich in hyaluronic acid, which has moisturizing properties, or other similar ingredients that help nourish the skin.
Best Serums for Dry Skin ►► Clarins HydraQuench Intensive Serum Bi-Phase |
If you have oily skin, a serum can be a boon for you. Unlike moisturizers and creams that leave your skin sticky and oily, a serum is lighter and does not trigger the problem of clogged pores. However, never go for a serum with an oil base, rather choose a water-based serum instead.
If you’re troubled by acne, then opt for a serum containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. A serum formulated for acne, unclogs the pores and checks the growth of bacteria.
Best Serums for Oily Skin ►► Jan Marini C-ESTA Serum Oil Control |
Combination skin is neither too oily nor too dry, and has the perfect balance. For this skin type, dermatologists recommend using a serum that works to maintain this balance by restoring the skin’s pH to its natural value.
Best Serums for Combination Skin ►► Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Supplement |
For those who have sensitive skin, stay away from serums that contain benzoyl peroxide or similar ingredients that tend to cause skin irritation. Instead, choose a serum that has niacinamide, otherwise known as niacin or vitamin B3.
Best Serums for Sensitive Skin ►► Aromatherapy Associates Instant Skin Soothing Serum |
Opt for a serum that is rich in vitamin C, which helps rejuvenate your dull and tired skin, giving you that much-needed glow. Also, a serum that contains a fair amount of antioxidants can do you a lot of good, as your skin is protected from further damage by the harmful UV rays of the Sun.
Best Serums for Dull Skin
►► Shiseido White Lucent Intensive Spot Targeting Serum+ |
When it comes to dealing with aging and its signs, there can be two approaches and there is a different serum for each―prevention of aging and reversing the signs of aging.
If you’re looking for a serum that prevents the signs of aging, such as wrinkles, crows feet, fine lines, and dark spots from appearing on your skin, then a serum that’s rich in antioxidants is what you should opt for. This would reduce the harmful effects of free-radicals on your skin, leaving you looking youthful and your skin healthy and glowing.
Best Anti-aging Serums
►► Elizabeth Arden PREVAGE Anti-aging Daily Serum |
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a serum that will reverse the signs of aging, making the wrinkles and fine lines less apparent, you need a serum that is high on retinol, a powerful ingredient that stimulates your skin to produce more collagen. Collagen is responsible for the firmness of your skin and prevents it from sagging, and as your skin generates more of this protein, you revel in the beauty of your youth.
Best Skin Regenerating Serum
►► Algenist Retinol Firming & Lifting Serum |
So, you have a bottle of the serum that is best for your skin type, but what next? How do you apply it on your skin to get the best results? Just follow the steps given below.
►► Wash your face with a mild facial cleanser, or use cleansing milk.
►► After you’re done with the cleansing, apply a toner on your damp skin.
►► Now, apply the serum, and wait till it’s absorbed by your skin.
►► Lastly, apply a moisturizer to protect your skin from losing moisture. However, you may avoid applying moisturizer if you have oily skin.
While serums are great for your skin, and make you look gorgeous and youthful, you should refrain from using too much. Excessive use can cause skin irritation. So, have you found your serum yet?