Serums are one of the hottest skincare products on the market. Despite the marketing, and the “do I really need to add another step to my skin care regime?” question, serums can pack a punch in your skin. Serums benefits are becoming more known everyday. They are loaded with turbo-charged ingredients, and designed to penetrate skin in ways everyday moisturizers simply can’t. Plus, serums are filled with highly concentrated, active ingredients.
The Serums’ goals are smoothing fine lines, increasing firmness, and improving skin radiance. The trick, however, is to use them correctly. (You want to get your money’s worth!)
7 Ways to Get the Most Out of your Serum
Cleanse First.
You don’t want the active ingredients in the serum to sit on dead, dirty skin. Waste of product and money. Wash your face in lukewarm water using a soft cloth or ultrasonic brush to remove dirt and debris from your day.
Apply to Damp Skin.
Skin should be slightly damp (not wet) when you apply your serum. Lightly pat your skin (which also prevents pulling on your skin) and apply the serum. The serum properties will bond with water and better penetrate and absorb into the skin.
Pat vs. Rub.
Don’t rub serum into your skin. It can break apart the bond of some serum ingredients and can irritate skin with the excessive rubbing. Instead, gently pat onto the skin to activate the ingredients and be gentle on your dermis.
A Little Goes a Long Way.
Serums are super concentrated so only a drop or two are needed. Use any more than that and you’ll waste your money by going through the product faster. Plus, your skin can only absorb so much anyway before flushing out unnecessary ‘extras’.
Slow and Steady.
It can be hard to not rush your skincare routine, but wait to let the serum set before applying moisturizer.
Don’t substitute.
Most skin types need moisturizer in addition to serums. Serums are not designed to be moisturizers. They are called serums, not serumizers or moistuserums for a reason!
Skip the Smells.
At a minimum, look for serums that don’t have artificial fragrance. It is never good for your skin. If you can, also look for serums that are animal testing free, and don’t have phthalates and parabens.
Now that you know the serum benefits if you use them correctly, do you need some recommendations? Here are 3 of my favorites:
Check out Silk Therapuetics PURELY RADIANT daily hydrating serum. It is an anti-aging hydrating serum with activated liquid silk, hyaluronic acid (HA), and vitamin B to deeply hydrate, address signs of aging and brighten the look of skin. Bonus is that it is also Paraben, Phthalate, and Fragrance free. It is never tested on animals and has non-GMO Silk.
Another great choice is Paula’s Choice RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum is a silky smooth, hydrating, antioxidant-enriched serum that restores visible radiance for dull, dry skin while fighting against environmental attack and the appearance of sun-damaged skin. 100% fragrance and not tested on animals either.
Lastly, check out LabGrab’s Fine Lines Serum. This concentrated formula is made with antioxidants to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, brighten and firm the appearance of skin. Comprised of only liquid silk and 7 additional ingredients.
Have a serum you love? Share it with us in the comments below!
