I think one of the more confusing skin care products on the market are serums.  People are generally perplexed about what serums are and how and when to use them as part of their skin care routine.

What Is A Serum?

Serums are generally water-based liquid or gel products that feel lightweight on the skin.  They differ from moisturizers not only in their consistency and feel on the skin but also in terms of the ingredients they contain.


 For instance a moisturizer will have an occlusive ingredients in it so that water won't evaporate from your skin while a serum will not have such an ingredient.  

Serums have a high concentration of active ingredients like antioxidants, vitamins, skin brighteners, peptides, hydrators, or exfoliators.  Because of the formulation of serums they generally penetrate better than your moisturizer and are fast absorbing.  A serum can be used to address specific skin care concerns such as dark spots, fine lines, or dry skin.  

Who Needs A Serum?

Actually almost anyone could benefit from using a serum; you just need to find the right serum for you.  If you are looking for anti-aging ingredients serums can give your skin care routine a great boost by providing your skin with a dose of concentrated anti-aging ingredients.  Oilier skin types usually love serums because they feel weightless on the skin.  Everyone can benefit from using an antioxidant serum during the day like a Vitamin C serum. 

How Do You Use A Serum

A lot of serums are actually quite expensive; I won't beat around the bush when it comes to that fact. But despite their generally high price serums will last for a long time.  You apply a serum directly on your skin after cleansing and toning (if you use a toner).  Depending on the function of the serum and its active ingredients you apply either morning or night.  Most importantly you don't need a lot of product - a few drops or a pea size amount of the product are enough.  More is not better when it comes to serums.  Wait a few minutes after applying your serum (brush your teeth for instance) and then apply your moisturizer on top.  If you are applying a serum in the morning don't forget your sun protection as well.

Products To Try:

• Neutrogena Ageless Intensives® Anti-Wrinkle Deep Wrinkle Serum  - with retinol, good for nighttime use.
• Skinceuticals C E Ferulic serum - yes, this is pricey but it is also one of the best Vitamin C serums on the market.
• First Aid Beauty Anti-Redness Serum - soothing and anti-inflammatory this serum also has antioxidants.
• BOOTS No7 Pore Refining Serum - great for oily skin this product is also hypoallergenic.
  
• L'Oreal Paris Youth Code™ Serum Intense - this product has peptides in it in order to reduce the appearance of fine lines.
  
• Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum - this serum hydrates and gently exfoliates.
  

DIY Facial Serum

If you are someone who likes to create their own beauty and skin care products there are plenty of ways to whip up your own facial serum.  Generally the recipes for DIY facial serums involve the use of a carrier oil such as jojoba, avocado, or olive oil mixed with drops of essential oils like lavender, rose, sandalwood, and frankincense. Of course there are numerous variations then it comes to homemade facial serums.  You might need to try a few different recipes before you hit on the right one for you.