Serum – The evening skincare routine is a three-course meal. The serum is like the main course. After you start with a snack (i.e., wiping your face), and before indulging in dessert (aka a nourishing moisturizer), you refuel on all the essential nutrients (aka the serum).
As the main course, serums can contain a variety of nutrients beneficial for the skin.
“Serums are skincare products design to deliver high concentrations of active ingredients specific to the skin. There are numerous types of serums on the market that perform different functions, from moisturizing to lightening the skin. Joshua Zeichner. Board Certified Dermatologist and Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in the Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Most of the time, the serums are transparent, gel-based, or liquid, and they tend to be thinner than a moisturizer. They are usually applied before moisturizers to help lock in moisture.
Benefits of the serum
“In general, the serums contain topical antioxidants which include vitamins A, C, and E. They also contain topical retinol and ingredients that even out skin tone. When layered under moisturizers, the serums act as a specific treatment for wrinkles, pigmentation, and redness,” said Dr. Angela J. Lamb, certified dermatologist and associate professor in the School of Medicine.
What Type of Serums should you be Looking for Specifically?
“The key is to appearance for serums that provide a ton of herbs, antioxidants, and hydration (water!). They can deliver a focussed dose of nutrients, and when applied to freshly washed skin, the serum penetrates deeper, “said Dr. Craig Kraffert, certified dermatologist.
Since the ingredients in serums can be pretty potent, consider any possible skin sensitivity before trying a new product.
How to Use the Serum?
Everyone’s skin is dissimilar, but you should wait around seven weeks to see how your skin responds to a new serum routine on average. According to Kraffert, depending on the serum and the current condition of your skin, you may even see early results, like slightly more hydrated skin, within days.
As a general rule of thumb, you should use a serum all over your face and neck twice a day, once in the morning and then again in the evening, before applying your moisturizer if you want to get the most out of your investment, according to Lamb.