WHAT IS A SERUM?

As we all know, our skin has several layers. Serums have this incredible and unique ability to penetrate the deepest layer of the skin, which helps them target specific skin problems or concerns. But the question is HOW? Serums are basically a high concentration of active ingredients, designed with a large number of molecules and have thin viscosity, which leads them to penetrate deeper into the skin. This is what makes them stand as THE HOLY GRAILS of skincare.

WHAT DO THEY DO?

Serums have been proven to cure several skin concerns. Different serums have different ingredients that treat different kinds of issues. For example, serums with glycolic acids are highly effective for reducing dark spots and skin discolourations. Serums that contain vitamin C have demonstrated the ability to brighten dull skin. Serums with hyaluronic acid reduce the wrinkles leaving the skin plumped and completely hydrated, and not just that but from fighting skin sagginess to managing acne-prone skin; serums can be used for all these skin problems and a million more, as I know that you won’t be surprised to learn that serums have excellent skin exfoliating properties as well. So basically, serums can help you resolve almost all your skin problems if used efficiently and adequately; just make sure to choose wisely.

WHEN AND WHAT TO USE?

In terms of texture, the serums are divided into two main types, water-based and oil-based. A water-based serum is always applied after cleansing and toning, i.e. you need to use your serum before the moisturizer, but in the case of an oil-based serum, you have to apply your serum on top of your moisturizer. However, the usage of serum is mainly dependent on three main factors; your skin type, the time of use and the season.

● Skin type: For oily skin, it would not be entirely wrong to use an oil-based serum but applying oil on already oily skin would make it a little heavier to penetrate deep into your skin, so choosing a water-based serum for oily skin would be an efficient choice especially if you prefer to keep it light on your skin. However, an oil-based serum would be the most recommended for people with dry skin. This is because it would not just deeply moisturize your skin but keep it hydrated all day long.

● Time of use: If you are applying your serum in the morning, then go for a water-based serum because they absorb much more quickly into the skin as compared to the oil-based serums and layering up your makeup on top of oily skin would be a little tricky, so it’s always wise to use a water-based serum in the day time. On the other hand, an ideal serum to be used before going to bed would definitely be an oil-based serum, as oils take longer to soak into the skin but leave your skin revitalized in the morning.

● Season: Our skin changes with the weather, so using the same serum throughout the year is not an ideal thing to be done. For summers, a lightweight water-based serum would be best. It would keep the skin gently moist and hydrated all day long. However, in winter, when our skin can become dry much easier, an oil-based serum is all you need to keep your skin deeply nourished and completely healthy.

HOW TO USE:

Be it in the morning or at night, take 2 to 3 drops of serum into your palm and pat it on your skin. Don’t rub your palms together while applying the serum, as it would waste the product. If you want a deeper product application, you need to use a facial roller in an upward motion.

Pro-tip: Serums are super potent in nature; more is not always better. So be extremely careful while piling it on. Also, the active ingredients in serums are pretty powerful, which can be a little irritating for people with sensitive skin, so always make sure to patch-test accordingly.

Here we have listed down one of the best yet most effective serums, which our team swears by; choose yours wisely and change your skin game once and for all!

FOR NORMAL TO DRY SKIN:

● L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum:

Intensely hydrating yet super lightweight at the same time. It is made with pure hyaluronic acid. It soothes and smoothes the skin, leaving it adequately moist and plumped. Consistent use has been proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Free of fragrance, parabens and any mineral oil. 

● COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence:

It is made with real snail essence and sodium hyaluronate. It provides instant hydration and illuminates the skin. The consistent use of this serum shows a visible difference in reducing wrinkles, fading dark spots and improving skin texture. 

FOR OILY AND ACNE-PRONE SKIN:

● The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Oil Control Serum:

This one is my personal favourite. This serum works like magic for those who have oily and acne-prone skin. Niacinamide and zinc are the two primary ingredients in this serum, and they are obligated to minimize pores and regulate sebum production. As a result, it helps eliminate the excessive oil and eventually reduces the chances of acne, leaving the skin neat and clean.

● Mario Badescu Anti-Acne Serum:

It has an exfoliating formula, Salicylic acid being the key ingredient. It works like magic against pore congestion and prevents pimples like never before. It has a gel-based consistency, and the moisturizing effect doesn’t leave the skin stripped even after getting rid of all the excess oil.

ANTI-AGING SERUM:

● La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum:

An absolute power pack. This blend is formulated with vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid, which works excellent against anti-ageing skin, mainly for skin which has lost its volume and elasticity. Moreover, it promises to repair and re-plump the skin within a few hours. A must-try, indeed!

● CeraVe Anti Aging Retinol Serum:

Made with hyaluronic acid, essential ceramides and encapsulated retinol. This facial serum is specifically formulated to target anti-ageing skin; it visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles, helps protect the skin barrier, and improves the skin texture. The non-drying and non-irritating formula also make it safe for sensitive skin types.

BRIGHTENING SERUM:

● TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum:

This one is not just a facial serum but a brightening and hydrating bomb packed in a cute little bottle, formulated with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and Vitamin C being the key ingredient. It helps to fade the dark spots, skin blemishes and ageing marks. It brings radiance to the skin and provides instant glow and moisture. A product that’s worth every penny.  

FOR BLEMISHED SKIN:

● CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum:

Made with licorice root extract, niacinamide and essential ceramides. This is considered highly effective for blemished skin because it is proven to restore the protective skin barrier and provides instant skin smoothness, reducing the acne marks & shrinking the pores. 

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