Serums Explained
What is a serum?
By definition, serums are a type of skin care formulation that are applied after cleansing and before moisturizing to target specific skin care concerns. Generally, lightweight and fast-absorbing with a liquid-based texture, skin care serums can help amplify the results of any at-home skin care product regimen.
What is a serum most often used for?
Serums are usually formulated with a specific skin concern or condition in mind, and are designed to be used in conjunction with other skin care products to optimize results. Some common uses for serums include improving the appearance of
skin discoloration,
wrinkles,
acne, excess oil, redness, or rough surface texture.
Vitamin C serums are an important and effective way to provide the skin with antioxidants to help prevent environmental damage, while
hyaluronic acid serums are used to enhance skin hydration and targeted corrective benefits for all skin types. There are also serums that combine multiple ingredients to provide improvement for specific combinations of concerns (such as acne and visible signs of aging) as well as comprehensive anti-aging benefits. Serums can also be formulated for specific areas of the face, such as around the eyes or for the lips.
What is the difference between a serum and cream or lotion moisturizer?
Serums and
moisturizers are two different types of skin care formulations, and the key distinctions are when they are applied and that a serum can deliver additional benefits. Serums should be applied before lotion or cream, or they can be used in place of a moisturizer if the serum is formulated with hydrating ingredients. Our
Hydrating B5 Gel serum
can play the role of both since it provides the skin with essential moisture on its own; however, those with drier skin may choose to layer it beneath a hydrating lotion or cream. In many cases, a serum contains ingredients that target a particular skin concern.
What serums are best for dry skin?
The ideal serums for dry skin contain ingredients that provide the skin with much-needed hydration.
Hyaluronic acid serums are amongst the most effective, since this natural sugar is capable of holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water, as well as drawing moisture from the environment into the skin
1. This ingredient can be found in serums formulated specifically for replenishing skin moisture, such as
Hydrating B5 Gel
, and maintaining skin hydration levels, such as
H.A. Intensifier
. Hyaluronic Acid can also be used in multi-purpose products that address
skin discoloration, visual redness, sensitivity, and rough surface texture. If you have dry skin, it’s best to consult with a SkinCeuticals
skincare professional
who can recommend the ideal serum for your skin’s unique needs.
1Baumann, L. (2015). Cosmeceuticals and cosmetic ingredients. New York: McGraw-Hill Education/Medical. Page 77-78
Can I use a serum if I have oily skin?
SkinCeuticals offers serums formulated for specific skin concerns, as well as serums that are appropriate for all skin types. The key to finding the ideal serum when you have oily skin is looking at the ingredients. For example,
Hydrating B5 Gel
is an ultra-lightweight, oil-free serum formulated with
hyaluronic acid to provide the skin with essential moisture without a thick or heavy feel. This particular serum can be used by those with oily skin in place of a moisturizer. In cases of
oily skin prone to acne,
Blemish + Age Defense serum
targets
acne as well as visible signs of aging in one potent formulation. To discover the best serum for your oily skin, schedule an appointment with a SkinCeuticals
skincare professional
.
What is the best vitamin C serum for my skin?
A daily
vitamin C antioxidant serum
is essential for protecting the skin from environmental aggressors, such as UVA/UVB, ozone pollution, IR-A, and diesel exhaust. The first step when selecting a vitamin C serums is ensuring the formula meets three specific criteria. First, the product must be formulated with pure
vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid)
. Second, vitamin C must be at an ideal concentration of 10-20%. Lastly, vitamin C serums must be formulated at an acidic pH equal to or lower than 3.5 for maximum absorption into the skin.
SkinCeuticals offers
vitamin C serums for a variety of skin concerns and skin types.
C E Ferulic
is formulated to combat fine lines and
wrinkles and is also ideal for normal-to-dry skin.
Phloretin CF
addresses fine lines and
skin discoloration and is suitable for normal-to-oily skin.
Serum 10 AOX+
is ideal for first-time users and those with
sensitive skin. A SkinCeuticals skincare professional can recommend the best vitamin C serum for your unique skin type and concern.
What is the best hyaluronic acid serum?
Hyaluronic acid is an ideal hydrating ingredient for all skin types, and it can be found in a variety of SkinCeuticals serums formulated for different skin concerns.
H.A. Intensifer
features this ingredient to help replenish moisture, along with Proxylane ™ to promote the feeling of firm, plump, smooth skin that continues to improve with daily use.
SkinCeuticals has also developed
hyaluronic acid serums that incorporate this ingredient to deliver moisture while calming
sensitive skin, such as
Phyto Corrective Gel
. To learn more about
hyaluronic acid serums and discover which one is best suited for your skin’s needs, schedule an appointment with a SkinCeuticals skincare professional.
Can I use more than one serum?
Yes—and you should!
Vitamin C serums are an integral part of every morning skin care regimen to protect the skin against environmental damage, and the addition of targeted serums can help address specific concerns ranging from visible signs of aging to
acne and more. Combining serums that contain ingredients that work together is the ideal way to restore a more youthful appearance and achieve healthy-looking skin. When you have a variety of serums on hand, you can customize your skin care regimen to meet your skin’s particular needs at any given time. Speak with your
skincare professional
to customize your skin care regimen.
Can I get a customized serum for my skin?
Yes, SkinCeuticals, in partnership with our medical partners, offers an exclusive corrective serum that is customized by a skincare professional to target your skin’s unique needs and concerns.
CUSTOM D.O.S.E
is a professional service that combines high-potency ingredients with professional expertise to create a personalized corrective serum just for you – developed, measured, and dispensed in only 10 minutes.
Make an
appointment
now in-person or virtually to receive a professional evaluation followed by the creation of your very own personalized serum.