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What is a face serum? Why and how it’s used

Looking for a glowing, radiant complexion? A face serum may help - and here's what to know.

Published: July 16, 2024 |2 minute read

Written by: Melanie Mannarino

A person applies drops of clear eye serum underneath their eyes.

In the quest for radiant skin, there is a product out there for every skin type and concern. Beyond a skin care routine that includes a gentle face wash, moisturizer and broad-spectrum SPF lotion, using facial serums can help support skin.1

Serums are formulated to help deliver targeted ingredients to clean, bare skin.2 Knowing how to use serums correctly can help get the most out of these products and put the best, most glowing face forward.

En este artículo:

What is a face serum?

Face serums are generally thin, oil-based or water-based liquid containing concentrated ingredients to help improve the look and feel of skin. Unlike thicker moisturizing lotions and creams, serums are formulated to sink deep into skin more quickly.3

There are lots of different serums available geared toward different skin concerns such as signs of aging, dark spots, sequedad and more. When you are shopping, certain active ingredients will be mentioned, including vitamin C and other antioxidants, ácido hialurónico y niacinamide, to name just a few. Each ingredient supports a different skin concern:4

  • Hyaluronic acid helps trap water in the skin, improving hydration.5
  • Vitamina C helps prevent sun damage (when used with a broad spectrum sunscreen), diminish the appearance of dark spots and can improve acne (it’s often combined with vitamin E and ferulic acid).6
  • Niacinamida helps brighten skin and control oil production, helping to reduce acne and breakouts.7
  • Retinol helps increase collagen production, helps unclog pores and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.8
  • Glycolic acid can help remove surface dead skin cells to help smooth skin and refine pores.9

What do serums do for the face?

A serum can be added to a skin care routine to deliver a concentrated dose of active ingredients to help support skin. It's always best to talk with a dermatologist before introducing any new skin care products.

Applying face serum

It's easy to incorporate a face serum into an existing routine. These simple steps provide a framework, but always read package directions before using a new product.

  1. Wash face with a gentle limpiador and pat dry.
  2. Apply just a few drops of serum to the fingertips and pat onto the face and neck.10
  3. Siga con hidratante y protector solar with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher (if applying serum during the day).11

Some serums may cause photosensitivity - they'll make the skin more sensitive to sunlight - and so are often recommended to be used at night. These include serums with retinol and glycolic acid.12,13,14 Serums that contain hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and niacinamide can be used during a morning routine.15,16,17

Typically, serums are intended to be used daily, but follow package directions (and the way your skin responds to the serum). Some experts recommend switching to every other day if there's irritation.18 When in doubt, consult a health care provider.

Este contenido es solo para fines informativos y no constituye un asesoramiento médico. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.