What Is A Serum And Why Do You Need It? | Sephora Hong Kong
Surely you’ve seen them around, but perhaps the question remains: what is serum exactly and why do I need one? Between oils, essences, serums, moisturisers, and every other step in your skincare routine it’s hard to keep straight what’s essential from what’s trending. Ultra-lightweight and typically water-based liquids, serums deliver a concentrated dose of active ingredients that target specific skin care concerns. They are the cocktails of the beauty world crafted to suit your skin needs and the metaphorical supplemental booster to your skincare routine smoothie that you never knew you were missing until you tried it.
Unlike your facial oil or day and night moisturizers, the best face serums are usually formulated without emollients, which means they’re able to absorb more deeply and easily into your skin instead of sitting on the surface. This doesn’t mean your oils and lotions aren’t doing their job—you still need them to form a protective barrier of hydration and seal in the nutritional benefits of your beauty regimen. Like a shot of concentrated nutrients, actives in serums contain molecules small enough to penetrate the outer layer of the skin and deliver intensive doses of collagen builders, antioxidants, and anti-aging ingredients deeper into the epidermis.
What makes them such a brilliant addition to your skincare routine is that you can tailor your serum to your skin concerns. How do you know which one is the best face serum for you? If acne is your main concern, be on the lookout for ingredients like salicylic acid and willow bark extract. Things like peptides, glycolic acid, and hyaluronic acid are key ingredients in anti-aging serums. Hyaluronic acid should also be on your radar if you’re skin is constantly dehydrated because it’s a naturally occurring moisture magnet that helps strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier. For those concerned with hyperpigmentation or dull skin tones, try a serum high in vitamin C, an effective skin brightener that can help reduce the appearance of discolouration.
Once you’ve found your skin-boosting serum soul mate, working it into your existing skincare routine correctly is key to reaping the full benefits of its active-charged powers. Working through products from the lightest to the heaviest consistency is a good rule of thumb. This means serums fall after cleansing, exfoliating, and toning but before oils and moisturisers. Make sure you give them enough time to really soak in before locking in with a moisturiser. Remember, serums are highly concentrated and a little goes a very long way.
Face serums are having a serious moment, and we really hope they stick because these potent potions get serious results. Whatever your skin craves the most—moisture, blemish-fighters, youth-renewers—there’s a serum (even eye serum!) for it at Sephora Hong Kong. Shop online today to find yours!