When it comes to working out the essential steps in your skincare routine, serums should be a high priority item for everyone of any skin type. Serums are packed with active ingredients that target specific skin goals, making them one of the most potent and effective products you can incorporate into your skincare routine.
Serums offer formulas that are very concentrated, and are a great way to get more out of your skincare routine without having to use too many different products at once, in turn reducing cost, time, and effort. Serums can smooth, hydrate, firm, and much more besides. In essence, there is a serum for everything you want. So, what should you know about serums and how to get your skin looking its best?
Which Serums Should I Be Using?
Knowing your skin type, as well as what you want to achieve, is the important part of working out which serum you should go for. Fortunately, we’ve got a handy guide for finding your skin type which should help to set you on the right path. Once you’ve worked this out, you should be thinking about what you WANT your skin to look like. For instance, if you have dry skin but want to achieve a hydrated, glowy look, there’s a specific serum for that. Acne-prone? There are serums with acne-bacteria fighting ingredients. The list goes on, but you get the idea!
Where in My Routine Should I Apply Serum?
This one is a much-debated question, and honestly, the answer is different depending on who you ask. As far as we’re concerned, skincare is most effective when applied from thinnest to thickest, after cleansing and toning, which means that serum should be applied BEFORE moisturiser, sunscreen and other thick formulas to get the most out of them and allow for optimal absorption.
How Should I Apply Serum?
While we’re not massive advocates for weird fads and trends around applying skincare (TikTok, we’re looking at you!), we do have a specific application suggestion for serums. Unlike other, thicker formulas, serums benefit from being gently patted into the skin with the flat of your palms and fingers, rather than rubbed all over using just your fingertips. Allow the serum to soak into your skin for a minute or so before applying your next layer of skincare.
Which Serums Do You Recommend?
As we mentioned above, serums are best when used as a targeted application for your skin type, so we’ve curated a list which highlights not just the best serums but also who they’re good for:
Best for Dry Skin – Decleor Antidote Serum
Best for Hyperpigmented Skin – Murad Correct and Protect Serum SPF45
Best for Dull or Sensitive Skin – REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Redness Relief Serum
Best for Oily Skin – Dermalogica UltraCalming Serum Concentrate
Best for Spot-Prone Skin – Elemis Clarifying Serum
Best for Ageing Skin – CACI Amino-Lift Peptide Complex
Best for Combination Skin – Dermalogica Phyto-Nature Firming Serum
Best for Normal Skin – SkinCeuticals Serum 10