Vitamin C serum, hyaluronic serum, retinol face serum, and niacinamide serum – what are these, and do you really need them?
With different skincare products in the market, it can be quite confusing to differentiate the specific uses for each product. There are hydrating serums, anti-aging serums, and even dark spot serums. But how are they different from each other and can it be a replacement for a face moisturizer? Skincare does not have to be confusing, so we are here to tell you exactly what a facial serum is, its benefits, and who it is for. Check out the article below!
What Is Facial Serum?
Facial serums are different from moisturizers. They are often confused with moisturizers because their skin benefits sometimes overlap with each other. However, these two have different specific functions and consistency. While serums lean on the lightweight formula and have a thin feel on the skin, most moisturizers are the opposite. Facial serums also tend to have more active ingredients than moisturizers do.
Facial serums deeply penetrate the skin and are considered a powerhouse skincare product because it addresses multiple skin issues like premature aging, acne, dark spots, wrinkles, and many more. Some dermatologists recommend to start incorporating anti-aging serums in your skincare beauty regiment in your 20s to combat early signs of aging and boost collagen production.
If you are wondering what the diverse types of facial serums are and the benefits of using one, then read below:
8 Reasons Why You Need A Facial Serum
#1 Anti-aging and prevent sagging skin
According to experts, collagen production slows down as we age, and the skin starts to sag by the age of 25. This is because we lose 1 percent of collagen every year leading to a thinner and less elastic skin that will in turn leave wrinkles and saggy skin.
However, this can be prevented by using anti-aging serums and supplementing with collagen. Some of the most common face serum ingredients that work well as anti-aging are retinol, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid.
#2 Reduce potential acne breakout
Acne develops when oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells clog the pores. Facial serums contain active ingredients that actively fight these acne-causing culprits to help you prevent and manage acne breakouts. In fact, a study was conducted in the year 2020 about how an anti-acne regimen can improve the appearance of acne. The result was that actives had improved both acne and the condition of the skin.
Some of ingredients that is said to help reduce acne are benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, vitamin c, hyaluronic acid, and azelaic acid.
#3 Reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation
Dark spots and hyperpigmentation are often what follows an acne breakout or staying too long under the sun. Hyperpigmentation is skin condition where it produces an abundance of melanin – a pigment that gives color to the hair and skin. It often happens due to aging, sun damage, or scarring. Although it can be harmless, the uneven dark spots can make your skin look dull and less radiant.
So how can you fix that? By adding a vitamin c serum to your skincare regimen of course! A 2017 study was published regarding the role of vitamin C in the skin. Researchers have noted that Vitamin C can help in decreasing melanin on the skin and help fade those dark spots and leave you with an even and toned complexion. In addition, Vitamin C has antioxidant properties that can help fight UV radiation.
If dark sports and hyperpigmentation is one of your skin concerns, then incorporating a Vitamin C serum may be your best bet. We recommend using our Pure Biology Vitamin C Serum and apply it once or twice a day on the face and neck.
A quick tip: Use Vitamin C serum in the morning to help fight UV rays throughout the day.
#4 Decrease fine lines and wrinkles
Deep wrinkles and fine lines are starting to crawl on your skin? Serums can also help you with that!
One of the most well-known uses of retinoids is for reducing fine lines and wrinkles. According to Harvard Health Publishing, retinoids help reduce the appearance of aging by increasing the production of collagen on the skin. As we all know, collagen is responsible for maintaining the skin’s elasticity that prevents wrinkles from forming. Though instant results will unlikely show, a continued use of up to 6 months can visibly improve the appearance of fine lines and other signs of aging.
It is important to remember that there is no instant fix, and an ageless glowing skin takes time and effort to achieve. Retinol (Vitamin A) is best used at night to reduce photosensitivity. If you are new to using retinol, start once or twice a week and increase to every other day once your skin gets used to it. Retinol can be drying so it is important to use a gentle moisturizer and always apply sunscreen when stepping out of the sun.
Recommended product: Pure Biology Retinol Cream
#5 Boost skin’s hydration
Our skin can get dehydrated throughout the day due to several factors such as sweating, hot showers, air-conditioner, humid and hot weather, or not drinking enough water. Not to be confused with dry skin, dehydrated skin can also occur to people with oily skin. Dry skin means you don’t produce as much oil as you need for the skin to regain moisture while dehydrated skin means your skin is deprived of water from within leading to visible wrinkles and fine lines. (More about this topic here)
By using a hydrating facial serum, you bring back hydration and improve moisture retention. Serum penetrates deeply into the skin making it highly effective in locking in moisture. It is applied before a moisturizer.
#6 Reverse sun damage
Planning to get a tan? You might want to apply sunscreen before you go out under the sun. Sun damage is one of the causes of uneven dark spots or hyperpigmentation. Too much sun exposure can give you wrinkles and cause premature aging and photoaging. So how can facial serum help reverse these sun damage?
Serums with vitamin C as one of its ingredients are good in fighting free radical damage caused by UV lights. This can help protect you from UV lights and lighten dark spots or sunspots. Another type of serum that can help undo the sun’s damage is tretinoin or retinoic acid. Although this ingredient is a popular acne treatment, it also doubles as a photoaging reversal ingredient. It works by reducing discoloration, making wrinkles less visible, and smoothens rough skin.
#7 Minimize large pores
Large pores are one of the common skin problems faced by many. This happens because of sun damage, overproduction of sebum, hair follicle size, and aging. However, this is easily treated and keeps you looking poreless. On serum that can help is a Niacinamide Serum. This ingredient helps repair the skin barrier and shrink your pore size. It is gentle enough than most serums and can be used twice a day to improve dull and lifeless complexion.
#8 Lighten dark under eyes
Dark under eyes can make us look older than we are. Those dark under eye bags can make you look like you emerged from a zombie apocalypse. Luckily, serums with caffeine and niacinamide can help lighten dark under eyes. Caffeine has antioxidant properties that can brighten the appearance of the skin and make your eyes look more awake. Meanwhile, niacinamide helps in brightening dark spots and this also includes lightening dark under eyes.
If this is one of your main skincare concerns, you may want to try Pure Biology’s Premium Eye Cream.
Related Blog Post:
- What is Vitamin C and Its 5 Important Benefits to Your Skin
- The Complete Morning and Evening Skincare Layering Guide
- Busting 5 Popular Myths About Retinol
- Retinol: What Is it & How to Use it
- 7 Biggest Skin Benefits of Vitamin C Serum
- 5 Best Ways to Boost Collagen
- Serum vs. Creams: What to Use & How to Choose
Sources:
Kumar, K. (2021, July). When Does Skin Begin to Age? MedicineNet; MedicineNet. https://www.medicinenet.com/when_does_skin_begin_to_age/article.htm
Falla, T., Rodan, K., Fields, K., Ong, D., & Skobowiat, C. (2020). Safety and efficacy of a novel three-step anti-acne regimen formulated specifically for women. International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, 6(5), 419–423. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijwd.2020.07.013
Pullar, J., Carr, A., & Vissers, M. (2017). The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients, 9(8), 866. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9080866
Do retinoids really reduce wrinkles? - Harvard Health. (2017, April 13). Harvard Health; Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/do-retinoids-really-reduce-wrinkles#:~:text=Retinoids%20reduce%20fine%20lines%20and,softening%20rough%20patches%20of%20skin