healthmedicinet

Photograph courtesy of Mario Badescu

What Are Serums?
They’re lightweight treatments that penetrate deep into the skin to deliver active ingredients for a wide range of skin concerns. “These products contain higher concentrations of active ingredients than moisturizers and creams, for example,” says Joel Schlessinger, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and RealSelf advisor. The majority of serums are designed to treat a specific skin concern, meaning most serums will have different ingredients. The good news is there’s one for everyone—and finding the right one depends on your skin type and the concerns you’re looking to treat.

Photograph courtesy of Fresh

So Which Serum Is Best for My Skin Type?
“Those with normal skin types have the most options because they don’t have to worry so much about potentially irritating active ingredients,” says Schlessinger. Battling constant dry skin? A moisturizing one is your best bet. One of our favorites: Mario Badescu Herbal Hydrating Serum ($30, ulta.com), which contains ceramides for extra nourishment.

Oily skin types should opt for a lightweight serum that doesn’t have a greasy residue or exacerbate oiliness. “In some cases, people with oily skin can use a serum in place of their regular moisturizer,” says Schlessinger. Try Fresh Umbrian Clay Mattifying Serum ($37, nordstrom.com).

Photograph courtesy of First Aid Beauty

“Those with chronic skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis, however, need to be careful when using serums because they could cause more irritation due to the high concentration of active ingredients,” says Schlessinger. That doesn’t mean you have to avoid them altogether, though—just make sure you choose one that’s gentle enough for sensitive skin or specially formulated for your skin concern. We like First Aid Beauty Anti-Redness Serum ($36, sephora.com).

If you’ve got wrinkles or dark spots, try Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Wrinkle Recovery Overnight Serum ($88, drdennisgross.com). Formulated to be used before bed—since retinol makes you more sensitive to the sun—this serum helps smooth lines and even out skin tone.

“No matter what your skin type, try to find a serum containing antioxidants, as they help neutralize free radicals from environmental factors like the sun, pollution, and smoke and also help prevent signs of aging for a more youthful appearance,” says Schlessinger. He suggests SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic ($162, lovelyskin.com). “It provides long-lasting antioxidant protection using a combination of 15 percent vitamin C, one percent vitamin E, and 0.5 percent ferulic acid, and helps to increase skin firmness and replenish lipids for a smoother, more balanced complexion,” he says.

Photograph courtesy of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare

How Do You Apply It?
The order in which you apply your products makes all the difference. “After cleansing and toning each morning, apply your serum, and then follow with your moisturizer and sunscreen,” says Schlessinger. “At night, your routine would go cleanser, toner, serum, and then moisturizer.”

Since most serums come with a dropper, application is fairly easy. But remember that a little goes a long way. “Because the formula in serums is very concentrated, you only need two or three drops in the palm of your hand before patting the product into your skin using your fingertips,” says Schlessinger. “Never drop the product directly onto your face as it could easily run into your eyes.”

And one important tidbit to remember: “Serums are not spot treatments—meaning you won’t see best results unless you stick to the same routine,” says Schlessinger. “You might see improvements in your skin right away, but you’ll see the real benefits if you keep using the serum several weeks in a row.”