How to Choose the Right Face Serum
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With so many serums on the market, it’s hard to figure out what to buy. They’re often marketed as one-size-fits-all, making you feel like you need them all! But while serums can be an important part of your skincare routine, the key is to focus on what YOUR skin needs, rather than what every influencer is calling the "it" product. Below, I’ll break down exactly what serums are and the different types available so you can make an informed choice.
What is a Serum?
Serums are lightweight, highly concentrated skincare products that penetrate deeply into the skin to provide targeted benefits. Because they absorb so deeply, it’s crucial to choose a serum with clean, non-toxic ingredients. When used regularly, a good serum can transform the look and feel of your skin—helping with hydration, brightening, and even reducing fine lines. Thanks to their high concentrations, most people notice visible results in a short amount of time. Used correctly, serums can be your best friend for tackling various skin concerns.
Benefits of a Serum?
So, why should you add a serum to your skincare routine? Here are a few standout benefits:
Deep Hydration: Serums penetrate deeper into your skin than moisturizers, delivering intense hydration.
Targeted Treatment: Whether you want to fight signs of aging, brighten your complexion, or calm breakouts, serums offer specific solutions.
Quick Results: Thanks to their potent formulations, serums can deliver visible improvements faster than many other skincare products.
Lightweight Formula: Serums are lightweight and absorb quickly, making them a great option for layering under makeup or sunscreen without feeling heavy.
Types of Serum and What to Consider
When used in a thoughtful way that takes into account your skin type and what it needs, serums can truly help transform your skin. Also, be aware that your skin changes and what worked last year or last month, might not work forever due to changes in weather, environmental factors, stress, etc. Now let’s dive into the main types of skin serums.
Brightening/Vitamin C
Brightening serums, often featuring Vitamin C, are fantastic for evening out your skin tone and boosting radiance. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps fade dark spots and protect your skin from environmental damage. If you’re dealing with dullness or hyperpigmentation, a brightening serum can make a huge difference in the clarity and brightness of your complexion.
Check out my favorite Vitamin C serums
Hydrating Serums
As the name suggests, hydrating serums help keep your skin moisturized and prevent dryness. Your skin is made up of around 60% water, but it can easily lose moisture due to various factors. This is where hydrating serums come in, providing a deep infusion of moisture.
You might wonder, why not just use a moisturizer? While moisturizers are great for locking in hydration and strengthening the skin’s barrier, serums are designed to penetrate deeper, delivering a higher dose of hydration. When used together, serums and moisturizers can be a powerful duo for healthy, glowing skin.
Most clean hydrating serums contain hyaluronic acid, a very popular skincare ingredient. Hyaluronic acid is known for its ability to hold 1,000 times its weight in water, making it an excellent hydrator. However, it’s crucial to follow up with a moisturizer or face oil to lock in the moisture. While hyaluronic acid can be an incredible tool for keeping your skin plump and hydrated, it’s not ideal for everyone.
For example, when I first started using hyaluronic acid, I went all in without doing much research, and after a week of consistent use and thinking I could use less moisturizer, my face became a flaky mess! Similar to retinol, it’s important to introduce hyaluronic acid gradually to avoid overwhelming your skin. And remember, more isn’t always better—using too many products with hyaluronic acid can lead to irritation.
If you have sensitive skin and want to avoid hyaluronic acid, don’t worry! There are plenty of other hydrating serums made with natural ingredients like plant oils and sea minerals that can keep your skin radiant.
Learn more about the serums I trust for deep hydration
Aging Gracefully (Anti-Aging)
Anti-aging serums focus on skin renewal and collagen production to address fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. These serums can help rejuvenate your skin, making it look smoother and more youthful as your skin gracefully changes.
A common ingredient in anti-aging serums is retinol, but there are gentler alternatives if your skin is sensitive. If you choose a retinol serum, it’s important to introduce it into your routine slowly. Like hyaluronic acid, retinol can be harsh if used too often or too quickly. Also, retinol makes your skin very sensitive to the sun, so you should apply in the evening only.
When I was new to retinol, I made the mistake of using it daily right from the start, and my skin looked like I’d had an aggressive peel—red and peeling everywhere! After some trial and error, I found that using retinol just twice a week works best for me. Many people can use it daily, but it’s all about finding what works for you!
Check out some of my favorite retinol and retinol alternatives
Exfoliating/Skin Texture
These serums contain ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), which work to gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and improving skin texture. They can help with uneven skin tone, rough patches, and even clogged pores.
AHAs are typically better for dry or sun-damaged skin, while BHAs are ideal for oily or acne-prone skin, as they can penetrate deeper into pores. Exfoliating serums are a great addition to your skincare routine if you're looking to smooth out your skin’s texture and achieve a more even complexion. Keep in mind the other serums you are incorporating into your skincare routine though to ensure you aren’t over exfoliating by using multiple serums that have exfoliating ingredients.
Here are my top picks for exfoliating serums
Acne Fighting Serums
If you struggle with acne, these serums are designed to help calm inflammation, clear breakouts, and prevent future blemishes. Many acne-fighting serums contain salicylic acid or niacinamide, both of which are known for their ability to unclog pores and soothe redness.
It's important to be patient when using acne serums, as they can sometimes take a few weeks to show results. Start slowly to avoid drying out your skin and layer with a good moisturizer (yes you still need to moisturize) to keep your skin balanced.
How to Use
A little goes a long way with serums! Typically, you only need a pea-sized amount, gently applied to your skin. If you're layering multiple serums, it’s crucial to pay attention to the order, as some active ingredients shouldn’t be combined. For example, most professionals recommend avoiding the combination of retinol with alpha or beta hydroxy acids (AHAs/BHAs), as this can lead to excessive dryness and irritation. Similarly, mixing Vitamin C with niacinamide may reduce the effectiveness of both.
To ensure you’re getting the most out of your products:
Start with the thinnest texture and work your way up to thicker ones.
Let each layer fully absorb before applying the next.
Avoid using too many actives at once—stick to one powerhouse ingredient per routine to prevent irritation
Here’s a simple chart to help you remember the correct order to apply your skincare products for the best results:
I hope this breakdown helps you feel more confident about navigating the world of serums! Remember, it’s all about listening to your skin’s needs and finding what works best for you.
Thanks for joining me on this clean adventure! Stay beautiful, stay green.
XoXo,
The Green Hue