Different Types of Face Serum and Their Benefits

Serums have transformed the way we perceive skincare. There’s always a treatment that puts your skin recovery on the fast track, be it rehydration, glow, acne-cure, or barrier repair. So, if you’re asking how to use face serum or are looking up face serum benefits, it’s time to dive in.

Keynotes:

• Face serums are potent, concentrated treatments that target specific skin concerns like dryness, pigmentation, ageing, or acne.
• Some of the common types of serums are hydrating, brightening, anti-ageing, and oil-control serums, each with unique benefits.
• Choose a serum based on your skin type and concerns, and always layer it after cleansing and toning, followed by moisturiser.
• For best results, apply consistently in your AM or PM routine, and consult a dermatologist before mixing or adding new actives to your regimen.

Serums are lightweight, concentrated treatments that help you tackle a particular skin concern. Face serums are typically water-based, while their gel or oil-based variants exist. Because of their smaller molecular structure, serums penetrate deeper into the skin and deliver active compounds more efficiently. Once absorbed, the active ingredients in serums help you repair skin barriers, undo dullness, control acne, fade pigmentation, and more, at a faster rate.

Like all skincare products, using serums also requires consistency. They aren’t a one-use miracle and must be layered mindfully to get the best results. If you’re wondering how to use face serums, use them after cleansing and toning. Make sure you use moisturizers after serums for maximum absorption.

Given their concentrated formulation, it’s crucial for you to select the right types of face serums. Here are a few common ones you should know about.

• Hydrating Serums

  If your skin is dry or dehydrated, hydrating serums are what you need. These types of face serums usually contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid and panthenol to nourish the outer as well as the deeper layers of your skin. They are the perfect addition to your nighttime routine when your skin shifts into repair mode. As a humectant, hyaluronic acid attracts moisture from the environment and deeper layers of your skin towards your epidermis. This helps you get a plumper look and smooth out fine lines caused by dryness. Hyaluronic acid is also known for being very lightweight, making it suitable for oily skin too.
  
  We recommend: Anti-Pigment Dual Serum

• Brightening Serums

  Learning how to use face serums to improve radiance, reduce dark spots, and even out your skin tone? You should reach for brightening serums. Brightening serums often use antioxidants like vitamin C that help you battle the factors causing dull skin. Another key ingredient you might find is Thiamidol. This patented, clinically-tested ingredient works by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme that triggers melanin production. Controlling this overproduction helps you visibly reduce existing dark spots and prevent new ones to give you a radiant complexion.
  
  We recommend: Anti-Pigment Skin Illuminating Serum

• Anti-Aging Serums

  To address fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity, go for types of serums with retinol or peptides. Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, is known for its ability to speed up cell turnover and boost collagen production. Similarly, peptides are smaller chains of amino acids that support your skin's structure and firmness. You should typically apply these serums at night due to the potency of ingredients like retinol, which can increase sun sensitivity.

• Oil-Control Serums

  If you have acne-prone skin, serums containing ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide can help you unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and control oil production. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), which means it can cut through the oils and sebum on your skin, unlike AHAs. This allows salicylic acid serums to go deep into your pores to dissolve sebum and dead skin cells, preventing breakouts. Niacinamide also helps regulate oil production and inflammation caused by acne.
  
  We recommend: DermoPurifyer Triple Effect Serum

Before learning how to use face serums, it’s crucial to pick the right bottle for yourself. Start by recognising your skin type and skin concern and match them with the face serum benefits.

• Dry Skin: If your skin is dry, hydrating serums with humectants like hyaluronic acid or toners with natural moisturising factors, like lactic acid, will help you retain moisture.

• Acne-Prone Skin: Look for lightweight, non-comedogenic serums that contain salicylic acid or niacinamide to help you control excess sebum and prevent clogged pores.

• Sensitive Skin: Look for dermatologically tested serums with no added fragrances to soothe hypoallergenic skin. Look for gentle ingredients like Thiamidol and panthenol, which suit most skin types.

• Combination Skin: You might need a targeted approach. Try using different serums on specific areas of your face or rotating serums between day and night.

• Hyperpigmentation: A brightening serum with vitamin C, alpha arbutin, or Thiamidol can help you lighten dark spots and improve luminosity.

• Mature Skin: Anti-aging serums or under-eye creams with retinol, peptides, or hyaluronic acid can help you reduce the appearance of wrinkles and support firmer skin.

Remember, it’s always crucial to patch test a serum on your forearm before applying it all over your face. Before using skin actives or layering them with each other, it’s best to consult your dermatologist.

To get the most out of it, you need to learn how to use face serum correctly. Here’s how you build up your regimen step-by-step:

Step 1: Start with a clean face. Use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, sweat, or makeup, and excessive sebum. Use gentle, gel-based salicylic acid cleansers.

Step 2: Use a lactic acid toner as the second step of your regimen. This helps you remove any residual impurities while moisturising your skin.

Step 3: Take a few drops of your preferred serum sparingly. Use clean fingertips to gently pat the serum onto your skin and don't rub it in. Focus on areas that need the most attention, such as your T-zone, cheeks, or areas with dark spots or fine lines. Allow your serum a minute or two to fully sink in before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Once your serum is fully absorbed, you can seal it in with a moisturizer. This step will help you reinforce your skin barrier and will lock in the benefits of your serum.

Step 5: After your morning routine, it’s crucial to shield your face with sunscreen. Certain actives or serums can make your skin more vulnerable to UV damage. This is why using a broad-spectrum sunscreen is crucial for your AM routine.

Alternatively, for bedtime routines, you can layer your serums with night creams and an under-eye cream.

Now that you know all the various types of face serums and serum benefits, it’s time to put your skincare in place. Get clinically researched ingredients and dermatologically tested products with Eucerin India and put your skincare in safe hands.

1. What are the different types of face serums?

   Serums can be differentiated on the basis of their purpose. Hydrating, anti-aging, oil-control, and anti-pigmentation are some common types of serums.

2. How do I choose the right serum for my skin type?

   Understand your skin type and concerns and match them with a serum that offers benefits to counter them. Try salicylic acid for oily skin, hyaluronic acid for dry skin, and Thiamidol for pigmented skin.

3. Can I use more than one serum in my routine?

   Yes, you can layer gentle and complementing serums like Thiamidol and vitamin C. However, it’s best to consult your dermatologist before trying skin actives or pairing them.

4. When should I apply serum - morning or night?

   Serums can be used in both AM and PM routines. You can even use different serums to balance combination skin or treat different skin concerns. Talk to a dermatologist before building your skincare.

• WebMD -The Truth About Facial Serums
• Healthline - What Are the Benefits of Using a Face Serum?