Understanding...Facial Serums

A facial serum is an intensive hydrating skin treatment designed to deliver optimum performance directly to the cells beneath your skin’s surface. Serums are the most concentrated form of skincare product; designed to target specific skincare concerns. They often have considerably less filler ingredients and are known for containing a high level of active ingredients (antioxidants, vitamins and proteins).

Unlike most skincare products that are formulated with large molecules, serums have a smaller molecular structure that enables them to penetrate the three layers of skin. This, coupled with the fact that serums typically contain a greater concentration of active ingredients, means they are able to target and treat skincare concerns more directly.

In addition to deeply hydrating the skin, serums can treat even the most specific skincare concern. Serums can even out skin tone, reduce the appearance of dark spots and discolouration, brighten skin, boost collagen production, boost the skin’s protection, firm and lift the skin and minimise the appearance of ageing.

Serums are traditionally water-based, as water is a very effective carrier of active ingredients. More oil-based serums are appearing on the market now, which work well if the oil blend is fine and therefore readily absorbable.

The F.A.Qs

Should I use a moisturiser as well as a serum?

The choice comes down to which best suits your skin. Serums can be lighter than a moisturiser and enable skin to breathe, especially in humid conditions. However, the best option is to use both: for example, you can use a serum before bed to target skin cells and apply layer a night cream over it to lock in moisture and help powerfully boost its action.

It is important to note that a serum should always be paired with a good sunscreen for the best possible protection.

Do you put moisturiser on before or after a serum?

As with all skincare products, the order in which you use products is simple – you should start with the thinnest lotion and end with the heaviest cream. Therefore moisturisers, in most cases, should be the final skincare product used.

How long should I wait after applying a serum before I add moisturiser?

It is advised that you wait 2-3 minutes to allow the serum to properly absorb.

Recommendations

1. The Anti-Ager – YSL Forever Youth Liberator Serum 30ml (£65.00 House of Fraser / $155.00 Nordstrom)
2. The Hydrator – SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel 30ml (£59.00 johnandginger.co.uk / $78.00 skinceuticals.com)
3. The Corrector – REN ClearCalm 3 Replenishing Night Serum 50ml (£22.00 Liberty / $30.00 Sephora)
4. The Brightener – Antipodes Apostle Skin-Brightening & Tone-Correcting Serum (£41.99 antipodesnature.com / $69.70 feelunique.com)