The ULTIMATE GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING THE BENEFITS OF FACE SERUMS

Published: March 21, 2023

When it comes to skincare, there is no “one size fits all" algorithm. Certain essentials like a cleanser and moisturizer are key components to any skincare routine, but what about face serums? Are they worth adding to the mix of skincare products? And do they actually make a difference? Our short answer is absolutely.

A face serum could be the solution for those seeking to enhance their skincare regimen. Serums provide a higher concentration of active ingredients than a cleanser or moisturizer and have a weightless feel when applied. Simply put - a serum should provide hydration, nourishment, and protection. With hundreds of products on the market, it can be overwhelming and confusing when it comes to choosing the right formula for your skin.

Below, we’re sharing all you need to know about face serums, including the benefits, how to choose the right one, how to use them, and our personal favorite facial serum products.

"It is possible to apply two serums together paying attention to selecting compatible actions of the serums (like Vitamin C and Hyaluronic acid,

and remember - go with the lighter texture first!"

Monica Poli, [ comfort zone ] Skin Science and Technologies Manager

What are Face Serums?

Even with face serums lining the cosmetic shelves, the question remains – what exactly are they? Face serums are lightweight, highly concentrated formulas designed with active ingredients. Because of their thin consistency, face serums absorb into the skin quickly in order to effectively address specific skin concerns, such as dullness, wrinkles, acne, or collagen production.

Some serums include one main ingredient, while others include a combination. The most common ingredients used in face serums are:

Vitamin C - An ascorbic acid used to brighten a dull and lackluster complexion.
Retinol - An antioxidant most often used at night that minimizes the look of wrinkles and fine lines.
Peptides - The amino acids that are building blocks of proteins, like collagen. Peptide serums lead to firmer, younger looking skin.
Hyaluronic Acid- Another anti-aging acid that improves the appearance of fine lines by hydrating the skin.
Glycolic Acid - An acid that exfoliates the skin, speeds up cell turnover, and boosts collagen production to give the skin a more youthful appearance.

Due to the higher concentration of ingredients in face serums, it often takes less time to see visible improvements. In a study conducted with 34 female subjects over a 12-week period using a facial serum, significant improvements in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles were seen by week four.

Serums are designed to be applied after cleanser but before moisturizer. They often come in smaller bottles, but a tiny amount is all you need. Serums often have a water-like consistency, but may come in the form of oils and light creams.

Benefits of Face Serums

There are plenty of face serums to choose from, each with their own benefits. They are intended to tackle specific skin concerns, such as fine lines and wrinkles or dullness, which we will dive deeper into below

Moisturizing and Hydrating the Skin

When it comes to beautiful, youthful looking skin, hydration is key. A hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid can help bring your dry skin back to life. Applying this kind of serum underneath a moisturizer allows the skin to benefit from hydration all day long.

Reducing Fine Lines and Wrinkles

For any effective skincare routine that combats signs of aging, face serums play a vital role. Ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, and peptides can help visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles by plumping and brightening the skin.

Improving Skin Texture and Tone

When it comes to refining uneven skin texture and tone, look for face serums with hyaluronic acid, retinol, or vitamin C. These active ingredients help plump and smooth the skin, leaving you with a silky finish you can see and feel.

Brightening and Evenly Toning the Skin

A brightening serum can help you achieve a radiant complexion with a natural dewy glow. As aging begins, the skin can look dull and lackluster, due to the build up of dead skin cells. Serums with exfoliating effects like retinol or vitamin C help to even out skin tone, brighten it, and leave the skin nourished.

Fighting Acne and Breakouts

For those struggling with acne outbursts and frequent breakouts, a face serum with benzoyl peroxide, retinol, or salicylic acid can help manage blemishes and unwanted pimples. These ingredients unclog blocked pores by removing dead skin cells and oil.

Minimizing the Appearance of Pores

Pores, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation can all get in the way of achieving healthy and flawless looking skin. Face serums with vitamin C, niacinamide, and retinol work to minimize enlarged pores to give you a brighter, even-toned complexion.

sustainable serum on a dark background with leaves

How to Choose the Right Face Serum for Your Skin Type

When it comes to skincare, the first rule is to always know your skin type before making a purchase. If you ignore this step, it could lead to complications with your skin. Understanding your skin type, concerns, ingredients, or even consulting with a professional will make choosing a face serum a much smoother process.

Understanding Your Skin Type

When choosing the right face serum for your skincare routine, your skin type is one of the most important factors. There are five main skin types – oily, normal, dry, combination, sensitive – and understanding which one you have can help you build an effective skincare regimen.

