Importance of face serum in your beauty routine and the best one according to your skin type

Beauty trends come and go, but only a few leave a strong mark with their efficient, long-lasting and visible results. Skin serums are one of those groundbreaking technology that has taken the dermatology industry by storm and redefined the skincare routine at a cellular level. In fact, according to the latest research, the global serum worth was measured to be US$ 3.1 Bn in 2021 and is projected to cross a whopping US$ 6.28 Bn by 2031! This proves the growing importance of face serum in the competitive skincare industry. [Source]

Importance of face serum in your beauty routine

A serum is a product with intensive concentrations of one or two essential ingredients designed to tackle a targeted skin issue.

In contrast to moisturisers and creams, serums provide concentrated amounts of one or two key ingredients that deliver potent results for particular skin care needs.

Compared to a moisturiser, serums are typically lighter and infuse faster into the skin. They should be applied to cleansed skin so they can get absorbed more effectively.

When and how to apply face serum?

How to apply face serum - face serum on girl's hand

Since serums have a lightweight formula, it is recommended to apply them before moisturizer and after toner. This helps the product get absorbed fully by your skin. Follow it up with a moisturizer to lock in the goodness of the actives.

Here’s how to apply face serum to reap maximum benefits:

  1. Cleanse your face while massaging the cleanser for about a min
  2. Spritz toner on damp skin and let it dry
  3. Apply the serum(s) of your choice and wait for a few minutes to let your skin soak it in
  4. Apply moisturizer to seal everything in one place

Which face serum is the best for your skin?

There is no one-stop solution when it comes to serums. We all have different skin needs and depending upon our issues, there are a plethora of options you can choose from after consulting reliable skin care clinics in Hyderabad or near you.

Here are some of the serum options depending on your requirements:

Best serums for hyperpigmentation

A surplus of melanin in the skin is the root cause of hyperpigmentation. There are three primary kinds of hyperpigmentation found in Indian skins:

  1. Sunspots
  2. Melasma
  3. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Depending upon the type and degree of hyperpigmentation, here are a few skincare actives that will help you out:

Mandelic Acid

It is gentler than other actives, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin. Additionally, it has produced excellent results for people with melasma and darker skin tones.

Glycolic Acid

Tends to be more effective on lighter skin tones since sensitive darker skin tones may react and cause scarring or develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Vitamin C

Free radicals are neutralised by vitamin C to prevent further skin damage. It works to stop the production of melanin, which prevents spots from forming and makes existing discoloration appear lighter. However, while Vitamin C does help with hyperpigmentation on the epidermal level, for more advanced degrees, there are more potent options.

Hydroquinone

Effective yet highly controversial. Suitable for oily and combination skin types and lighter skin tones. Dry skin and darker skin tones may benefit from hydroquinone, but you should first consult a skincare professional to make sure it’s the right choice for you.

Best serums for anti-ageing

Anti-ageing serums are targeted towards slowing down the signs of ageing (like wrinkles, fine lines and dull skin) and promoting youthful-looking skin.

These ingredients help you in minimizing and sometimes even reversing prominent ageing skin issues:

Retinoid

The most researched anti-ageing skincare ingredient which, even after the advent of a gamut of actives, remains to be the gold standard in the anti-ageing market. It was first introduced to treat dermatoses, including photoaging, about two decades ago.

Ceramides

They are essentially the natural lipids that are produced by your skin and are crucial for maintaining the skin’s barrier function, which enables it to absorb and bind water to keep it hydrated. Ceramides naturally decrease as we age, so it’s crucial to incorporate them into your routine if you want bouncy, youthful skin.

Vitamin E

A potent antioxidant, helps prevent wrinkles and fine lines brought on by pollution, UV rays, and free radicals by counteracting their oxidising effects. It is essential to obtain it from a skin serum because your body cannot generate it naturally.

