Face serums are a great addition if you want to do your skin a favor, as they are highly concentrated and can target specific skin concerns. In this article, we will take a closer look at facial serum ingredients, needs, effectiveness, and types.
What Is A Face Serum?
Face serums are skincare products that contain high concentrations of active ingredients such as vitamins, antioxidants, and peptides. They are designed to penetrate deeply into the skin to deliver targeted benefits such as hydration, anti-aging, brightening, and acne-fighting.
Dr. Tsippora Shainhouse, the certified dermatologist at SkinSafe Dermatology and Skin Care, says: “Serums are thin-viscosity topical products that contain concentrated amounts of active ingredients,”.
“The facial serum includes several ingredients associated with improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and increased barrier function including a neuropeptide. The facial serum also contains kinetin, a cytokinin growth factor with gerontomodulatory effects on cells.” According to the National Library of Medicine, NIH.
The Science Behind Face Serums
The science behind face serums lies in their formulation and delivery system. Typically, serums have a lightweight and watery consistency, which allows for deeper penetration into the skin. This is because the smaller molecules in the serum can easily pass through the skin’s outermost layer, known as the stratum corneum, and reach the deeper layers where they can exert their beneficial effects.
Many serums also contain specialized delivery systems that enhance their absorption and efficacy. Other serums use nanotechnology, which allows the active ingredients to penetrate even deeper into the skin for a more powerful effect.
The active ingredients in serums are chosen based on their specific properties and their ability to target particular skin concerns. For example, serums that contain antioxidants like vitamin C or green tea extract can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can lead to premature aging. Peptide serums, on the other hand, can help to boost collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The Difference Between Serums and Moisturizers
Both serums and moisturizers are designed to nourish and protect the skin, but they differ in their formulation, texture, and mode of action.
One of the main differences is in their formulation and texture. Serums are typically lightweight and have a watery consistency, while moisturizers are thicker and heavier in texture. This is because serums contain a higher concentration of active ingredients than moisturizers, and they are formulated to penetrate deeper into the skin.
Another difference is in their mode of action. Serums are designed to deliver potent, targeted ingredients deep into the skin, where they can exert their beneficial effects. They are often used as a pre-treatment before applying moisturizer or sunscreen. moisturizers, on the other hand, are designed to form a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, locking in moisture and preventing water loss.
Do You Need Both, Face Serum and Moisturizer,?
First of all, this depends on your age, skin type, and skin concerns.
Age: Experts recommend starting to add serums to your routine at 30. According to Joshua Zeichner, M.D., when you reach your 30s, cell turnover starts to slow down and your antioxidant defenses drop so you should choose a daily vitamin C and vitamin E serum. “They are like fire extinguishers and put out inflammation caused by UV-induced free radicals,” he says.
Skin Type: You need both if your skin type is dry, According to dermatologist Noelani González, MD, “layering a serum and moisturizer can be very helpful for those with very dry skin.” “The serum will help deliver any active ingredients, and the moisturizer will help lock in moisture in the skin, seal in the serum, and help potentiate its active ingredients.”.
Gonzalez adds “if you have acne-prone skin, it may be best to avoid an oil-based serum.”.
Face serums types for your skin concerns:
Hydrating Serums
These serums are perfect for dry, dehydrated skin, as they contain humectants that help to draw moisture to the skin. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are commonly found in hydrating serums.
Check Dermaliscio Hyaluronic acid 8000 ppm anti-aging serum
Brightening Serums
If you are looking to even out your skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation, a brightening serum may be the way to go. These serums typically contain vitamin C, niacinamide, or kojic acid, which can help to brighten and even out the complexion.
Check Dermaliscio Dermaliscio Gold and Caviar Triple Action Serum with highly active lightening ingredients.
Anti-aging Serums
As we age, our skin loses collagen and elasticity, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. Anti-aging serums can help to combat these signs of aging by promoting collagen production and firming the skin. Look for serums that contain retinol, vitamin C, or peptides.
“I definitely recommend serums for anyone who is concerned about aging. It’s a really good way to get extra anti-aging effects, more than your typical moisturizer and sunscreen,” says Dr. Abigail Waldman, instructor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School.
Check Dermaliscio Hyaluronic acid 8000 ppm anti-ageing serum
Acne-fighting Serums
If you are prone to breakouts, an acne-fighting serum can be a great addition to your skincare routine. These serums may contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which can help to unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
Soothing Serums
For those with sensitive or irritated skin, a soothing serum can help to calm and hydrate the skin. Ingredients like chamomile and green tea are commonly found in these types of serums.
Check Dermaliscio Multi-Active Anti-Ageing Eye Serum
Serums Case Study: Are Serums Really Effective?
According to a 12-week study titled “Efficacy and Tolerability of a Facial Serum for Fine Lines, Wrinkles, and Photodamaged Skin”, published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, and conducted by Fred Mccall-Perez, Ph.D., Thomas J. Stephens, Ph.D., and James H. Herndon, Jr, MD:
The Study Sample: Thirty-eight female subjects 40 to 60 years of age were entered into the study with early to advanced photodamaged facial skin.
Efficacy: The facial serum showed statistically significant within-group improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin pigmentation, skin firmness/elasticity, skin tone and resilience, skin radiance, and color, smoothness, and overall appearance over 12 weeks.
Skin Firmness Improvement: decreased extensibility by 15.2 percent by week 8. There were also significant increases in measures of elasticity as early as week 4.
Overall Facial Skin Appearance Improvement: by 42.4 percent by week 12. All aspects of skin condition showed significant improvements with a 31.7-percent improvement in facial lines and wrinkles, 23.8-percent improvement in facial discoloration (brown spots), 36.8-percent improvement in overall skin tone (35.1% improvement in firmness, 35.3% in dryness, 39.2% in radiance, and 37.9% in texture), and 28.4-percent improvement in the appearance of pores. See the below illustration:

How To Use your Face Serum in your Skincare Routine
Dr. Maryam M. Asgari recommends applying face serums after cleansing but before moisturizing in this order: cleanser, serum, moisturizer, sunscreen.
Asgari adds “I use and recommend serums that have a combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid. There is good literature that shows that vitamin C in particular can prevent brown spots, reverse damage from ultraviolet rays, and stimulate the growth of new collagen.”
Final Thoughts
It is important to note that while face serums can be effective in targeting specific skin concerns, they are not a replacement for a good overall skincare routine. Be sure to cleanse, tone, and moisturize regularly, and use broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Also, it is recommended to consult with a dermatologist to determine which serum will be best for your specific skin type and concerns.
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