Different Types of Face Serums: Which One to Choose?

When it comes to a skin care routine, many of us recall the basics, like face cleansers and moisturizers. This set has been part of the beauty regimen for ages. But the world doesn’t stand still. The current market offers a variety of products that bring tons of benefits! Face serum is one of them! It is a powerful treatment with a high concentration of active ingredients that may contain vitamins, antioxidants, peptides, acids, and many more. The formula provides instant effect and can serve as a reliable workhorse for all occasions. There are six types of face serums, each with a special purpose and unique ingredients. Read on to know which one is just for you.

Hydrating Serums

Key Ingredients: Humectants such as hyaluronic acid, honey, sorbitol, snail mucin, propylene glycol, glycerin, aloe vera, and so on.

For What Skin Types: All skin types. If you have dry skin, combine hydrating serum with oil or moisturizer.

For What Skin Concerns: Dehydrated dull-looking skin.

How It Works: Humectants help to moisturize the skin by attracting water from the air. This makes your skin look more radiant and feels fresher. However, these ingredients can also be “bad guys.” If there’s not enough moisture in the air, humectants can make your skin dehydrated by drawing water from the deeper layers. For this reason, if you pack your bags to Las Vegas (or Sahara…who knows, though), put your hydrating serum with oil or moisturizer. This is the best combination in the dry climate. Use your serum first to hydrate your skin, then apply moisturizer or oil to serve as a physical barrier to prevent water evaporation.

Brightening Serums

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, niacinamide, licorice extract, kojic acid, azelaic acid, arbutin, and so on.

For What Skin Types: All skin types. Some of the ingredients, like vitamin C, can be too powerful and potent for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

For What Skin Concerns: Dark spots, post-acne marks, hyperpigmentation, dullness.

How It Works: Brightening serum decreases melanin levels in the skin. When there is less melanin, the skin tone appears more even and with fewer visible flaws. Some of the brightening products contain light-reflecting particles that enhance skin radiance. For this reason, the effect is noticed right after using the formula.

Don’t mix vitamin C with retinoids or benzoyl peroxide. Use them separately. Vitamin C should be applied in the morning, while retinoids or benzoyl peroxide are great for night skin care. Don’t ignore the sunscreen. Your skin should always be protected from UV exposure.

Acne-Fighting Serums

Key Ingredients: AHAs and BHAs.

AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) are water-soluble acids made from sugary fruits. I bet you have heard about glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid. Guess what?! They are all “parts of a team” – AHAs. BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) are oil-soluble. The most known BHAs are salicylic acid and willow bark extract.

For What Skin Types: All skin types.

For What Skin Concerns: Breakouts, clogged pores.

How It Works: Serums with AHAs and BHAs reduce inflammation, remove dead skin cells,  unclog pores, even out the skin tone, and decrease the appearance of large pores. What is the difference between AHAs and BHAs? AHAs work on the surface of the skin. They peel away the dead cells, making your skin smoother and with less noticeable blemishes.

Unlike AHAs, BHAs are more “underground workers”. They can get deeper into the pores to clear out the pores and dissolve excess sebum. You can incorporate them both into your skin care routine. The only rule is to use them on alternating days to avoid dryness and irritation.

For combination skin, you can apply AHA to dry areas such as cheeks and BHA to oily areas like a T-zone. Both group acids are often combined with other ingredients, such as hydrocortisone or niacinamide, to take down the inflammation and reduce irritation.

Anti-Aging Serums

Key Ingredients: Retinoids, vitamin C, peptides, bakuchiol, AHAs.

For What Skin Types: All skin types. If you have very sensitive skin, stick with bakuchiol. It is a promising and more gentle alternative to retinoids and vitamin C.

For What Skin Concerns: Aging skin. Fine lines, wrinkles, loss of volume and elasticity.

How It Works: Anti-aging serums are something magical. They accelerate cell turnover, increase collagen production, stimulate the formation of new blood vessels, improve discoloration, and treat wrinkles. Sounds exciting, right?! But don’t rush to start using them if you are under 30.

Let me explain. Up until your early 30s, the skin produces enough collagen. It is functioning on autopilot mode, more or less certain. If we start treatment too early, we will interrupt the natural cycle making collagen fibers work too hard. It’s better to leave all these until your mid-30s when cell renewal is noticeably slowing down, and too many old cells clutter the organism.

As you decide to dive into the treatment, don’t go crazy pouring yourself with all the anti-aging products you have at the same time. Space them out. Peptides and vitamin C are best to apply in the morning, right after cleansing and toning. Retinol, prescribed retinoids, or AHAs should be left for a night. Oh… just a reminder – don’t forget to use sunscreen.

Antioxidant Serums

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, caffeine, ferulic acid, vitamin E, resveratrol, niacinamide, green tea extract.

For What Skin Types: All skin types.

For What Skin Concerns: Dark spots and uneven skin tone. Basically, there is no need for concerns. You may have flawless skin and still use serums with antioxidants to protect yourself from aggressors like UV rays and pollution.

How It Works: Antioxidants are useful everywhere in your skin care regimen. They are truly the “hardest workers” in the world of beauty! Use them in the morning to protect, prevent, and limit free radicals damage during the day. The active ingredients promote a brighter, more even tone, reduce prominent fine lines and keep skin looking fresh.

Soothing Serums

Key Ingredients: Chamomile, Centella Asiatica, niacinamide, ceramides, snail mucin, colloidal oats, calendula.

For What Skin Types:  All skin types, especially rosacea-prone skin.

For What Skin Concerns: Breakouts, redness, irritation, damaged skin barrier.

How It Works: Soothing serums can cool, calm, and provide instant relief to your extra-sensitive skin. The active ingredients work hard to reduce inflammation, strengthen a weakened skin barrier, and restore balance. Apply the serum two times a day – morning and night. When used over time, the skin restores the natural defenses and lessens sensitized reactions. Find the best calming serum for your skin and keep it at hand. It could be your lifesaver in any situation like sleep loss, shaving, jet lag, or sun exposure.

Wrap It Up

Now you know more about the benefits of different types of face serums. Every formula contains unique ingredients and should be applied accordingly. Choose the right products to meet your specific skincare goals!