Great skin starts with a great skincare routine. But there are so many products out there, it can be hard to know what to use and when. The traditional motto of cleanse, tone and moisturise simply doesn’t cover it.  

Face serums, in particular, have risen up the ranks as a must-have beauty product in recent years. Beauty experts, skincare influencers and dermatologists are full of praise for their miracle-like powers.

But what exactly is all the buzz about, and do you need to incorporate a serum into your beauty regimen?

To help you understand more about what facial serums are and how they work, we’ve compiled together a list of FAQs.

What is a face serum?

Let’s start with the basics. A face serum is a liquid-based skincare product that is applied directly on to skin. Unlike a moisturizer, which tends to be creamier and sits on top of the skin, serums are made up of tiny molecules that absorb deeply. These molecules are packed full of beneficial nutrients.

What does serum do?

Serums are a way to supercharge your skincare routine and go one step further in giving your skin some TLC. Their powerful ingredients can tackle numerous skin concerns – from dullness and acne to signs of aging.

There are so many serums out there! How do I pick one?

Serums can be expensive, so you want to make sure that you pick one that really delivers on its promise. Good serums tend to have a few basic ingredients in common, including:

- Hyaluronic acid: This potent ingredient breathes moisture into dry, parched skin. It leaves skin nourished, plumped and reduces fine lines.

- Vitamin C: Brightening vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. As well as improving dewiness, it protects the skin from environmental damage.

- Retinol (Vitamin A): Retinol gives skin a youthful appearance by stimulating cell turnover and encouraging skin to shed dead cells. It also promotes the production of collagen, which leads to plumper skin.

As well as keeping these ingredients in mind, you should look for a serum that addresses your specific skincare goals. Usually, serums advertise their main benefit on the bottle. If you’re looking for a serum to boost radiance and give you a dewy glow, for example, then we’ve got you covered.

How do I use serum?

It’s recommended to add your serum to both your morning and evening skincare routine. Because a serum is lighter than moisturizer and absorbs into the skin quickly, it should be applied after you’ve cleansed your skin, but before you moisturize. In fact, moisturizing after your serum helps to lock in the ingredients. 

To apply it, use clean fingertips in light upward strokes. Only a small amount is needed to cover your full face. You should also be careful when using serums around the eye area. The skin around the eye is much thinner than the rest of the face, which is why there are unique products for under the eye. 

So, there you have it, everything you need to know about face serums. As you can see, this powerful product is definitely one to add to your skincare routine.