A basic skincare routine should include a few key elements, including a facial cleanser, a moisturizer, and a sunscreen. But in our opinion, the best routines include a serum for your face, too. Face serums can be very useful for targeting specific skin concerns, such as dryness, clogged pores, dullness, or dark spots. If you’re not using one, you’re probably not getting everything you could out of your skincare routine.
If you’re not sure how to choose a serum—or why you should use face serum in the first place—keep reading. Ahead, we’ll share everything you need to know about these skincare staples, including what they are, their benefits, and how to pick the right formula to address your needs.
Face serums are concentrated skincare products designed to help address specific skin texture or tone concerns, such as wrinkles or unevenness. They typically have a fluid consistency and can range from water-like to more gel-like in texture.
Face serums are usually meant to be applied to clean, damp skin before moisturizer but after toner (if that’s a product you use). Depending on the formulas, you may even be able to layer serums to address different skin concerns.
There is a wide range of face serums on the market, from gentle formulas that help hydrate and soothe dry skin to powerful exfoliating serums designed to improve skin texture and tone. Here’s a brief rundown on the different options:
You can mix up your arsenal of serums to address different concerns, either by using one in the morning and one at night, or using different formulas on alternating days. And, as we mentioned, layering serums is an option, too, so long as the ingredients in your chosen formulas are compatible.
The benefits of face serums are vast—as we mentioned above, these powerhouse products can help target a wide range of different skin concerns. So if you’re wondering what are serums used for, the answer is: Just about everything. That being said, you’ll get the best benefits if you seek out a formula designed for your specific needs.
Daily UV exposure, breakouts, and even the natural aging process can all contribute to dark spots and discolorations. Many serums are designed to help combat these concerns, in turn promoting a clearer, more even-looking complexion.
If you’re facing down stubborn dark spots, we suggest reaching for the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal 12% [Niacinamide + Amino Sulfonic + Ferulic Acid] Dark Spot Serum. The dermatologist-validated formula provides gentle exfoliation to help brighten the skin and visibly fade the appearance of all types of dark spots, including post-acne marks, sun spots, and age spots. It’s suitable for all skin types and can be used twice daily to reveal a clearer, fresher-looking complexion over time.
Editor’s tip: Since dark spots can be caused—or exacerbated—by sun exposure, be sure to always round out your morning routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. We love the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily UV Lotion, as it’s lightweight and layers beautifully under makeup without leaving behind a white cast.
Face serums play a key role in any effective anti-aging skin care routine. To combat the visible signs of aging, try adding the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives Night Serum, 0.3% Pure Retinol to your evening skincare routine. The potent retinol serum helps address some of the most common visible signs of skin aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, and unevenness. And if you’re hesitant about using retinol for fear that it’ll dry your skin out, you’ll enjoy that this formula is designed to hydrate the skin to help counteract the potential drying effects of retinol. Still, if you’re a first-time retinol user, we suggest using it one or two times per week to start. As your skin acclimates, you can gradually work your way up to nightly usage.
As you age, your skin can start to lose its radiance. It’s completely normal—but if you want to reclaim some of that youthful glow, consider adding a brightening serum to your skincare routine.
The L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 12% Pure Vitamin C + E + Salicylic Acid Serum is among our favorites for tackling dullness. This face serum, which contains 12% ascorbic acid (also known as vitamin C), instantly increases skin’s radiance. With consistent use over time, it also helps improve the appearance of enlarged pores and fine lines, brightens the skin, and evens skin tone. We suggest using it morning and night (followed by SPF, of course) for the best results.
You may be used to exfoliating with face scrubs, but chemical exfoliants are becoming increasingly popular, and face serums are a great way to give them a try. Serums containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), like lactic acid, glycolic acid and malic acid, can be used to resurface skin for a smoother feel and more even appearance.
If you’re looking for one to add to your lineup, we suggest the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum. It immediately smooths and refines the skin, but you’ll reap the most benefits if you use it consistently. After one week, you’ll enjoy a smoother, more youthful appearance, while two weeks of daily use leads to a visible reduction in dark spots and fine lines. Like the retinol serum, this formula is meant to be used in the evening. Remember to follow it up with a gentle moisturizer and wear plenty of sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from damaging UV rays.
If your skin is feeling super parched, a moisturizer alone might not cut it. Instead of relying on your face cream to do all the heavy lifting, you can apply a hydrating face serum to boost moisture retention. The L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum gets our vote—the lighweight, non-sticky formula delivers intense moisture, leaving the skin glowier and dewier-looking within a single use. Over time, it also helps plump the skin, visibly minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Editor’s tip: If you have dry under-eyes, add the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid + 1% Caffeine Eye Serum to your skincare routine to visibly depuff, brighten and hydrate this delicate area.
As you mature, your skin can gradually lose moisture and volume, especially in delicate areas like your cheekbones and under the eyes. To replenish volume, aid in moisture retention, and fight sagging in these areas, reach for an anti-aging serum like the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Anti-Aging Midnight Serum. The brightening formula with antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E visibly firms the skin, smooths wrinkles and boosts radiance with continued use over time. Plus, it boasts a lightweight, non-greasy texture that feels hydrating, but won’t clog your pores.
Apply a few drops to clean skin every night and follow up with the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Skin Care Cell Renewal Midnight Cream, Antioxidants.
There are skin serums available to help with just about every skin concern out there, and acne is certainly included. Ingredients typically found in serums and skincare products for acne include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and even retinol. If you have persistent acne, talk to your dermatologist before adding any new products to your skincare routine. They can help guide you in the direction of the best ingredients for your skin and offer advice on the best way to achieve a clearer complexion.
In most cases, it’s not only okay to use your serum every day—it’s recommended to do so in order to reap the full benefits of the product. However, usage can vary depending on the type of serum, the ingredients they contain, and how concentrated it is. Your skin type can also play a role. If you have dry or sensitive skin, for example, it may be best to use a retinol or exfoliating serum every other day rather than daily. We suggest reading the instructions on the packaging for a clearer picture of when and how often to use your chosen serum. If you’re still unsure about the best approach for your skin, consult your derm next time you visit for a check-up.
Yes, you should use both a facial serum and a moisturizer. That’s because they have different purposes. Face serums, as we explained, target specific skin concerns, such as dullness or unevenness. Moisturizers, meanwhile, deliver deep hydration and help lock in much-needed moisture. If you skip a serum and only use moisturizer, you may not see much improvement in your dark spots or dullness. If you use a facial serum without a moisturizer, your skin may begin to feel dry and tight. And remember, when layering products, always do so in order of consistency from thinnest to thickest to allow each formula to penetrate your skin effectively.
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Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris
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