10 Benefits Of Using A Face Serum In Your Skincare Routine

From acne and inflammation to dullness and dark spots, all of us are struggling with at least one skin concern at any given time (if you’re not, I’m jealous!). To top it all off, we also have to fight signs of ageing, damage from the sun, and pollutants on top of our busy lifestyles. With your skin going through so much, it’s important to give it the love and care it deserves every day. Enter: Face Serums. These elixirs will revive and repair your skin while protecting it from damage.

Face serums often come in cute potion-like bottles and work like magic to brighten the skin and make it feel smooth. But don’t worry, it is all actually backed by science. They contain active ingredients to address specific concerns and absorb deep into the skin due to their lightweight nature. Serums are also non-greasy, unlike creams, and are perfect for layering under sunscreen and makeup during the day. They can be used along with moisturisers and treatments during your nighttime routine. Let’s dive right in and explore skin serum benefits, how to apply them, and things you must consider before buying.

Benefits Of Face Serum

Face serums target specific concerns to boost your skin’s health, make it glow from within, and help you achieve a silky smooth texture. There are several benefits to incorporating it into your skincare routine and you can pick from varied formulations on your need. Let’s dive right in to understand the face serum benefits.

1. Brightens

   If you wish to improve the dull appearance of your skin, use a face serum with vitamin C to get a natural glow. It will not only make your skin look radiant but also even out your complexion and fade dark spots. Try the Garnier Bright Complete 10% Vitamin C serum that penetrates deep into the skin to inhibit melanin production to brighten the skin and repair it from within.

2. Hydrates

   From genetics and weather to the consumption of coffee and tobacco, there are several factors that can dehydrate your skin. It’s important to maintain the moisture levels of your skin for a naturally dewy and plump look. Use the Laneige Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Serum that retains moisture for a long-lasting boost of hydration.

3. Fades Dark Spots

   Dark spots can be a result of scars from acne or sun damage. Use a serum with niacinamide, which can reduce pigmentation and improve the skin barrier according to a study, and Vitamin C for its brightening properties. We recommend the WOW Skin Science Vitamin C & Niacinamide Face Serum which is dermatologically tested, free of parabens, and cruelty-free.

4. Allows For Deep Penetration

   As compared to creams, serums are lightweight and can deeply penetrate the skin for maximum benefits. The texture also allows the serum to be used with other products without ruining their efficacy, making it easy it incorporate face serums into your skin serum. Try the ultra-lightweight L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Serum that hydrates the skin and restores its plump appearance.

5. Improves Texture

   Collagen can rejuvenate and reverse signs of ageing, as per a study, resulting in improved overall skin health. Use the Olay Collagen Peptide Face Serum that contains Collagen Peptide 24 which makes the skin feel smooth and bouncy for that youthful look and adds a radiant glow.

6. Anti-Inflammatory

   Inflammation in the skin can flare up acne and cause redness, in addition to causing itching and irritation. This is especially painful for those with sensitive skin and leads to further breakouts. To soothe the skin and naturally reduce redness, use a face serum with anti-inflammatory green tea like the MCaffeine 10% Niacinamide & Green Tea Serum.

7. Repair Sun Damage

   Overexposure to the sun can cause tanning, dark spots, dehydration, as well as fine lines. To repair the skin and revive it after long hours in the sun, use the Deconstruct 0.2% Retinol Serum + 1% Peptide which improves collagen production and reverses sun damage.

8. Fights Acne

   If your skin is oily or prone to acne, use a serum that regulates sebum production, removes impurities, and has anti-bacterial benefits to reduce acne growth. We recommend using the Fixderma Anti Acne Face Serum which, in addition to the above-mentioned benefits, also gently exfoliates the skin.

9. Anti-Ageing

   Several serums offer anti-ageing benefits that can not only slow down signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles but also revitalise the skin and add a youthful appearance. You can use the L'Occitane Immortelle Reset Anti-Aging Serum which has a specially formulated essential oil along with natural ingredients that have anti-oxidant and anti-ageing benefits.

