Frequently Asked Questions About Serums
What does serum do for your face?
Face serums contain highly concentrated active ingredients that directly target skin concerns, from anti-aging and acne to hydration and texture refinement. Regular use can visibly improve skin tone, enhance smoothness, and promote a more youthful complexion.
How to apply face serum?
Apply 4-6 drops of your favorite face serum to your face and décolleté as part of your morning and nighttime skincare routine. If you’re using a retinol serum, use this at nighttime only. Try adding 2-3 drops of your favorite serum to your moisturizer to give it an added boost of skincare benefits, or 2-3 drops to spot-treat a specific area. Some serums can be layered, such as a vitamin C serum over a hyaluronic acid serum. For deep hydration, consider incorporating a concentrated hydrating serum.
When to apply face serum?
Always apply serum after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizing. Many serums can be used twice daily, morning and evening. Daytime serums, like vitamin C or hyaluronic acid, pair best with sunscreen, while nighttime serums such as retinol or epidermal growth factor (EGF) support repair and regeneration overnight.
At what age should I start using face serums?
There’s no specific age requirement for starting serums. You can begin in your early 20s for preventive care or address specific concerns such as hydration or acne. Ingredients like vitamin C and retinol offer proactive benefits, protecting against environmental stressors and reducing fine lines and wrinkles over time.
What does Vitamin C serum do for your face?
Vitamin C serum provides antioxidant protection against environmental stressors such as sun damage, pollution, and blue light. It brightens skin, reduces the appearance of dark spots and fine lines, and boosts overall radiance. Always pair vitamin C serum with daily SPF protection for optimal results.
What is the best face serum for me?
When it comes to choosing the best face serum that’s right for you, it’s important to define what your skin goals are. If you’re looking to brighten skin, then vitamin C or alpha arbutin serums might be right for you, for hydration you’ll want to use hyaluronic acid serums, for repair and anti-aging, try EGF serums, for acne or clarifying, salicylic acid serums will be your go-to, or for smoothing and anti-aging, retinol is a skincare hero. You can also cycle your serums, using certain ones during the day, others for your nighttime routine, and even do a few days on or off of active serums such as retinol. The beauty of serums is that they allow you to personalize your skincare routine, so you can create the perfect regimen for your unique skin.
What are the key ingredients of effective face serums?
Effective serums often contain powerful active ingredients like hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin, peptides to reduce fine lines and promote firmness, and niacinamide to refine pores, improve texture, and reduce irritation. Combining these key ingredients ensures comprehensive, visible improvements across various skin concerns.