You might have heard of face serums but might not know what they are used for. Face serums have become an integral part of skincare routines these days. In this blog, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of face serums. Starting with the definition of a face serum, we will find out how beneficial it is to the skin.
Table of Contents
What is Face Serum?
A face serum is a skincare product that contains concentrated amounts of active ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, alpha-hydroxy, and glycolic acids. It’s a lightweight and effective product for your skin that can be easily applied. Face serums have gained popularity in recent years, replacing creams and lotions in make-up routines. They come in different flavors and nourish the skin.
How to Apply Serum on the Face?
You must apply your face serum both on your face and neck. You can use face serums once or twice a day. If you plan on using it twice, do it once in the morning, and then at night. Follow the simple instructions below to apply serum to your skin:
- First, cleanse and tone your skin (with the usual cleanser and toner you use).
- Allow the skin to dry.
- Apply 3 to 4 drops of serum on the face and neck areas.
- Use your fingertips to massage the serum gently on your skin.
- Allow the serum to dry for a few minutes.
- You can now apply any skincare product (like moisturizer) that you normally use on your skin.
What does Serum do for your Face?
Think of serums as your skin care superheroes! These light liquids contain high potencies of active ingredients such as vitamins and lactic acid that go below the surface, unlike your moisturizer. Instead of providing just surface moisture like creams do, serums address some particular issues:
- Dry Skin? Hyaluronic acid serums increase your skin’s fullness by drawing in and holding on to moisture.
- Wrinkles? Vitamin C serums brighten and combat aging signs by increasing collagen production.
- Blemishes? Salicylic acid serums help keep pores clear and reduce breakouts.
Think of them like a booster shot for your regular skincare routine. Apply a few drops after cleansing and before moisturizing for a healthy, radiant complexion. Remember, serums aren’t one-size-fits-all, so choose one that addresses your unique skin needs.
Types of Serums
Based on the ingredients in face serums, they can be classified into the following types:
1. Hyaluronic Acid-Enriched Serums
Hyaluronic acid is usually beneficial for dry skin. You can use hyaluronic acid-enriched serums to combat visible signs of aging like wrinkles. Also, take a look at the ways to hide wrinkles.
2. Vitamin C-Enriched Serums
Vitamin C is often referred to as a “skincare powerhouse.” It is an antioxidant that safeguards the skin surface from the damaging effects of free radicals. These free radicals are often spread by pollution.
3. Anti-aging Serums
As the name suggests, anti-aging face serums are used to deal with the signs of aging on your face. They help improve the following key signs of youth:
- Skin elasticity
- Firmness
- Radiance
- Tone
15 Benefits of Face Serum
As with any skincare product, a face serum comes with merits and demerits. Let’s first take a peek at the merits!
1. Deep Hydration
Just as our body needs water for hydration, our skin also craves moisture. Serums deeply moisturize, locking in hydration and leaving your skin plump and supple. When your skin is parched, you cannot use only a moisturizer to make it soft and supple. You may have the habit of using a face cream, but applying a hydrating face serum will help with better moisture retention. Because of the hydrating nature of face serums, you will find that the wrinkles on your face are visibly reduced!
Also Read monsoon skincare: steps for hydration.
2. Enhanced Skin Firmness
Some serums boost collagen production, enhancing your skin’s firmness and elasticity for a youthful appearance. Do you know that collagen contributes to 30% of your body’s protein? It offers strength and support to your skin.
Also Read: Is Fish Oil Good for Skin
3. Reduction of Fine Lines and Wrinkles
If you use anti-wrinkle serums from reputable brands, they will protect your skin from damage. Such serums will also safeguard the skin from pigmentation, dark spots, and patches. Retinol serums are known to tighten the skin. Retinol plays a prominent role in the production of skin cells. It also helps with collagen production, which reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
4. Improved Skin Texture
Face serums are just like water-based moisturizers. So, they give life to dry skin cells by nourishing them. Thus, the texture of the dry skin is improved, and your face and neck get that extra glow. Also, look at the 10 beauty routines to improve skin texture overnight!
5. Even Skin Tone
L-ascorbic acid is the most potent form of vitamin C. A skin serum with a formula that contains 15% L-Ascorbic acid works wonders for the skin. Using such a formula, you can experience even skin tone. In addition to the skin tone, dark spots on the skin will also be reduced, and your face will look brighter!
Regular use of face serums also promotes softer, smoother skin by encouraging cell turnover and reducing roughness.
Also Read: Colour Choices for Dark Skin Tones
6. Brightened Complexion
The vitamin C in a face serum gives a radiant complexion to the skin. If you keep applying your face serum, you will find that the dark spots on your face fade, and your skin will have a natural glow within weeks.
