What Is A Face Serum and What Are Its Benefits?

Ordinary skin care goes as follows; cleanse, moisturize, then sunscreen (in the a.m). But if you want to add that extra glow to your skin, consider adding a face serum to your skincare routine. Even though we all fancy minimalism, who doesn’t want skin as clear as glass?

You might be asking yourself many things about serums, and we are here to answer them all to help you grasp what they are.

What Is A Face Serum?

A serum is a translucent aloe-based or aqueous solution that is lighter than a moisturizer or facial oil. You should apply your serum after cleansing and before applying your facial oil. A serum primarily aims to deliver active ingredients directly into the skin. Serums contain tiny molecules that easily penetrate the skin, providing a high concentration of active ingredients to target your skin concern.

Because serums contain various active ingredients, you can target multiple skin concerns, like reducing the appearance of wrinkles, dullness, discoloration, and fine lines. To reap the maximum benefits of this nutrient-dense product, you’ll need to use a facial oil in the following step after the serum to help seal in the moisture.

Face Serum or Moisturizer First?

After cleansing, a face serum is used, followed by a moisturizer (or facial oil), then sunscreen. Because serums are aqueous-based and oil is water repellent, putting the serum on first, then layering your facial oil on top will help drive the serum’s ingredients (and all of its benefits) deeper into the skin and allow the moisturizer to act as a seal. The concept of a serum is simple–it’s a product in your ritual that is highly targeted for any skin concerns and delivers deep hydration to the skin for a more plump and youthful look. Serums can be rich but would not be classified as oils or moisturizers. They can also be presented as a more watery formula but would not be classified as an essence.

Benefits of Face Serums

Face serums are great for targeting different skin concerns while delivering many nutrients for a healthy-looking glow.

Hydrates skin making it look plump and youthfulTo maintain beautiful skin, hydration is vital. If your skin is slightly dehydrated, adding a serum into your routine will be better than relying solely on your moisturizer.

Serums that contain active ingredients like hyaluronic acid or squalane are great for hydration. Hyaluronic acid in serums will help your skin lock in moisture to keep it looking smooth and glowing. To maximize the effectiveness of your serum, apply it on damp skin and seal it in with a facial oil for maximum benefits. A serum should be included in your skincare routine if you have struggled with dull and dry skin.

If you have oily skin, you will have to experiment to see what works best for you–some people with oily skin can skip the moisturizer or benefit from using our Herbal Facial Oil for Oily Skin.

Soothes sensitive skin

Since serums are lightweight, they readily absorb into the skin and are great for people with oily skin. Active ingredients like probiotics and white willow bark (which contains salicin, the derivative of salicylic acid) help manage oilier skin types.

Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines

Face serums with active ingredients like our Bioactive A-Complex, hyaluronic acid, or vitamin C (all found in our Concentrated Boosting Elixirs) may reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid helps the skin attract and retain moisture. When the skin looks plump and hydrated, you will no longer be able to see the fine lines of aging.

Vitamin C is a tremendous anti-aging compound. It helps the skin combat the adverse effects of environmental stressors. It is also a brightening agent that will leave your skin looking even-toned and luminous. Besides its strength, vitamin C hydrates the skin without leaving behind a greasy film.

An anti-aging face serum that contains rosehip oil will help your skin feel firmer and softer. Anti-aging serums are suitable to apply at night before bed or in the morning before applying your facial oil for maximum benefits.

Other ingredients to look out for include jojoba oil, goji berries, and chia seed oil. According to several studies, all these ingredients are full of antioxidants, leading to skin restoration. Finding a facial product with these ingredients means you will have firmer, smoother, wrinkle-free, radiant-looking skin.

Protects skin with antioxidants

Serums containing ingredients like vitamin E, ferulic acid, vitamin C, probiotics, green tea, astaxanthin, and resveratrol help protect the skin from environmental stressors and pollutants contributing to premature skin aging and wrinkles.

• Smoothes skin and refines texture: Serums that feature ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and peptides help smooth skin and refine the appearance of skin texture.

Minimize dark spots appearance: Vitamin C, Bioactive A-Complex, citrus-derived stem cells, and herbs such as licorice or uva ursi help brighten the skin, as they create an even, glowing complexion.

Reduces the appearance of skin redness or irritation

You predominantly suffer from irritation, redness, and itchiness if you have sensitive skin. Such delicate skin won’t be equipped using a facial oil alone since pollution and prolonged sun exposure could cause havoc. Ingredients like squalane, aloe vera, shea butter, and zinc are great for soothing the skin as they are deeply hydrating and can tackle dryness. Other ingredients to look out for are avocado and sunflower, which are great for soothing sensitive skin.

Reduces the appearance of pore size

Most people with oily skin tend to have visible pores. Because face serums can contain a high dose of antioxidants or exfoliating ingredients like our bioactive A-Complex, they can help clear out dirt and unclog pores. Then, there are ingredients like vitamin C, which can tighten visible pores, making them unnoticeable. Face serums are also lightweight and, thus, easily absorbed into the skin, preventing clogging of the pores. To minimize the appearance of large pores, look for a lightweight serum with exfoliating ingredients.

Unclogs pores and balances natural oils

If you have oily skin and are afraid of incorporating a face serum with moisturizing effects, look for a serum with ingredients tailored to your skin type.

The suitable face serum won’t cause your skin to be more oily. You should check for ingredients like salicylic acid (or willow bark, which is where salicylic acid is derived from), neem, and black cumin seed oil if you have an oilier skin type, as these ingredients help balance the natural oils of your skin to reduce shine.