All About Skin Serums and Why You Should Be Using Them
From brightening to tightening to hydrating, these lightweight products pack a serious punch
When it comes to your daily skincare routine, we all know about the essentials like cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen but, if you are looking for one product that can really amp up skin health, don’t skip the serum.
“Serums are a super innovative, very modern part of a skincare routine and should be in everybody’s bathroom,” says Dr. Barbara Sturm, founder of the eponymous skincare line. “I call serums the power tools of skincare because of their ability to penetrate deep and fast into the skin to address concerns with active ingredients, which are either a certain molecular size or are specially encapsulated to reach a specific skin layer.”
What is a skin serum?
A skin serum is a highly concentrated formulation of active ingredients designed to be rapidly absorbed into the skin. Unlike a cream or a lotion, serums are lightweight liquids with a viscous texture that can be either water or water and lipid based. As serums contain smaller molecules than moisturizers, their formulas can penetrate the skin’s surface more effectively and deliver active ingredients to deeper skin layers. Designed to target a wide range of skin concerns, serums may contain ingredients such as Peptides to help stimulate collagen, Antioxidants to provide defense from free radical damage, Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids to promote skin cell turnover, and Hyaluronic Acid to pull hydration into the skin.
How is a serum different from a moisturizer?
Moisturizers are primarily emollients and occlusives, designed to keep the skin’s outermost surface (the stratum corneum) hydrated and create a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss and shield against environmental stressors. Serums, on the other hand, are designed to be absorbed, leaving little, if anything, on the surface of the skin. “Serums are not intended as a substitute for a day or night cream, but rather an important addition,” Dr. Sturm explains. “While creams should be used to nourish the skin with precious lipids and seal the skin as a final step against external influences, serums have a different focus.” Serums, therefore, should be used to target specific skin concerns, while your moisturizer should do just that–moisturize.
Do I use a serum before or after a moisturizer?
When it comes to layering skincare products, we all know that order matters. The main rule to follow is to apply your products from lightest to heaviest; the general order is cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, and SPF. According to Dr. Sturm, to get the most out of your serums, they should always be applied directly after cleansing and drying your face, and before any cream or oil. If you apply a cream or oil first, this will create an occlusive barrier preventing the serum from being absorbed into the skin. Allow a minute or two for your serum to properly absorb before applying any additional product and don’t forget to cover your neck and décolletage too!
How often can I use a serum?
Like moisturizers, most serums can be used both in the morning and evening. Similarly, there are some serums or creams that should only be used at night or intermittently in order to decrease irritation or if combined with other actives. For example, neither Retinol nor Niacinamide should be combined with AHAs, BHAs or Vitamin C, as this can cause redness, dryness, and irritation and reduce the effectiveness of the individual ingredients.
Here, our favorite serums for every skin concern.
Hydrating
$19.99
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Brightening
$19.99
$19.99
$19.99
$19.99
Firming
$19.99
$19.99
$19.99
$19.99
