What is a face serum? Your skin’s superhero! Formulated with a high concentration of active ingredients, serums deliver a potent hit of ingredients quickly and deeply into the skin.

We take a look at how and why to incorporate a serum into your routine to help improve everything from dehydration and hyperpigmentation to fine lines and wrinkles

What does a serum do for your face?

What sets face serum apart from other products in your skincare routine?

They’re the fastest, most potent way to deliver the active ingredients your skin needs to help correct skin concerns.

The small molecular structure of a serum - they’re usually water based - allows it to penetrate the skin more deeply than other products.

A cream-based moisturiser, for example, sits on the top layer of skin. A serum, on the other hand, absorbs more rapidly and deeply into the skin.

Serums aren’t designed to take the place of your moisturiser, they work together as a skin saving team. The serum delivers a potent hit of active ingredients and your moisturiser works to lock those nutrients in. We’ll cover more on exactly how to use serum in your routine in a moment!

What does face serum do? Serums are designed to target a host of different skin concerns.

They’re formulated with high concentrations of active ingredients like peptides, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants including vitamin A, C, and E. Some heavy hitting anti-ageing serums contain high doses of topical retinoids (Vitamin A).

You can also find concentrated levels of omega 3, 6 and 9 in serums formulated with a combination of water and oil based ingredients.

Here are a few key ingredients to look out for in a face serum to target some everyday skin complaints:

Dehydration: Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Dullness: Vitamin C

Fine lines and wrinkles: Peptides, retinol, and Vitamin C

Redness and irritation: Niacinamide, linoleic acid (omega 6 fatty acid), Vitamin E

Oily skin and congestion: Vitamin B and hyaluronic acid

Our recommendations from the esmi Skin Minerals range of serums to address some of the most common concerns:

Dehydration: Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum

The ultimate skin hydrator for all skin types, this quick-absorbing serum fights dehydration for more hydrated, plumper, repaired skin.

“Love this product. Makes my skin feel so soft and hydrated. I'm addicted! I've noticed a dramatic difference in my skins texture.” Tia

Hyperpigmentation and dullness: Pomegranate Brightening Serum

Ideal for most skin types to improve the look of pigmentation, sun damage, dull skin and enhance skin's luminosity and clarity.

“Have definitely noticed a difference in my skin texture and appearance! I used to have really bad discoloration and acne scars and this product has made me confident enough to not feel like I need to cover up the discoloration with makeup anymore! Others have commented on how much nicer my skin looks and I definitely feel it, as well. Would highly recommend!!” Abygail

Redness and inflammation: Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie

Suitable for all skin types to treat red, puffy or acne inflamed skin it’s ideal to use after laser, IPL or diathermy treatment.

“Love this one! Really helps with evening my skin tone and lessening my rosacea in my cheeks. I use this at night before bed and in the morning any acne spots are noticeably reduced. Would recommend!” - Tara

How to use a face serum

If you’ve asked yourself “What is face serum?” you’ve probably wondered when and how to use a face serum too. Let’s find out!

1. Apply face serum after the cleansing step in your routine and while skin is still a little damp to encourage absorption.
2. Drop a pearl sized amount of serum from the dropper onto your fingertips. Serums are potent so a little goes a long way.
3. Massage into cleansed skin, avoiding the eye area.
4. Allow the serum to fully absorb into the skin.
5. Follow with a moisturising lotion or face oil (morning and evening) and then sunscreen (morning). A moisturiser works to seal the active ingredients of the serum into the skin. It’s important to use both a serum and moisturiser for the best results.

Should you use face serum everyday? 

Many serums can be used twice a day (morning and evening) for the best results.

The exception here may be a serum containing a high concentration of retinol (Vitamin A) which is usually recommended to apply at night. Always wear sunscreen the following day as retinol products make skin extremely photosensitive.

If you’re using multiple serums to treat different skin concerns - dehydration and hyperpigmentation, for example - you could apply one serum in the evening and the other in the morning.

Do I need a face serum?

What is a face serum going to do for your skin? Plenty.

You can move your skin results forward in leaps and bounds by incorporating a serum. They’re designed to intensify the strength of your skincare regimen and compliment your other products in addressing your skincare concerns.

Depending on the ingredients they’re formulated with, face serums can provide antioxidant protection against free radical damage, boost hydration, and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Hyperpigmentation and dullness can also be improved with the addition of a face serum.

No matter your skin type or concern, you’ll see speedier results and a significant improvement in the overall health of your skin with a serum.

Hopefully we’ve answered your “What is a face serum” question here! If you’d like to learn more view our range of skin serums for every skin concern in the Skin Treats category page.

Alternatively, book your free skin consultation with one of our skin care team for expert guidance on incorporating a serum into your skincare routine.

You Might Also Like To Read:

• Meet Hyaluronic Acid - Your Skin’s Super Hydrator
• How To Revive Dull Skin
• Supercharge Your Skincare Routine With Vitamin C