What is a Serum? How To Choose the Right Serum For Face?
In the world of skincare, the popularity of serums for face is hitting the roof, and the credit entirely goes to their remarkable ability to address specific skin concerns effectively. In fact, these lightweight, potent formulations are now a staple in most skincare routines and in case you haven’t started using it yet, allow us to change your mind. In this article, we will explore what is a serum, its uses and benefits, the various types available, the correct way to use it, and when it should be incorporated into your skincare routine. So, without any further ado, let’s dive deep into knowing more about serums for face.
What is a Serum?
A serum for the face is a concentrated skincare solution with a high concentration of active ingredients such as vitamins, antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. These chemicals are designed to penetrate deep into the skin and address specific issues like fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, uneven skin tone, and dryness. Serums for the face act at a cellular level, delivering potent ingredients where they are most required, as opposed to moisturisers, which primarily focus on hydrating the skin's surface layer.
What does a serum do?
Face serums offer a plethora of benefits. In fact, using serums can help resolve several skin concerns. Here’s a list of benefits of using a serum for face.
1. Provides deep hydration
Some serums for face are formulated with potent moisturising ingredients that penetrate deeply into the skin to provide intense hydration, replenish and retain the moisture levels, and leave you with a plump and hydrated complexion.
Pro tip: Using serums is highly beneficial for individuals with dry or dehydrated skin.
2. Offers targeted treatment
One of the most significant benefits of serums is their ability to offer focused treatment for specific skin concerns. Serums for face generally contain active chemicals like retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid that function on a cellular level to reduce fine lines, hyperpigmentation, acne, uneven texture, and more.
3. Brightens and evens out the skin tone
Ingredients like vitamin C, kojic acid, or liquorice extract make the best serums for face as they can effectively brighten and even out the skin tone. These ingredients minimise melanin formation, and result in a more vibrant and even complexion by minimising the appearance of dark spots, sun damage, and discolouration. The Garnier Bright Complete Vitamin C Serum is enriched with 30x vitamin C that helps in skin brightening and reducing dark spots.
4. Lightweight and fast absorption
Serums for face have a lightweight and fluid consistency, which allows them to penetrate the skin quickly and deeply. Unlike heavier creams or lotions, serums are easily absorbed into the skin, ensuring that the active ingredients reach their intended target and provide maximum benefits.
Types of Serums
When it comes to selecting serums for face, there are different types of serums available, each designed to target specific skin concerns. Hence, selecting an ideal serum for your skin can become a tricky task. Allow us to solve this problem for you. If you have dehydrated or sensitive skin, using serums with hydrating properties will be a good choice as they will help combat dryness. If you are noticing early signs of ageing like wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin, go for anti-ageing serums that are formulated with ingredients like retinol, peptides, and vitamin C. Talking about different serums for the face, you can also try brightening serums that contain ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, and liquorice extract, which help to fade dark spots, even out skin tone, and reveal a brighter complexion. Finally, the next in line are the acne-fighting serums for the face that are enriched with ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil that effectively help combat acne by unclogging pores, reducing inflammation, and preventing breakouts.
How to use a serum for the face correctly?
To maximise the benefits of serums for face, follow these steps:
- Cleanse your face thoroughly with a deep cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and impurities.
- Take a few drops of the serum for face and gently massage it onto your face and neck using upward motions.
- Allow the serum to absorb for a few minutes before applying a moisturiser or sunscreen.
- For best results, use the serum twice in a day, in the morning and evening.
When to use a face serum?
Pro tip: Serums for the face are usually applied after cleansing and toning but before moisturising as moisturisers tend to build a barrier, which prevents the active ingredients in serums from penetrating deeply into the skin.
How much serum should you use?
When it comes to using serums, a small amount goes a long way. Usually, 3-4 drops are enough to cover the entire face and neck. However, it is essential to follow the directions mentioned at the back of the pack as the quantity of certain formulas may vary.
Now that you know everything about using serums for face, browse through the skin naturals range of Garnier to choose the right serum for the face and other products to build an ideal skincare routine for you. And head to the skincare tips section to get guidance on flaunting healthy, glowing skin.