Whether your skincare routine consists of five steps or 15, there is one non-negotiable product: a face serum. We all know just how vital and life-giving that first sip of coffee is in the morning. Serums are like that, but for your skin.
Serums deliver a more concentrated version of active ingredients to the skin. Translation: They infuse the best ingredients into your skin that penetrate deeply and more effectively. They are best worn after cleansing the face and before applying the moisturizer.
If you’re looking to target fine lines, dry skin, or dark spots—there’s a serum for every skin concern. Let’s talk about the most common types of face serums and the ones we love!
Types of Face Serums
1. Hydrating Serum
2. Anti-Aging Serum
3. Brightening Serum
4. Acne-Fighting Serum
5. Exfoliating Serum
5 Different Types of Face Serums for Glowing Skin
1. Hydrating Serums
If you have ever heard models and celebrities talking about their skincare routines, ‘staying hydrated’ often tops the chart. It is the key to healthy skin, no matter what your skin type. This is why it becomes essential to hydrate topically, alongside drinking lots of water, of course.
Due to the amazing ability of a serum to penetrate the skin and hydrate at a deeper level, they provide more effective hydration than some of the richest creams and moisturizers. Hyaluronic acid, also known as a dry skin’s best friend, is one of the gold standard ingredients to hydrate your skin. It acts as a sponge that absorbs water, making the skin plumper.
2. Anti-aging Serums
Anti-aging serums are packed with a concentrated dose of vital, active ingredients which help slow down and improve signs of aging. The fast-absorbing molecules penetrate deeper into your skin and deliver collagen boosters, rich antioxidants, and more.
One of the most common anti-aging compounds is vitamin A (retinol) and its derivatives. It provides antioxidant effects and fights free radicals to improve skin texture, while improving cell turnover.
3. Brightening Serums
Brightening serums—your key to that healthy, nourished skin we all dream about! Harnessing the power of ingredients such as vitamin E, lactic acid, vitamin C and retinol, these serums exfoliate dead skin cells and help in reducing dark spots, acne scars, sun spots, hyperpigmentation, and other unwanted texture issues. They are rich in antioxidants and defend the skin against free radicals, environmental stressors, and UV exposure.
4. Acne-Fighting Serums
Acne serums are lightweight formulas with active ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and retinol that help treat breakouts fast. In addition to purifying the pores of dirt, sweat, oil, and other impurities, these serums also help prevent future breakouts by rebalancing sebum production and fighting acne-causing bacteria.
It is always advisable to do a patch test by applying a pea-size amount of serum to the inner arm and waiting at least 24 hours to gauge whether there are adverse reactions.
5. Exfoliating Serums
Dealing with dullness and breakouts? Enter exfoliating serums! This magic-in-a-bottle product can help you achieve brighter, more glowy skin almost instantly. These serums tackle skin concerns like dryness, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines as the active ingredients slough off dead skin and target impurities and debris that clogs pores. When looking for an exfoliating serum, consider the ones having bucolic acid, salicylic acid, citric acid, and malic acid.
Different types of face serums are used for different types of skin concerns. From evening out skin tone to plumping your skin without fillers, face serums can be your best friend in a bottle. It is always advisable to educate yourself on the ingredients and what works best for your skin’s needs.