Effective skincare includes the use of serums, also known as serum.

Serums usually come in small glass or plastic bottles equipped with a dropper, as they typically have a liquid consistency. There are also serums in gel or emulsion form, available in tubes. They are generally not packaged in jars.

Why you need a facial serum

Many people don’t understand why a separate skincare product, such as a serum, is necessary when there is already a face cream. To understand the differences between these products, it is essential to know what they are.

A cream is a product for basic daily skincare. We have many expectations from it, besides effectiveness. The cream should have a pleasant texture, be easy to apply and spread, absorb quickly, and, most importantly, provide comfort during use.

We expect that after applying the cream, we will feel hydration and softness of the skin, eliminating the feeling of tightness. All these properties are due to the base of the cream, which consists of the following components:

• emollients (i.e., fats and synthetic fat-like components);
• water;
• emulsifiers (substances that create a creamy texture);
• various technical ingredients such as thickeners, stabilizers, preservatives, and pH regulators.

Active ingredients that provide specific effects, such as anti-aging or anti-inflammatory, are added to this base. Although the cream contains active ingredients, most of its volume is the base.

Serums usually have a base of water, gel, liquid emulsion, or oil, so their textures are not as comfortable and enveloping as those of creams. Typically, they are liquid substances, but the amount of active ingredients in a serum is much higher; these are concentrated products.

A cream, being a basic skincare product, is usually multifunctional. For example, when buying an anti-aging face cream, we expect it to have additional effects besides its rejuvenating action, such as moisturizing, nourishing, perhaps brightening, or providing sun protection.

A serum, on the other hand, is a more specialized product that addresses a specific problem. Therefore, serums are not always applied to the entire face; sometimes, they are used locally, for example, around the eyes, on areas with wrinkles, or on zones prone to breakouts.

Types of facial serums

We are smoothly transitioning to the topic of serum specialization. As mentioned earlier, their specialization is usually narrow and often related to one or more active components (or components that have similar effects or work synergistically).

The most common types of facial serums include:

• hydrating;
• soothing;
• anti-aging (for smoothing wrinkles, firming, increasing skin elasticity);
• for problem skin;
• anti-couperose;
• brightening;
• anti-pigmentation;
• for radiance;
• for normalizing oily skin;
• exfoliating;
• anti-inflammatory;
• antioxidant;
• for the eye area (for dark circles, lymphatic drainage, under-eye bags, wrinkles, botox-like relaxation, anti-fatigue, hydrating, brightening).

This is not an exhaustive list of serums, as new interesting active ingredients for cosmetics are constantly emerging, and manufacturers widely use them.

For cosmetic manufacturers, the advantage of serums is that it is possible to create a product with a fairly concise composition (as not all active ingredients in cosmetics are compatible with each other) and a pronounced effect.

For consumers, serums are beneficial because they make skincare more effective and diverse. You can use your favorite basic cream continuously, which provides hydration, nourishment, protection, and anti-aging prevention, and at the same time, periodically use various serums to promptly address specific skin issues or ensure effective prevention.

How to choose a facial serum

In general, all serums can be divided into two main groups:

• water-based (aqueous solutions, gels, light emulsions);
• liquid oil-based.

As a rule, for oily and problem facial skin, it is better to use water-based serums. For dry skin, any type of serum is suitable, and very dry skin responds particularly well to oil or emulsion serums, but in general, this is more a matter of comfort.

As for active ingredients and the focus of the serum, they should be chosen based on existing or anticipated problems. If there are already issues, the serum is selected according to their focus. You can use several types of serums, for example, for oily skin, a separate serum is needed for the eye area.

Should you use facial serums if your skin is problem-free

If you are lucky enough to have perfect skin, do not miss the time and opportunity to ensure the prevention of imperfections. Even if your skin is young, normal, and looks good, it is not superfluous to use serums periodically, in courses. For this type of skin, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, lymphatic drainage, exfoliating serums, and also hydrating serums for the eye area are recommended.

How to correctly use a facial serum

Serums can be used from an early age. They are entirely appropriate at 18 and 20 years old. Serums for problem skin can be used in adolescence.

Serums are used continuously or in courses.

How many days to use the serum

It is essential to understand that although these are concentrated products, the effect will not always be visible after just a few applications (although there are serums that do achieve this).

In general, you should follow the manufacturer’s information on the duration of the course of use. If there is no information, it is assumed that you need to use the serum continuously for at least 8-12 weeks to see the effect.

The optimal scheme is to use the serum continuously for 3-4 months and then switch to a product with a different type of active ingredients.

How to correctly apply the serum

Serums are usually very concentrated and have a liquid form, so it is easy to distribute them on the face even in a thin layer; generally, 2-3 drops are enough for the entire face.

The product is applied to the face after cleansing and the mandatory toning step, on slightly damp skin. It is distributed in a thin layer, gently patted with fingertips, and waited for 1-2 minutes for the product to absorb.

You can use the serum without a cream, but it works more effectively if you apply a cream on top. To avoid the feeling of a heavy layer on the face, use the products sparingly and be sure to wait a few minutes after applying the serum for it to absorb.

You can use different types of serums in the morning and evening.

Masks from serums

Another way to use serums is to apply them as masks. This is not the most economical method, but it is very effective. You can make a serum mask 2-3 times a week. The serum is applied in a thick layer on the clean skin of the face. Allow it to absorb, and then remove any excess with a tissue if necessary. You can apply your regular cream on top.

Should you wash off the facial serum

Generally, serums are not washed off. They are usually fully absorbed. You should wash off the serum if the manufacturer recommends it. This information is provided in the instructions for use.

You can use serums from a young age. This is a good way to diversify skincare and quickly address problems or prevent their appearance.