A Guide to Skincare Serums
Amidst the sea of products, serums stand out as skincare superheroes. These lightweight liquids are potent with active ingredients like vitamins, antioxidants, acids, peptides, and botanical extracts, offering a variety of benefits for your skin. But where do you begin? Here at Galene, we have complied a (quite) long list of all the different types of serums out there and how they could take your skincare game to the next level.
Serums are like the VIPs of your skincare routine. They have a thin, liquid texture that allows them to deliver a concentrated dose of active ingredients efficiently. Unlike heavier creams, serums are water-based, which means they penetrate your skin quickly, starting to work their magic right away. They also contain a higher percentage of active ingredients since they skip the heavy moisturisers.
When to Use Them
As a general rule, serums should be applied after cleansing and before moisturising. Here's why serums are special:
Fast-Absorbing: Serums are made up of small molecules that penetrate your skin deeply and swiftly.
Non-Comedogenic: Most serums are unlikely to clog your pores or trigger acne, especially if they're oil-free and silicone-free.
Targeted: Whatever skin issue you want to tackle, from dullness to fine lines to dark spots, there's a serum tailored for it.
Concentrated: Serums contain a higher concentration of active ingredients compared to other products like face creams. Thanks to this potent level of the ingredients and deep penetration, serums deliver quicker and better results.
Easy to Layer: Serums have a weightless texture, making them ideal for layering under other skincare products like moisturizers, face oils, sunscreens, and foundations.
Types of Serums:
Hydrating Serums: These provide an extra layer of moisture beneath your creams, oils, or sunscreens. They use humectants to draw water into your skin's top layer. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera.
Antioxidant Serums: Protect your skin from free radicals that cause aging. Antioxidant ingredients neutralize these free radicals, keeping your skin healthy. Ingredients to watch for include vitamin C, niacinamide, retinoids, vitamin E, ferulic acid, and green tea.
Brightening Serums: Target dullness, uneven skin tone, dark spots, post-acne marks, and hyperpigmentation. They contain ingredients that inhibit melanin production or remove pigmented cells. Key ingredients include vitamin C, niacinamide, kojic acid, alpha arbutin, and hydroxy-acids.
Resurfacing Serums: These leave-on exfoliating treatments contain AHAs, BHAs, or a blend of both to smooth skin texture. They're milder than most acid toners and can be suitable for sensitive skin. Key ingredients are lactic acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid.
Clarifying Serums: Ideal for those dealing with breakouts and excess oil. BHAs penetrate pores, clean them, and regulate oil production. They're often combined with ingredients that reduce inflammation and redness. Look for salicylic acid, willow bark extract, zinc, and niacinamide.
Pore-Minimising Serums: Reduce the appearance of large pores, often caused by congestion. These serums exfoliate inside the pores, clear clogs, and decrease sebum production. Key ingredients include niacinamide, salicylic acid, and mushroom extract.
Anti-Aging Serums: Combat fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and firmness. They often help with dullness, dark spots, and pigmentation. Look for retinoids, peptides, bakuchiol, vitamin C, and hydroxy acids.
Calming Serums: Soothe sensitive skin, decrease redness and irritation, and strengthen your skin's barrier. These serums contain ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, Centella Asiatica extract, and propolis.
Applying Your Serums
To maximise the benefits of your serums, any Acidic-based serums with a pH around 2.5 to 4.0 should be applied first. They usually contain AHAs, BHAs, or vitamin C. Only a few drops are needed. After waiting a bit, you can apply non-acidic serums. These contain ingredients like niacinamide, retinoids, peptides, or calming agents.
Here are some of our recommended serums based on different skin concerns:
Hydrating Serums: Timeless Hyaluronic Acid 100% Pure, Benton Snail Bee Ultimate Serum,The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% +B5
,Antioxidant Serums: Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster, Garnier 3.5% Vitamin C, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Brightening & Anti Dark Spot Serum
Brightening Serums: Summer Fridays CC Me Serum
Resurfacing Serums: Biossance Squalene + Lactic acid Resurfacing Night Serum,
Clarifying Serums: Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum, Derma E Acne Blemish Control Treatment Serum
Pore-minimising Serums: Paula's Choice Niacinamide 20% Treatment
Anti-Aging Serums: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane, Regenacalm Serum S1 Pro
Calming Serums: GEORGANIC Propolis Acne Care Serum, Avène Hydrance Intense Rehydrating Serum for Dehydrated Skin
In the quest for healthy, radiant skin, the world of skincare serums can sometimes seem like a daunting labyrinth. However, armed with the knowledge we've just explored, you're well on your way to navigating it with confidence.Your skincare journey should be a mindful and self-caring ritual. So, take your time to understand your skin's needs, and don't be afraid to seek advice from dermatologists or skincare professionals. Always remember to patch-test new products and introduce them gradually into your routine.With the right serums and a consistent routine, you're not just investing in your skin; you're investing in your self-confidence. In the end, skincare is about feeling good in your skin, and these serums are the versatile tools that can help you achieve just that. So, here's to healthier, happier, and more beautiful skin on your self-care journey.
