SERUMS

By definition, serums are a type of skin care formulation that are applied after cleansing and before moisturizing to target specific skin care concerns. Generally, lightweight and fast-absorbing with a liquid-based texture, skin care serums can help amplify the results of any at-home skin care product routine.

Serums are usually formulated with a specific skin concern or condition in mind, and are designed to be used in conjunction with other skincare products to optimize results. Some common uses for serums include improving the appearance of skin discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles, acne, excess oil, redness, or rough surface texture. Vitamin C serums are an important and effective way to provide the skin with antioxidants to help prevent environmental damage, while hyaluronic acid serums are used to enhance skin hydration and targeted corrective benefits for all skin types. There are also serums that combine multiple ingredients to provide improvement for specific combinations of concerns (such as acne and visible signs of aging) as well as comprehensive anti-aging benefits. Serums can also be formulated for specific areas of the face, such as around the eyes or for the lips.

Serums and moisturizers are two different types of skin care formulations, and the key distinctions are when they are applied and that a serum can deliver additional benefits. Serums should be applied before lotion or cream, or they can be used in place of a moisturizer if the serum is formulated with hydrating ingredients. Our Hydrating B5 Gel serum can play the role of both since it provides the skin with essential moisture on its own. However, those with drier skin may choose to layer it beneath a hydrating lotion or cream. In many cases, a serum contains ingredients that target a particular skin concern.

The ideal serums for dry skin contain ingredients that provide the skin with much-needed hydration. Hyaluronic acid serums are amongst the most effective, since this natural sugar is capable of holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water, as well as drawing moisture from the environment into the skin ¹. This ingredient can be found in serums formulated specifically for replenishing skin moisture, such as Hydrating B5 Gel, and maintaining skin hydration levels, such as H.A. Intensifier . Hyaluronic Acid can also be used in multi-purpose products that address skin discoloration, visual redness, sensitivity, and rough surface texture. If you have dry skin, it’s best to consult with a SkinCeuticals skincare professional who can recommend the ideal serum for your skin’s unique needs.

Yes, you can use serums if you have oily skin - but it's important to use the right serum, designed for that skin type. The key to finding the ideal serum when you have oily skin is looking at the ingredients. For example, the SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel... is an ultra-lightweight, oil-free serum formulated with hyaluronic acid to provide the skin with essential moisture without a thick or heavy feel. This particular serum can be used by those with oily skin in place of a moisturizer. In cases of oily skin prone to acne, Blemish + Age Defense serum targets acne as well as visible signs of aging in one potent formulation. To discover the best serum for your oily skin, schedule an appointment with a SkinCeuticals skincare professional.