Best serum for glowing skin

Niacinamide vs Hyaluronic Acid vs Lactic Acid

Most of us want to have glowing, radiant skin because it is a desirable quality. However, keeping such vitality isn’t always simple to do, especially as we age. Skincare actives can have a significant impact in addition to lifestyle choices.

Here are some of the best ingredients for luminous skin:

Niacinamide

One of the best ingredients to try if you want fresh, bouncy, and gorgeous skin is niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3.

It is one of the most gentle anti-inflammatory and anti-acne ingredients, in addition to being effective for lightening hyperpigmentation. If you are confused between Niacinamide vs Hyaluronic Acid for glowing skin, go for the former since Hyaluronic acid just gives hydration while Niacinamide caters to an array of other skin issues too.

Hyaluronic acid

Widely used ingredient in skincare products, including cleansers, moisturisers, and even sunscreens. It functions best in serum form, though. It’s a member of the class of chemicals called glycosaminoglycans, and our skin naturally contains it. It basically consists of a very large sugar molecule that has a gel-like consistency and keeps the skin hydrated, soft, and plump.

Lactic Acid

Belongs to Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). Since lactic acid’s large molecular size prevents it from working deeper into the skin and instead works on the surface, it will provide a milder exfoliation, making it better suited for sensitive skin types.

Best serums for acne

Dealing with acne-prone skin can be frustrating. While research strongly suggests that acne is heredity, having a proper diet and skincare routine for acne can help mitigate your issues. [Source]

Here are some tried-and-tested skincare actives for acne-prone skin:

Salicylic acid

Most popular ingredient in anti-acne serums. It is a beta-hydroxy acid, an exfoliant that clears away dead skin. This aids in keeping your pores unclogged. Between Niacinamide vs Salicylic Acid for acne-prone skin, choose the latter since it penetrates deeper into the skin.

AHAs

The removal of dead skin cells and the reduction of inflammation are how alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) treat acne. By promoting the growth of new skin, they also lessen the appearance of acne scars. Glycolic acid and lactic acid are two kinds of alpha hydroxy acids that are present in acne treatment serums.

Azelaic Acid

A naturally occurring substance with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Additionally, it aids in preventing keratin buildup, a protein that can irritate the skin.

Best serums for oily skin

Choose a serum that balances your skin’s natural oils if you notice that it tends to become a little too oily. This will aid in replenishing the skin’s depleted water supply and in balancing out excess oil. Whether summer, winter or monsoon skin care for oily skin suggestions, these actives will help your skin look fresh and glowing.

Some great actives options for oily skin are:

Hyaluronic acid

Helps impart a natural glow without making the skin look oily. Does hyaluronic acid cause acne or skin congestion? The answer is no. Hyaluronic acid is neither a comedogenic nor exfoliating acid. Check the label for other comedogenic ingredients if you’re undergoing breakouts with a new hyaluronic acid serum.

Niacinamide:

Inhibits sebum production by decreasing the activity of the enzyme responsible.

Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA)

A lipid-soluble exfoliant that works well on oily skin.

Best serums for dry skin

Dry skin can make even the clearest face look dull and dehydrated. It also makes your makeup look patchy and causes itchiness.

Here are some serum suggestions for dry skin beauties:

Squalene

Hydrates the skin by increasing hydrogen bonding and facilitates the synthesis of collagen. It keeps the skin plump and radiant while imparting a youthful appearance.

Ceramides

Ceramides help fortify damaged skin barrier, along with lending smooth and hydrated skin. It also minimizes water loss from the skin, therefore keeping hydration intact.

Need more skincare assistance for your unique needs?

A woman getting a skin consultation at a skin care clinic

Book an appointment at Zing Mode, one of the best skin care clinics in Hyderabad, and get your wide range of skin issues tackled with cutting-edge technology, rich expertise and hygienic tools. No matter what your skin type, our team of skin specialists help you achieve the flawless and glowing complexion of your dreams with science-backed and FDA-approved treatments. Get in touch with our awesome support team for more information.