Skincare Tips: How to Choose the Right Type of Face Serum?

Chances are you have seen plenty of serums marketed alongside moisturisers and other skincare products in the beauty department, but what’s so special about these serums and why should you incorporate them into your routine? Face serums are steadily gaining popularity in the skincare scene due to their reputation as being all business - no fillers, just a concentrate of active ingredients that target specific skincare concerns. Serums typically contain a higher concentration of active ingredients than what’s available in your usual moisturiser! Let’s take a look at how to choose the perfect face serum for your skincare concerns and find out just how many types of face serums there are out there.

Serum Building Blocks

Face serums should generally contain some form of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory ingredients and hydrators. They generally help protect against sun damage, fight free radicals that cause ageing, neutralise redness, replenish moisture and aid in rebuilding the skin’s natural barriers. This results in visibly firmer and smoother skin, an even skin tone, smaller pores, less visible signs of ageing (fine lines, dark circles, dryness) and inflammation. Serums are in a nutshell, the secret behind that dewy, glass-skin look.

Serum Suitability

Serums can generally be applied in the morning, night or at both times of the day. When in doubt about the suitability of a serum, always consult your dermatologist or conduct a patch test prior to application. Mature skin may also need more heavy-duty ingredients than what serums can provide. Individuals who suffer from acne-prone skin can rejoice in the knowledge that serums tend to have a watery consistency, thus reducing the likelihood of a serum-induced breakout!

Finding The Right Serum

Picking the right face serum may seem like a daunting task but it all boils down to two simple questions:

1. What is the skin problem you are trying to address?

Whether you are trying to achieve an even skin tone, get rid of fine lines around your eyes and mouth, just want less visible pores or rid yourself of those annoying sunspots, there’s a serum for every skin concern. The number of serums out there are many and varied, there’s sure to be a serum for the particular skincare concern you are facing, just pick wisely based on the particular skin concern you are trying to address.

2. What kind of skin type do you have?

Skin types can be categorised into 5 different types. As with moisturisers and other skincare products, the type of serum you use should take into account the type of skin you have. Here’s a brief breakdown of what serum you should look for based on your skin type:

Normal skin

If you have normal skin, you are one of the lucky ones. It isn’t necessary to focus on a particular product or ingredient in order to nourish your skin. Simply listen to your skin and pick a combination of ingredients that are suitable for your skin. Still unsure of what product best suits your skin? Try Clarins’ Double Serum, our best-selling anti-ageing serum that stimulates your skin’s five essential functions (hydration, nutrition, oxygenation, regeneration and protection) to see the difference!

No matter the skin concern, Clarins has a serum to answer your every need. So, go ahead and search for The One and watch as your skin regains its youth with every drop. Still not sure what you need? Take our Serum Finder test and let our experts sort you out!

Oily/Combination skin

Think that serums are a bad idea for oily and combination skin? Think again. Oily skin is a result of your sebaceous glands trying to compensate for what it feels is chronic dryness. Serums are far lighter and easier to absorb than moisturisers, so they will keep your skin hydrated sans that greasy feeling. For oily skin, Clarins’ Pore Control Serum would work best as it helps to tighten visibly enlarged pores while reviving your skin’s radiance.

Dry skin

Flaky, dry skin? A serum that contains Leaf of Life and Beautyberry should do the trick. Leaf of Life triggers the skin’s natural hydration systems which Beautyberry enhances your skin’s radiance. For a boost of moisture, opt for a hydrating serum like the Clarins’ Hydra-Essentiel Bi-Phase Serum for some intensive hydration.

Sensitive skin

Have acne-prone skin? Look for serums that are packed with Vitamin C, Retinol, Zinc or Salicylic acid. These ingredients help to enhance the skin’s repair process, speed up collagen production, reduce inflammation and unclog pores to help you keep the situation under control. If your skin suffers from pigmentation issues, then Clarins’ Bright Plus Advanced Brightening Dark Spot-Targeting Serum is your best bet. This radiance-enhancing serum helps create a luminous glow while evening out your complexion.