Now that we are all out and about in the warm weather, there is no better time of year to look and feel our best. For many people, this starts with clear, supple skin. While we’re all familiar with face wash and moisturizer, few of us know how to go the extra mile to see a visible difference in our skin’s appearance. As a beauty and wellness expert, I emphasize the importance of an effective, targeted serum.
So, what exactly are serums? Serums are potent, typically water-based elixirs used to fight specific problems you may have with your skin and infuse the skin with nutritious ingredients. Layer after toner and before moisturizer. Any serum you use should be specific to your skin type. Try the following types of serums for different skin problems:
- For Dull or Discolored Skin: To brighten up and even out the skin, go for a serum that is packed with antioxidants, such as green tea and vitamin E, as well as lightly exfoliating acids and brightening agents. In particular, vitamin C works wonders for dull or discolored skin. Peter Thomas Roth’s Potent-C Serum is a prime choice for such concerns, combining a whopping 20 percent concentration of vitamin C in tandem with 3 percent vitamin E and 2 percent ferulic acid in order to provide an optimally even skin tone.
- For Sagging, Aging Skin: If you have sagging skin, you want a serum that works to increase the skin’s elasticity while tightening it and ameliorating overall texture. To do so, seek out ingredients that support collagen and elastin production, such as copper, zinc and magnesium. Furthermore, look for hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and soy protein. June Jacobs Age-Defying Copper Serum has all this plus the added benefits of mild exfoliation for a truly radiant complexion.
- For Dry, Dehydrated Skin: Go for a serum void of any harsh chemicals that is also rich in in moisture-binding ingredients such as sodium hyaluronate and panthenol. Malin + Goetz’s Replenishing Face Serum is a fantastic option for gentle yet intense hydration. Another great choice is Peter Thomas Roth’s Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Serum, which is enriched with 75 percent hyaluronic acid to help keep skin hydrated, attracting up to 1,000 times its weight in water from moisture in the atmosphere.
- For Acne-Prone Skin: Make sure to tackle acne without drying out the skin. It is still important to maintain hydration even when you have acne flareups, or else you risk worsening breakouts. Two percent salicylic acid is an effective concentration of acne-fighting power that will not dry out the skin, especially when the serum’s base is moisturizing. Dermadoctor’s Medicated Acne Control Serum strikes a perfect balance of hydrating and purifying.
- For Red or Irritated Skin: Pay utmost attention to the ingredients list. Steer clear of harsh chemicals, drying alcohols and pore-clogging waxes. Instead, search for calming, anti-inflammatory ingredients like rosemary or chamomile, as well as ingredients conducive to healthy circulation, such as raspberry fruit extract. June Jacobs Raspberry Recovery Serum not only calms redness and irritation with high-quality ingredients, but it also protects the skin from additional bacterial and environmental stress. It is also free of parabens, preservatives, sulfates, synthetic dyes, artificial fragrances, artificial colors, mineral oils and petrolatum, all of which may aggravate sensitive skin.
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