Introduction to Face Serum – Types and How to Use?

Overview 

Face serums are a popular skincare product known to treat several skin issues. Serums aren’t a mandatory skincare step but are one of the most important products.

Many people favour face serums because they may be used to treat particular skin problems and consistently live up to their promises.

What is serum? 

Face serum is a formula with many active components. The serum is a topical treatment that effectively penetrates the skin along with the active components. These may include antioxidants, vitamins, acids, peptides, etc.

Serum focuses on treating one or more specific skin concerns. A serum includes fewer components than a moisturiser or cleanser. Instead, it offers stronger actives that penetrate the skin more effectively. This concentrated mixture gives the complexion the boost it needs to benefit the skin.

Benefits of face serum 

A few benefits to choosing serums are as follows:

• Concentrated – Serums have more active chemicals, which makes them more potent. 

• Effective – Serums will provide greater and quicker benefits than most other topical skincare products due to their larger dose of active components and ability to deeply permeate the skin.

• Targeted – Serums are available for numerous skin concerns we want to fix, from dullness to wrinkles to dark spots; there is a serum for all issues.

• Lightweight – Serums are naturally thin, fluid substances, so wearing them doesn’t feel light.

• Fast-absorbing – Serums are built of incredibly small molecules that permeate the skin quickly and thoroughly, as opposed to creams and oils that are made of occlusive substances that can create a barrier on top of the skin.

• Non-comedogenic – Most face serums are unlikely to clog pores or cause acne, particularly if they are oil-free and silicone-free. 

• Easy to layer – Since serums are lightweight, it’s easy to layer them under other skincare products (including moisturisers, face oils, sunscreens and foundations).

Different types of face serum 

Brightening serum 

Brightening serums contain one or a combination of several extracts and compounds depending on the skin type. 

Many nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, kojic acid, and others, could be present in brightening serums. These mixtures ultimately reduce the amount of melanin produced by the skin, which lightens it as a result. 

These serums benefit individuals with ephelides, sunspots, freckles or extremely brown skin. They also work well on pigmentation, acne scars and post-procedure marks, and they can help the skin appear clear and even-toned.

Anti-ageing serum 

The best anti-ageing serums can aid in delaying or reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Most often, these contain active components like retinol (vitamin A) and niacinamide (vitamin B3).

As we get closer to our 30s, cell turnover slows down. So, choosing a retinol-containing product helps improve it. Regular topical vitamin A (retinol) treatment leads to smoother skin and a reduction in small wrinkles. 

These elements protect the skin from free radicals and external pollution while reducing the appearance of visible wrinkles.

Anti-ageing benefits are also found in the versatile component niacinamide, along with other advantages.

Hydrating serum 

The skin receives an additional burst of hydration from hydrating serums. They are applied in addition to the regular moisturisers. The main component of moisturising serums is hyaluronic acid. 

Hydrating serums add a layer of moisture under face creams, face oils or sunscreens. Humectants, substances that attract water into the top layer of skin, help render this hydration. Snail mucus, glycerin, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera are components used for providing hydration.

The attractive feature of hyaluronic acid is its capacity to store 1,000 times its weight in water. This ingredient draws water from its surroundings when acting as a humectant. 

Hyaluronic acid should be applied in a moist environment, such as the bathroom following a shower. Otherwise, the face will become dry because the hyaluronic acid draws moisture from the skin.

Exfoliating serum 

Exfoliation is important to prevent dullness and breakouts. Exfoliation comes in two types—chemical and physical. 

Physical exfoliant uses grainy scrubs to manually remove dead skin cells. This may be too harsh for people with sensitive skin or acne-prone skin. A chemical exfoliant is a less abrasive choice and is frequently made as a serum.

Exfoliating serums contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), or poly-hydroxy acids (PHAs). Glycolic acid, an AHA, removes dead skin cells to treat the skin’s surface. Salicylic acid, a popular BHA that penetrates beneath the skin’s surface, removes blackheads, blemishes, and other impurities from pores.

Clarifying serum 

Clarifying or blemish-clearing serums help reduce excess oil production, treat breakouts and prevent new acne formation.

The best clarifying serums contain BHAs, which deep clean pores and control oil production by penetrating beyond the skin’s surface. They are frequently used with substances that reduce inflammation and lighten skin.

Niacinamide, salicylic acid, zinc and willow bark extract are key ingredients in clarifying serums. They are best for oily skin, clogged pores and breakouts.

Antioxidant serum 

Antioxidant serum protects the skin from free radicals that speed up ageing.

Free radicals are unstable chemical fragments that harm cells through a process known as oxidation. They are usually produced by air pollution and UV rays. Free radicals are countered and prevented from causing harm by antioxidant substances.