Oily Skin - For those with oily skin, look for face serums that balance out your natural oils.
Normal Skin - In terms of skincare, normal just means that skin is well-balanced. And the good news about normal skin is that there are plenty of options to choose from to achieve dewy, hydrated, smooth skin. Opt for ingredients like vitamin C, peptides, retinol, and hyaluronic acid.
Dry Skin - For those with dry skin, the name of the game with skincare is hydration. Look for serums with vitamin E, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid for long lasting moisture.
Combination Skin - For those with both oily and dry skin, it is best to use a serum that combines a variety of active ingredients to manage both. Ingredients to look for include hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, retinol, and peptides.
Sensitive Skin - Sensitive skin is often inflamed or easily irritated by products. Using serums with hyaluronic acid or peptides are suitable choices since they are already produced by the body naturally.

Identifying Your Skin Concerns

With hundreds of serums to choose from, it can get confusing if you aren’t sure what skin concerns you are trying to address. Think about your skincare goals – what results do you desire when it comes to your skin? Serums with vitamin c or hyaluronic acid can help you achieve healthy, glowing skin, while serums with salicylic acid or niacinamide can assist with skin that is prone to breakouts.

Reading Ingredient Labels

Serums often combine several active ingredients in order to create the most effective formula. Whether your desired result is acne fighting, plumping, glowing, or reducing the signs of aging, there are specific ingredients to help you achieve your skincare goals.

Sometimes using a new serum may cause temporary breakouts. This could be due to a potential allergy from one of the ingredients. Remember to always spot test a new product before using. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, opt for products with clean, non-toxic ingredients.

Consulting with a Skincare Professional

If you are still unsure about which product to choose, consult with a skincare professional to get a better understanding about your skin and what product is going to be the most beneficial.

Now that you know what kind of face serum to look for, you’ll also want to know how to use it to reap the long-term benefits. The majority of face serums are safe to use twice a day, once before bedtime and once in the morning on freshly washed skin.

How to Use Face Serums for Maximum Benefits

Preparing Your Skin

Before applying a face serum, your face will need to be clean. This allows the serum to Use a cleansing face wash (gentle or exfoliating) to remove any makeup, sweat, excess oil, and dead skin cells that might interfere with the serum’s effectiveness.

Applying the Serum

Remember, serums have higher concentrations of active ingredients, so you only need a few drops. Smooth the serum onto your face in small tapping motions with your fingers or palms. Do not rub excessively. Give the serum a minute or two to absorb into the skin on its own.

Layering with Other Skincare Products

Serums fall in the middle of your skincare routine (after your cleanser and toner, but always before your moisturizer.) Serums are not typically made to be layered, so if you have multiple areas of concern, use one in the morning and the other in the evening. You may also choose to use certain serums on specific days of the week. Apply a moisturizing lotion directly after your serum to lock in the effects.

Incorporating into Your Nighttime Routine

Some serums actually work better when applied in the evening. While you get your beauty sleep, they work to support your skin while it regenerates through the night repairing any daytime damage.

Best Facial Serum Skincare Products

Comfort Zone offers a variety of products for various skin types and concerns. Consider adding one of our facial serum products to your skincare regimen.

Sublime Skin Intensive Serum

This firming serum is formulated to reduce the visibility of wrinkles, leaving the skin with a youthful glow. Ingredients include hyaluronic acid for a moisturizing effect, peptides for skin smoothing, and an anti-aging botanical extract.

Hydramemory Serum

This hydrating serum uses peptides of hyaluronic acid to boost your hydrating routine. It has a quick-absorbing, light texture that gives you fresh and luminous skin. This serum is great for restoring volume and elasticity to dehydrated, dull skin.

Sacred Nature Youth Serum

For those looking to reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, this anti-aging serum helps moisturize, firm, and protect. Made with Kangaroo Paw, Tamarind Extract, and Vitamin C, it leaves the skin feeling deeply nourished and firm after each use.

Incorporating into Your Nighttime Routine

Some serums actually work better when applied in the evening. While you get your beauty sleep, they work to support your skin while it regenerates through the night repairing any daytime damage.

Facial Serums Keep Skin Hydrated and Glowing

From skin brightening to decreased wrinkle visibility, there are facial serums that address a variety of skin concerns. But ultimately, they work to keep your skin healthy and glowing.

There are many benefits to be enjoyed by adding a facial serum to your daily skincare routine but make sure you understand your skin type and concerns before impulsively purchasing the next product you see. [Comfort Zone] offers high-quality skincare products to hydrate, refresh, revitalize, and nourish your skin.