There are lots of face serums containing Niacinamide as the main ingredient on the market. You can purchase one of these serums and apply it regularly to your face and neck.
7. Minimized Appearance of Pores
Clogged pores are one of the primary concerns among teenage girls and older women. When dirt, oil, or dead cells clog the pores on your skin, it becomes a severe hindrance to your beauty and overall look. Sometimes, clogged pores can even lead to acne and breakouts. So, you must nip the problem in the bud!
Certain serums minimize pores, contributing to smoother skin and a refined overall texture. Using serums that exfoliate the skin and open up clogged pores can go a long way in the betterment of your daily skincare routine.
8. Protection against Environmental Damage
In a world with lots of pollution and its adverse impacts, taking care of the skin and keeping it healthy has become a challenge among many women. But with an effective, nourishing face serum, you can protect your skin against pollutants, and keep it soft and supple.
Make use of serums that contain a combination of vitamins C and E, along with Niacinamide. They will shield your skin from pollutants and also neutralize toxic oxygen radicals.
Also Read: How To Protect Against Skin Cancer
9. Boosted Collagen Production
As mentioned earlier, collagen can enhance your skin’s firmness and elasticity. Therefore, shop for face serums that boost collagen production. Such serums will also give you a more youthful appearance.
10. Reduction of Acne Scars
Face serums with glycerin have skin-lightening properties, which help diminish acne scars. Consult a dermatologist (before application) if your acne’s cause is a medical condition.
11. Regulation of Sebum Production
Sebum production is normal, but too much sebum results in very oily skin. Certain face serums are specially formulated to meet the needs of oily skin. They help in making the skin less oily, without compromising on hydration.
12. Soothing Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, use a face serum containing anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as aloe vera. These types of serums help protect and soothe sensitive skin and also prevent redness and breakouts.
Read Also: Aloe Vera for Skin and Hair care
13. Increased Skin Elasticity
Using serums that are fortified with hyaluronic acid helps your skin regain its elasticity. Such serums can also minimize the signs of aging on your face and neck. Hyaluronic acid also maintains moisture in the skin and keeps it lubricated.
14. Enhanced Absorption of Other Skincare Products
You can apply a serum that enhances the absorption of all the skincare products you use. The facial serums you apply prepare the skin and nourish it. Serums result in hydrated skin, free of clogged pores and acne marks. Thus, when the skin remains healthy, it can easily and quickly able to absorb all the skincare products you use daily.
Also Read: Top Seven Skincare Tips for College Students
15. Promotion of Overall Skin Health
Apart from using face serums, you must also focus on your lifestyle for better skin health. Eating a balanced diet, regular exercising, and getting adequate hours of shut-eye are crucial. Leading a healthy lifestyle also makes your skin look healthier and more radiant.
Vitamin E is essential for your skin because it’s an anti-aging nutrient. Nuts and pumpkin seeds are rich sources of vitamin E, so include them in your diet.
Now that you know the advantages of face serums, let’s look at their disadvantages.
Disadvantages of Face Serums
1. Skin Conditions
Avoid using a face serum for eczema and psoriasis unless the dermatologist advises, as some ingredients may irritate the affected skin.
2. Cannot Replace Sunscreen Lotions
Face serums are just skin nourishers and don’t have SPF, so, don’t offer protection from the sun. This is the reason why they cannot replace sunscreen lotions.
3. Costs Involved
Usually, face serums are more expensive than other skincare products. So, people on a budget hesitate to buy them. However, if you are prepared to spend a bit more on your skincare regimen, opt for face serums. But ensure you consult your doctor/healthcare provider before you start using any skin care products, including serums.
4. Might Not Suit Sensitive Skin (In Some Cases)
If a face serum’s ingredients don’t suit a woman’s sensitive skin, she may experience breakouts, irritation, redness, etc. So, it’s better to choose a serum formula that best suits her skin. It would be wise to do a patch test before using any face serum, and this holds not only for women with sensitive skin but also for other skin types.
5. Consequences of Overuse
Some apply face serums every day. But if you overuse it, the consequences can be severe. It can result in skin imbalances, thereby causing dryness, acne, or pimples. You just need to use a few drops of serum regularly. For best results, consult your dermatologist. They can tell you how much serum you must use every day or on alternate days. During your leisure time, read the 5 best skincare tips for healthy skin!
Use the Appropriate Face Serum in Limited Amounts
Incorporating a face serum into your skincare routine provides diverse benefits, thereby enhancing your skin’s health and appearance. However, you must use any face serum in the right amounts, according to the advice of your dermatologist. Keep your skin safe and stay happy!