10. Reduces Hyperpigmentation

    Hyperpigmentation can be caused by several hormonal and genetic factors which makes it difficult to reduce its appearance. However, kojic acid has been proven to lighten and brighten the skin and works wonders in fading away pigmentation. Try the Dermistry 2% Kojic Acid Hyper Pigmentation for an even skin tone.

How To Apply Face Serum

Face serum uses can differ during the day and during the night. Here’s how to apply face serum in your AM and PM routine:

Morning Routine:

Step 1: Begin with a gentle cleanser to ensure your skin is clean, fresh, and free of dirt and impurities.

Step 2: Apply toner with a cotton pad or your hands to prep it for better absorption on the face serum

Step 3: Dispense a few drops of the serum on your fingers and gently apply it to the entire face. Ensure you’re applying the serum in an even layer.

Step 4: Follow this with a moisturiser to lock in the moisture and ensure the serum absorbs into the skin.

Step 5: Once the face is dry to the touch, apply sunscreen to protect your skin against sun damage and tanning.

Night Routine:

Step 1: Remove any makeup and use a mild cleanser to clean your skin thoroughly.

Step 2 (1-2 times a week): Exfoliate the skin with a scrub or chemical exfoliant to remove dead skin cells. This aids in the better absorption of face serums.

Step 3: Apply toner to minimise pores, provide a layer of moisture, and balance the skin’s pH levels.

Step 4: Now, gently press in the serum with your fingertips and focus on the problem areas like dark spots and wrinkles. Ensure that you apply the serum on all sections of your face.

Step 5: Finish it all up with an under-eye serum or cream, any spot treatments, and a moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated.

You can also consider using a sheet mask or face pack 2 to 3 times a week to enhance the face serum benefits. If your skin is hydrated, it has the best chance of absorbing the face serums effectively. So, it is important to follow these steps while applying face serums.

Things To Consider Before Buying A Face Serum

1. Skin Type: Understanding your skin type is crucial when picking a face serum as the wrong pick may do more harm than good. For dry skin, opt for hydrating formulas with hyaluronic acid that will soothe and moisturise the skin. For oily and acne-prone skin, opt for serums that will unclog the pores and regulate oil production to prevent breakouts such as salicylic acid. Combination skin requires serums with dual benefits of hydration and oil regulation and actives like niacinamide.
2. Skin Concern: Identifying your primary skin concern will help you select your ideal serum. Serums with retinol or peptides have anti-ageing benefits, while vitamin C and niacinamide have brightening properties. You can also use multiple serums at once to target different concerns.
3. Ingredients: While the main ingredients in your serum are there to target your skin concerns, some serums may include alcohol, fragrances, or harsh chemicals. This is why it's important to check the labels and avoid any adverse reactions.
4. Concentration: If you’re a beginner, stick to a face serum with a concentration of 1% to 5% to ensure your skin can tolerate the active ingredients. Skin serums with a high concentration of 10% are ideal if your skin is already used to actives.
5. Texture: The texture of a serum dictates how easily it will absorb into the skin and when it should be used. Lightweight face serums are fast-absorbing and ideal for layering under other products. Serums with a thicker texture are best suited for use in your nighttime routine.

Parting Thoughts

Face serums have several benefits that can help you achieve smooth and soft skin that appears radiant and fresh. From brightening face serums to skin serums that have anti-ageing properties, there are several formulations you can pick from based on your skin concerns. Face serum uses also vary depending on your skin type as well as its concentration and texture. Hence, it is important to consider multiple factors before buying face serums. It is also important to patch-test any new serums you’re incorporating into your skincare routine, whether it’s during the day or at night.

FAQs On Using Face Serum

1. Which face serum is good for oily skin?

   Salicylic acid face serum is recommended for oily skin as it helps unclog pores, exfoliates the skin, and regulates the production of sebum.

2. Which face serum is best for combination skin?

   As combination skin needs the dual benefits of moisturisation and oil control, face serums with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are the ideal choice.

3. What is the best time to use a face serum?

   You can use serums in your AM and PM routines. The best time to use it depends on the type of serum you’re using. Hydrating serums can be used twice a day. Anti-ageing and pigmentation-reducing serums work best overnight.

4. Is applying face serum every day good for the skin?

   You should face serums at least once a day for the best results. However, serums with high concentrations of actives should be used only twice a week.