Your power product.. most commonly called serums.
So, by now you should know what type of skin you have, how to clean it and what type of cleanser to use (read this if you are still unsure)
Time to think about your power product.
Serums are highly concentrated skincare products that have a heightened ability to penetrate the skin. For these reasons, they’re able to supercharge progress based on your needs.
Serums are one of my favorite skincare product. They come in liquid, clear gel, and oil forms. They’re usually light and contain different active ingredients targeted to your skin concerns, including breakouts, aging, hyperpigmentation, pollution, fine lines, wrinkles, repair and more.
Essentially, it can be your best, most potent ally in your daily regimen to achieve your idea of beautiful, radiant skin.
It is essential to find something that’s really targeted to your concern, even if that is a combination of factors.
Here is your guide to what you should be looking for.
BEST SERUMS FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN
Retinoids are often prescribed by a gp for acute acne. You would be looking into serums with BHAs (salicylic acid) as a worthy alternative.
BEST SERUMS FOR OILY SKIN
Many people with oily skin fear that hydration will exacerbate oil production. However, you can benefit from a water-based serum to use even in place of a moisturiser, rather than one that is oil based.
Additionally, since BHAs help tackle oil under the skin’s surface, you may also opt for one targeted for breakout-prone skin.
Products containing niacinamide (Vitamin B3 will help lower sebum excretion rates.
BEST SERUMS FOR MATURE SKIN
Are your biggest skin concerns are fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging? Me too! You need serums (and treatments) that promote collagen production.
A decent vitamin C serum (L-ascorbic acid) in the morning for DNA repair and excessive sun exposure, then at night switch to retinol to promote cell turnover.
BEST SERUMS FOR DRY SKIN
The favoured product for hydration is hyaluronic acid however, you can also look to more familIar ingredients like aloe (a humectant) and other hydrating botanicals.
Actually, most people can benefit from using a hyaluronic acid serum. A lot of serums on the market are HA-based, or include some form of it. It’s naturally found in the skin, and attracts water to deeper layers.
BEST SERUMS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Similar to dry skin, those with sensitive skin can always benefit from hydrating products because their skin barrier is more reactive. A concentrated boost in hydration can support skin cells prone to dryness, redness, and cracking.
BEST SERUMS FOR HYPERPIGMENTATION
There are so many options for hyperpigmentation. Whether yours is in the form of melasma, age spots, sun spots, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, you should belooking for a stable vitamin C serum.
There are also serums that blend vitamin C with botanicals to further brighten the skin, such as:
licorice
kojic acid
azelaic acid
mulberry extract
alpha arbutin
Finally, in addition to its ability to normalize oil production, niacinamide can help lighten dark spots.
More Pigmentation advice here
BEST SERUMS FOR DULLNESS
Is your skin is lacking glow and radiance? If so, you should look for a product with gentle chemical exfoliants.
Dullness is often related to slow skin cell turnover.
A serum with mild AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) or PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) should work well.
Dull skin may also benefit from a serum with fruit enzymes, which can contain antioxidants in high percentages to brighten the skin.
How to use them
Apply serum after cleansing and before moisturising. If you follow a more advanced regimen, apply it after toning spraying a facial mist, yet before creams and balms. When in doubt, a general rule of thumb is to apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency.
If you’re layering serums, you can use one in the morning and the other at night. You may also find that you prefer to rotate them on a daily basis.
In terms of how often you should use it daily, you should read the instructions or hopefully, you will have been advised on your products by a skincare professional (like me!)
If you have a major skincare goal, serum can significantly help you achieve it.
It’s worth mentioning that since they have higher concentrations of active ingredients, they tend to be on the pricier side. However, once you find the best serum(s) for you, you’ll likely find that beautiful skin, as well as the confidence that results from it, are priceless.
Book in now for your skin analysis and consultation and get the benefit of my professional advice along with other hints and tips for the best skin of your life.
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