What is Face Serum, and How Do You Use It?

(My contribution to the skincare blog: Kiseu.)

If you’re wondering if you should add a facial serum into your skincare routine - congratulations! You’ve officially graduated from skincare novice to professional. Serum isn’t as well known as face washes or moisturizers, but it’s a staple in the Korean skincare routine.

Serums can seriously step up your glow game, but there are so many types that it can be hard to know which one is best. So what is this mysterious liquid people are raving about? All you need to know about what serum is and how to use it is below. 

What is serum, and what does it do?

In simplest terms, serums are deep-penetrating moisturizers. They often look clear and liquidy because they leave out many of the ingredients that make traditional moisturizers heavy. Instead, they are packed full of hydrating actives that go deep into your skin to majorly hydrate. 

Serums can do more than hydrate, though. They can help smooth skin, reduce pore appearance, and even keep your face firm. Serums often have antioxidants A, C and E, which can help even out your skin tone.

What are the benefits of facial serum?

Honestly, what don’t serums do? They’re so diverse and powerful, they can tackle tons of skin needs, from dullness to fine lines to hydration, and even redness and pigmentation issues. 

Serums work fast - you might even see positive effects in just a few days of use! If you have sensitive skin, or deal with issues like rosacea, take it slow. Because serums are so concentrated, they can cause irritation to sensitive skin tones. 

How do I use a serum in my routine?

Serums aren’t meant to provide all the moisture your skin needs. Instead, they bring a concentrated shot of active ingredients that can enhance your skin overall. If you think of serums as a powerful burst of nutrients, your moisturizer is the hydrating seal that locks them in. 

The major question new serum users have is whether to use it before or after moisturizer. In the Korean skincare routine, it’s common layer serum underneath your moisturizer, applying products from thinnest to thickest. Serums will fall after you cleanse, exfoliate, tone and apply essences. Remember to apply your eye creams and sheet masks before your finishing moisturizer step!

If you’re more of a Japanese beauty fan, serums should be applied after you cleanse, tone, and apply essences. This method avoids trendy products like eye creams, instead opting for a shorter routine with effective steps. 

With serums, a little goes a long way. Apply the powerful formula sparingly to your face and neck and watch the magic work! 

What are the different types of serums?

In general, there are four categories of serums: anti-aging, hydrating, color-correcting, and antioxidant rich. 

Anti-aging serums have the most concentrated actives in nonprescription products. They use ingredients like peptides to minimize and prevent fine lines, and can be used as early as your 20s. 

If you’re looking for a serum for a face battling dryness, a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acids and gentle exfoliation effects can result in a brighter, smoother complexion.

Have acne scars or sun spots? A color-correcting serum using retinoids or licorice helps fade dark marks and even out your skin tone overall.

A skincare serum packed with antioxidants is like a multivitamin for your face. They usually contain vitamin C, and are great for young skin and brightening your complexion. 

Which serum is right for me?

Serums are an additive product that goes above-and-beyond to enhance your skin’s texture and appearance. What ingredients work best with each skin tone? I’m glad you asked. 

For aging skin that’s fighting fine lines and sun damage, antioxidants like vitamin C, and pomegranate and grapeseed extract are the ingredients that work best.

If you want to reduce inflammation and redness, zinc, aloe vera and arnica have amazing anti-inflammatory properties. Niacinamide and phenyethyl resorcinol are amino acids that can also demolish your dark marks. 

For dry complexions, amino acids and ceramides can help rebuild your moisture barrier. Hydrating serums can work wonders for acne-prone skin as well. Hydrated skin heals faster, so giving your complexion a burst of moisture might make that breakout leave much sooner. Oily skin can benefit from retinoids and salicylic acids to reduce that pesky shine. Start slowly with retinoids, though. Mixing products or using retinoids too frequently can result in irritation. 

To make a long story short, whatever your skin needs, odds are there is a perfect serum out there for you. Just look for the ingredients that will pamper your skin type and treat your specific goals. If you’ve been wanting to step up your skincare game, serums are the perfect product that just might bring you to complexion nirvana.

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