THE SERUM SOLUTION: AN ESSENTIAL PART OF YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE
“I regret adding serums to my skincare routine.” Said No-One Ever.
Serums are the heavy lifters that are often the most overlooked essential part of your skincare routine. You’re not alone if you don’t use a serum or know what the heck it is. Or you use a serum but might not completely understand what it does or why you need it. And with so many different serums on the market how are you supposed to know which one is best for you? Or does the hefty price tag of a serum scare you away?
Serums shouldn’t be stressful. They can truly be the ‘solution’ to some of your pesky skincare conditions and antiaging woes. Layering a serum under your moisturizer is not time consuming and trust us, it will make your skin very happy! We are here to explain to you why a serum is the most basic yet essential step for major skin results that are worth every penny.
Non-Negotiable
We are moving away from the 10-15 step Korean skincare routine filled with essence, double cleanse and caviar sheet masks. These days, influencers are suggesting a much simpler skincare system. Whether you are taking an hour to do your skincare or a few minutes, there is one product that is non-negotiable. A serum.
What is a Serum?
Why do serums seem so confusing? No, they are not the same as an oil. Serums have a small molecular structure which allows them to penetrate deeper layers of skin to deliver nutrients. Oil molecules are much larger and generally used as a final step to lock in moisture. Serums differ from a moisturizer as their formulations lack occlusive moisturizing agents.
Serums are formulated with a high potency of pure, active ingredients like antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E and peptides. They often target specific concerns, such as wrinkles, pigmentation, acne or dryness.
It’s moisturising but not a moisturiser, oily but not a face oil, watery but not an essence. – Independent
Just a Smidgen…
Expect serums to run costlier than some other skincare products because active ingredients are more expensive than emulsifiers. However, a little goes a long way. Although sold in smaller sized bottles it is because they last much longer.
Like anything else, some serums are more effective than others, but generally, serums are not total bullshit. There have been tons of clinical trials demonstrating their efficacy for everything from fine lines to hydration and sun damage. (2)
Benefits of Serums
Potent and Intense.
Infused with a mix of potent botanicals, actives and hydration, a serum can tackle several skincare concerns. Serums are truly the powerhouses of your regimen and the best way to deliver nutrients directly to deeper levels of the skin.
A serum is a thin-viscosity product of pure, high concentrations that deliver instantaneous smoothness and quick absorption. It also preps your skin to boost the effects of your moisturizer.
Faster and Lighter.
Serums are more lightweight than a moisturizer (perfect for layering!) so they deliver high concentrations of actives directly to skin for quick, visible results. They are easy to use with minimal fuss. Generally, serums should be used on a clean face before your moisturizer or, depending on your preferences, instead of your moisturizer.
Here’s the Best Way to Apply Serum- Layering Skincare Products
Beautiful Skin, Hello!
Be kind to your skin and your skin will be kind to you. There are so many benefits of serums… how much time do you have? The main purpose of using a serum is to target different skin problems. They correct visible signs of aging, enhance suppleness, brighten dull skin, increase firmness and elasticity, protect skin from environmental aggressors and even skin tone… all whilst hydrating skin.
| Concern | Well-suited serum ingredients |
| Antiaging |
Antioxidant (such as Vitamin C) Retinol Hyaluronic Acid Growth Factors
|
| Discolouration/Dark Pigment |
Licorice Mushroom extracts Ferulic Acid Vitamin C Vitamin E Fruit enzymes Peptides
|
| Dry Skin |
Vitamin B Vitamin C Hyaluronic Acid Seabuckthorn
|
| Environmentally Stressed/Protection |
Antioxidant (such as Vitamin C) Vitamin E Resveratrol Peptides Apple Stem Cells
|
| Sensitive Skin |
Vitamin C (lean toward a more stable Vitamin C – like Ascorbyl Phosphate) Hyaluronic Acid Seabuckthorn Oil
|
| Oily Skin |
Vitamin C Hyaluronic Acid Retinol |
Meet the serums.
It is important to first understand what type of skin you have and what your skin needs. Do you need moisture? Plumping? Firming? Target fine lines and wrinkles?
ELLA i SKiN Serums
BIO Illumina – Phyto Growth Factor Serum
Combination of five synthesized plant-derived growth factors to accelerate skin renewal and slow down skin’s aging process.
Scientifically Advanced Formulation of Growth Factors + Vitamins + Minerals + Amino Acids + Peptides + Enzymes + NG Kombuchka
Best for:
- Antiaging
- Dry Skin
- Sensitive Skin
Key Benefits:
- Manage capillary vessels
- Accelerated healing of skin
- Slow down thinning skin
- Boost collagen production
- Hydration
C Pura – C Ferulic Serum
Genius formulation is infused with ferulic acid to increase the effectiveness of other antioxidants, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Resveratrol to provide eight times the photo protection of skin! Also contains Malic Acid for max-level penetration & glow.
Vitamin C: Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Best For:
- Antiaging
- Dark pigmentation
- Age spots
- Environmentally stressed skin
Key Benefits:
- Reverse sun damage
- Boost collagen
- Skin brightening
- Protect skin from free radicals
Daily Fix – Seabuckthorn Youth Serum
Liquid gold – pure seabuckthorn serum is a Facial-in-a-bottle, revered for being regenerative, restorative and nourishing for all skin types.
Best For:
- Sensitive skin
- Bacterial acne
- Rosacea
- Antiaging
- Dry Skin
- Inflammation or irritated skin
Key Benefits:
- Soothe and calm skin
- Hydration
- Protective properties
- Cell repair
HA Quench – Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Low-molecular-weight Hyaluronic acid paired with pure aloe vera readily moisturizes, firms, plumps and hydrates the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, expression lines and crow’s feet.
Best for:
- Antiaging
- Dry skin
- Acne
Key Benefits:
- Hydration
- Skin regeneration
- Balance acne prone skin
Mad Glow – Vitamin C Serum
Want to see a visible difference? This potent 20% Vitamin C serum is a concentration of 5 Super Fruit VitaComplex and a perfect option for sensitive skin and all skin types. It stimulates collagen production, reverses skin cell damage and evens skin tone for a plump, fresh glow.
Best For:
- Hyperpigmentation
- Antiaging
- Sensitive skin
Key Benefits:
- Improve skin’s texture and tone
- Collagen formation
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Diminish fine lines and wrinkles
Nectar – Swiss Apple Stem Cellular Serum
One stop shop for your skincare woes! Powerful synergistic antioxidant cocktail of Apple Stem Cells, Vitamin C, Resveratrol and Ferulic Acid. Blended with Licorice Root, Azelaic Acid, Arbutin and Malic Acid for superior brightening properties to reduce dark spots and discolouration without hydroquinone.
Best For:
- Dark pigment
- Antiaging
- Acne prone
- Dry Skin
Key Benefits:
- Hydration and tone
- Skin lightening
- Increase your skin stem cell vitality and longevity
Resources
- HOW AND WHY YOU SHOULD BE USING A FACE SERUM. It’s time to supercharge your skin care. Sarah Young. Independent.
- What is a Serum and Do We Need one. The Candidly.