Important components include coenzyme Q10, ferulic acid, retinoids, vitamin E, niacinamide and green tea.

Firming serum 

Firming face serums target sagging skin. The production of ceramide (moisture), collagen, and elastin decreases, which frequently results in loose, coarse skin. 

Use a face serum with ingredients like retinol, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to promote collagen production and provide hydration.

All about face serums 

Vitamin C face serum 

A vitamin C serum, also called ascorbic acid, works as an antioxidant to help ward off damage from free radicals. It can be useful for brightening the skin, and it can also assist in balancing out skin tone, making dark patches appear less prominent. 

Hyaluronic acid serum

A hyaluronic acid serum is a humectant that draws moisture and hydration to the skin. This is significant because we frequently lose elasticity and a supple, healthy appearance as we age.

Retinol 

Retinol serums accelerate the renewal and turnover of skin cells. This is important since slower regeneration contributes to noticeable ageing symptoms like sagging eyes, deep wrinkles and more.

A retinol serum benefits several skin concerns—from acne and scarring to fine lines, wrinkles, and overall collagen synthesis by increasing the rate at which dead skin cells shed and new, healthy skin cells replace them.

AHA or BHA serums 

AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) and BHA (beta hydroxy acid) exfoliation serums mainly benefit oily and acne-prone skin. 

An AHA, such as glycolic acid, can work as a superficial exfoliator, aid in the reduction of brown spots and tanning, assist in shrinking open pores and help fade out blemishes. 

A BHA, like salicylic acid, acts to unclog pores and eliminate keratin debris from the skin that causes blackheads and whiteheads and acne. They also control sebaceous gland oil discharges and dry out the skin to help minimise acne and oiliness. 

AHA + BHA serums also function as potent chemical exfoliants that remove the top layers of the skin and give it a youthful appearance.

Plant-based serums 

The main components of plant-based serums are green tea, chia seeds, glycolic acid (from sugarcane) and, in some cases, vitamin C (ascorbic acid from lemons).

Serums made from botanical extracts have the edge over other types since they react less. The skin is more responsive to them, and they contain fewer chemicals. These serums might not have a strong lightening, brightening, or curing effect compared to chemical compositions.

Including serum in the skincare routine 

Cleanse with a face wash

Starting with a thorough cleansing will prevent any dirt, oil, or other contaminants from blocking serum absorption.

Exfoliate

Exfoliating is an optional step. It should always be done before using active skincare products like serums for the best effects. This is because a layer of dead skin cells on top of the skin may create an unseen barrier that prevents absorption. 

Acidic serums

The skin is now prepared for applying serum. Acidic serums (pH of 2.5 to 4.0) should always go on first. If the serum contains L-ascorbic acid, AHAs, or BHAs, it is likely to be acidic. 

Wait for 20–30 minutes

Waiting interval of 30 minutes between acidic and non-acidic products is advisable. This will provide adequate time for each product to work effectively at the proper pH levels.

Non-acidic serums

Non-acidic serums can be used after the waiting time of 30 minutes post using acidic serums.

All non-acidic ingredients and those with a pH between 4.5 and 7.0 usually include niacinamide, most vitamin C derivatives, retinoids, peptides, and any calming or hydrating ingredients.

Use other skincare products

It is recommended to seal in the final layer of serum once it has fully absorbed to prevent humectants from evaporating and keep moisture in the skin. This includes a face cream, moisturiser or sunscreen.

When to use a serum? 

Day serum

The optimal time of day to use a vitamin C-containing face serum is during the day. Since vitamin C is an antioxidant, it can protect the skin from other pollutants and free radicals. 

Vitamin C can also protect the skin from photodamage, such as fine lines and dark spots, when used in combination with the daily use of sunscreen.

Night serum

Retinol face serums are recommended to be used at night, though they can also be applied during the day.

Like vitamin C, retinol increases the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Wear sunscreen every day on choosing to include this ingredient in the skincare routine.

Exfoliating acids (AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs) should also be a part of the nighttime routine. 

Anytime Serums

Serums containing hyaluronic acid can be applied at night or during the day to add more moisture to the skin. 

Serums containing niacinamide can be used at any time of day. Niacinamide does not make the skin photosensitive like retinol or vitamin C.

Conclusion 

Face serums are highly concentrated serums containing active ingredients that treat skin issues by penetrating the skin layers. There are many different types of serums that deal with different problems. 

Regardless of the skin type, using the best serum for the face as part of the skincare routine might be beneficial. Serums could be one of the best ways to enhance the brightness and glow when used properly. 

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