Today’s beauty article is dedicated to one step of the skincare routine that changed the game for me. My skin (oily-acne prone) has improved incredibly since I started to use serums, and I would highly recommend to start using them because these magic potions are the protein boosts that help solve skin issues that may come up from time to time.
What are Serums?
Serum contains highly concentrated active ingredients to target skin concerns. Given their lightweight texture they are easily absorbed by the skin and are able to penetrate the epidermis (first layer of the skin). That boosts the skin by providing extra vitamins or moisture the skin might need.
Serums are used after cleansing and toning but before moisturising, I would personally apply it by pouring a couple of drops onto my skin (or the facial area I want to boost) and spread it softly, using circular motions with my finger tips.
Serums by skin type or concern
Serums can be found in two different forms, water based and oil based. Normally water based serums are better for the AM routine as they are easily absorbed whereas oil based ones can take a little longer to sink into the skin.
For instance, Vitamin A or C are found in many serums, but these are recommended to be used in the PM routine as both vitamins oxidize with UV rays making them lose their properties.
On the other side, if a serum can be applied under sunscreen this one would be perfect for the AM routine (make sure to consult your dermatologist or check out the product label and usage before using them).
Serums help achieve results faster given their high concentration of ingredients. The ones containing ingredients such as Vitamin C and Retinol increase collagen production, Zinc helps reducing skin irritation and the ones with salicylic acid exfoliate the skin gently and help unclog congested pores, making any of these ones perfect for oily skin/acne prone skin.
For dry skin, serums containing Vitamin E (moisture), Niacinamide (skin elasticity), glycolic acid (soft exfoliation) or hyaluronic acid (retain moisture in the skin) are perfect as it help with the skin dryness and it will boost the moisture.
Serums containing hydrating or nourishing vitamins such as vitamin A, C or E, natural ingredients such as aloe vera or cucumber extract are perfect for brightening and hydrating a normal or combo skin.
Korean Highly rated serums
I personally haven’t tested these serums, however they are highly rated by users, so they are probably worth a shot.
Number 1: Innisfree – Intensive Hydrating Serum with Green Tea Seed
I’m a big Innisfree fan, and I would recommend their products to anyone. This serum contains glycerin to help the skin to maintain the moisture on the skin and hydration, it also has natural oils making it perfect for dry skin as it helps to get that extra hydration this skin type lacks naturally.
Number 2: SOME BY MI – AHA.BHA.PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum
I really want to try this serum. Its composition includes Tea Tree and AHA, BHA and PHA making it perfect for exfoliating the skin gently as well as calming breakouts. However, I wouldn’t use this one daily given the high concentration of exfoliant agents, but it looks like a great addition for Sunday spa time at home.
Number 3: Laneige – Glowy Makeup Serum
By its composition this serum seems great for dry or normal skin. Its water based formula including natural oils and glycerin makes it perfect to help the skin retain the moisture it needs. At the same time, Laneige included the Light Fit Prep Technology that helps makeup last longer with its lightweight adhesion components.
Number 4: Klairs – Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop
This serum contains natural oils as well as centella asiatica extract making it ideal for sensitive skin. This water based serum is recommended for people with dull or an uneven skin tone as it will help them plump and brighten their complexion.
Number 5: Mizon – AHA 8% Peeling Serum
As its name states, this serum exfoliates the skin helping revitalize it. It also contains natural sourced oils and soothing plant based extracts making it ideal for all skin types.
This serum claims to be powerful in treating hyperpigmentation and helps the skin with aging by making it look brighter and smoother. Depending on the level of sensibility of the skin it could be used daily as part of the PM routine or a couple of times a week.
That’s it for this list of serums, let us know if you have tried any of these and what the results were, and remember before combining serums make sure they work well together and don’t over do it. Layering too many serums can cause skin irritation.
