Do you speak serum? Your guide on how to choose the serum for your skin needs

For some, it may be superficial to coat the skin "more than needed" – a moisturizer and you’re good to go, right? But actually, a serum enhances the effect of the skin products you’re already using and making them – and your skin – even better. A perfect supplement to your skincare routine!

A serum is a skincare product you can apply after cleansing your skin, but before using your daily moisturizer. It’s a perfect in-between-product with the ability to transport a higher and more powerful concentration of active ingredients directly into the skin, because of tiny molecules that penetrate the skin intensely. This makes it the perfect agent for solving specific skin concerns, such as visible and invisible damage here including sun damage, impurities, and wrinkles.

Even though a serum helps the skin retain moisture, it’s not quite a moisturizer in the traditional sense. Unlike a moisturizer, the serum has a lipid-soluble base that allows the active ingredients to penetrate the epidermis (the second layer of the skin) rather than lying on the outer skin layer and eventually getting washed off. Different serums, depending on the individual product, hold active ingredients such as vitamin E, vitamin A, niacinamide, amino acids etc.

Thus, a serum is a more targeting skincare product with a higher concentration of active ingredients than creams. To understand the difference between a cream and a serum, you can, in simple terms, say that a cream adds moisture while a serum repairs and rebuilds.

Supercharge away - Use a serum to get all the anti-age benefits

From hydrating, repairing, and protecting to stimulating and soothing properties. A serum supercharges both your skin and skincare products. Several studies have shown that when it comes to a healthier, brighter, and more youthful complexion, very few skincare products come close to the versatility and powerfulness of a serum. Its ability to quickly and easily allow the skin to absorb all the important ingredients is what makes it so unique and popular.

Our skin holds two significant substances; collagen and elastin – together, they create the skin’s connective tissue, which defines our skin’s firmness and flexibility and forms its structure. In other words, without collagen and elastin, our skin wouldn’t look as it does. Over time, the production of both collagen and elastin weakens – a perfectly normal process that can’t be halted. But with good care (e.g. a nourishing serum), sleep, and a nourishing diet, you can make a difference.

It’s recommended to add a serum to your skincare routine as early as the mid-twenties to prevent skin damage (e.g. sun damage and environmental pollution). If you invest in a good product, you can expect to see the effect after about 12 weeks.

Know your skin type (and serum)

By now, you’re probably wondering which serum would be the right one for you, and which ingredients you should look for. To many, a greasy T-zone or large pores on the nose might be the main concern – here, a serum with pore minimizing abilities would be most advantageous to use, whilst if the concern is a combination of greasy T-zone but dryness elsewhere on the face, a serum containing vitamin E would be helpful. The ingredients are therefore key, as they determine not only whether your skin concerns are being addressed, but also which components that make your skin healthy. Thus, if your skin tends to be…

Sensitive

Look for serums that contain vitamin E (an antioxidant that protects cells from external damage). Our Vitamin E Serum provides the skin with a boost of concentrated, natural vitamin E that helps defend against free radicals from air pollution and sun exposure. Vitamin E’s restorative properties strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and prevent the early signs of aging while instantly and intensely hydrating.

Dry

Look for serums that hydrate. Our Intense Hydra Serum is formulated with organic seaweed and pseudoalteromonas ferment extract for a deep and long-lasting hydration. It has a natural source of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals with anti-aging abilities, while it protects the sensitive skin with minerals that create a protective barrier.

Maturing

Look for serums with anti-aging benefits. Our Vitamin Lifting Serum is formulated with an effective non-invasive botox-like peptide and a high concentration of active ingredients and antioxidants to ensure dewier, more youthful skin. Peptides and amino acids visibly reduce fine lines, redefine the appearance of facial contours, and help to strengthen the skin’s natural defenses.

Oily

Look for serums that exfoliate and replenish. Our Pore Minimizing Serum contains a combination of zinc PCA and natural salicylic acid. Salicylic acid exfoliates the skin, sloughs away dead skin cells, and unclogs pores without irritating the skin. Antibacterial zinc effectively soothes irritation, regulates oil production, and helps the skin maintain its balance.

The result? Softer and smoother skin that feels energized.

1. Cleanse your skin before applying the serum.

2. Apply the serum with care – we don’t want it to get in the eyes. Apply 2-4 drops on the back of your hand and gently dab it all over the face. Gently massage into the skin afterwards.

3. Allow the serum to dry for approximately 2-3 minutes before applying your daily moisturizer.

4. The serum and your daily cream complement each other. Remember to use both since the combination of the two helps maintain the active ingredients.

Psst… Less is more. As serums are extremely potent, more is not always better. Be cautious with the amount you put on – usually, you’ll come a long way with just a little bit.