“Serum” is one of those skincare terms that is so ubiquitous in product labeling that it almost doesn’t mean anything. We all know that we’re supposed to be using one, but it can be confusing to pick one to address our immediate skin concerns. I like to think of serums as the most specific kind of skin treatment I can apply. I’m looking to correct specific problems like hyperpigmentation.
Serums are definitely where I recommend paying for the best since they’re lightweight, which allows them to really sink in and penetrate the skin for maximum potency. Read on to see what kinds of situations would call for a specific serum.
For City Dwellers: Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum is perfect for counteracting free-radical damage caused by environmental pollutants. Personally, I notice that this kind of accrued damage manifests on my skin in the form of dullness in appearance and uneven, rough texture (different from breakouts). The vitamin C in this quick-absorbing serum is good for brightening skin tone, especially in conjunction with the other ingredients: rosehip (pigmentation and uneven texture) and aspen bark (exfoliation for fresh, new skin). I like that this serum has a very thin texture, which allows it to be layered under other skin treatments, like my overnight masks, without getting greasy or clogging my pores.
For the New Career Woman: Epionce Intense Defense Serum is a better investment than a fancy bottle of champagne to celebrate a better job or the start of a new career. New responsibilities at work keep you busy, and maybe an anti-aging skincare routine gets put on the back burner. Rather than approaching anti-aging skincare with an all-or-nothing attitude, just add a dedicated anti-aging serum. Niacinamide (firmness) and hyaluronic acid (locks in moisture the best) are two powerhouse ingredients to look for in anti-aging skincare, and this serum combines the two in a silky formula that makes it okay if you forget the moisturizer once in a while.
For Daily Makeup Wearers: Onomie Powerful Priming Serum is the serum for experienced serum users. You have five different kinds of serums that you rotate between already, but you probably don’t have a daytime serum like this one. There’s a slight sheen to the product that gives skin the prettiest glow before you apply a stitch of makeup. It also dries slightly tacky to help makeup stay put longer, acting as an impressive foundation primer. The best part is that it still manages to blend in some skin-fixing ingredients like willowbark (increased cell turnover) to combat any skin issues that stem from daily makeup wear. Clogged pores from foundation are no laughing matter.
What is the most specific-usage serum you have in your skincare routine? For more skincare tips, read about beauty oils here.
