For those of you who have not yet jumped on the serum bandwagon, I have one question: Why not? Beyond the skin care basics of a cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen, serums are practically a foolproof way to move from unexceptional to extraordinary; from average to amazing; from …well, you get the picture.
Serums contain high concentrations of active ingredients that can be tailored to suit the needs of almost everyone. Perfect for layering due to their featherweight lightness, serums are quickly absorbed, penetrate deeply and able to deliver potency without the heaviness of a cream or lotion base. This makes them ideal to add to any existing routine.
Most serums are water-based and are an excellent vehicle for delivering specific targeted treatments to treat a range of conditions including wrinkles, dark spots, dull complexions or dry skin. As we age, we are all faced with skin challenges that the basics of cleansing and moisturizing simply cannot meet. Luckily, skin care companies and consumers alike have embraced serums, resulting in an abundance of choice.
To determine which serum is right for you, decide first and foremost your skin’s top need and go from there:
For Dry Skin, Neostrata Moisture Infusion 24hr Serum provides intense hydration, thanks to its formula containing 5% AMC, a biotechnical ingredient that is up 4 times more hydrating than hyaluronic acid. For fans of the Cliniderm line for sensitive skin, watch this space for soothing HydraComfort Hydrating Serum, coming soon! OR is it here?
For Aging Skin, look no further than Apothekari A is for Anti-Aging Retinal Serum. With all the benefits of retinoids (reversing wrinkles, boosting collagen production, increasing skin hydration PLUS more) you’ve heard about in an effective yet gentle serum base, this will become your newest night time essential.
For Dark Spots, La Roche Posay’s Pigmentclar Serum packs a double punch: LHA for gentle surface exfoliation and a powerful anti-dark spot complex made up of PhE-Resorcinol, Ginkgo and ferulic acid. The retinal serum, we mentioned above – it’ll attack dark spots in a different manner.
For Skin Protection, Apothekari Undercover Agent contains an impressive cocktail of high potency vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid to neutralize free radicals caused by UV exposure and pollution. I never quite feel ready to face the world without this super antioxidant serum layered under my favorite Anthelios sunscreen.
Can’t decide? Just like day creams and night creams, it can be advantageous to have one dedicated day serum and one reserved strictly for use at night. After all, no two serums are exactly alike. Rather like black shoes.
