When your medicine cabinet is filled to the brim and your beauty budget has hit its max, it’s hard to believe that you need to add another product alongside your face wash, face scrub, moisturiser, night cream, and under-eye cream.
But this isn’t just any new product: a good serum can have some pretty unique abilities. In fact, it might be the one product that can treat your specific skin concerns, whether that’s acne, wrinkles, dark spots, or sun damage.
What are the benefits of serums?
“Serums are a vital part of any skincare regimen due to their lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas packed with high concentrations of active ingredients. Unlike moisturizers, serums are designed to deliver potent ingredients directly into the skin, targeting specific concerns such as pigmentation, dryness, or aging,” explains Dr Amy Chahal, Cosmetic Doctor and Founder of TCMA. “Integrating a serum into your routine can significantly enhance the efficacy of your skincare regimen, addressing and preventing various skin issues more effectively, and there are many great ones on the market.”
With so many serums on the market, however, how do you know which one is right for you? We asked Dr Chahal for her top tips.
Best serums for rosacea
“In managing rosacea without excessive oil production, focusing on specific skincare ingredients can be pivotal. Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) and Vitamin E offer significant benefits. Niacinamide helps in improving skin barrier function and reducing redness, while Vitamin E provides antioxidant protection and supports skin repair,” says Dr Chahal.
“Another essential component is ceramides, lipid molecules crucial for maintaining hydration and reinforcing the skin’s barrier in the outermost layer, the stratum corneum. By preventing excessive water loss, ceramides contribute to maintaining skin integrity and moisture balance.”
ALPHA-H Vitamin B Serum With 5% Niacinamide
This lightweight serum, featuring Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol and Copper Tripeptide, boosts moisture, enhances skin barrier function and promotes even skin tone and texture.
La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Niacinamide Serum
This anti-hyperpigmentation serum that corrects the appearance of dark spots, even persistent ones, powered by MELASYL, 10% Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid and LHA for a more even skin tone.
Best serums for pigmentation
“Tranexamic acid (TXA) serves as a potent tyrosinase inhibitor, a key function found in many serums aimed at correcting pigmentation issues. TXA offers multiple benefits for the skin, such as diminishing dark spots, discolorations, and melasma. Additionally, it shows promise in treating acne and enhancing the skin barrier’s resilience.”
Dermalogica Liquid Peelfoliant
This professional-grade exfoliating peel is formulated with AHAs, BHA, PHA, Fruit Enzymes, and ceramides for brighter, smoother, more even-looking skin.
MURAD Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum
The glycolic acid in this serum removes dulling surface cells to quickly enhance natural radiance, penetration and performance of ingredients for better results. It targets the dark spots you see and prevents the look of the ones you can’t see yet.
“Alternatively, Retinol is renowned for its skin-transforming properties. It enhances skin thickness and elasticity, moderates melanin production, reduces inflammation, and prevents pore blockages. Available in concentrations ranging from 0.25% to 1%, retinol is a versatile ingredient widely utilised for its anti-aging and skin-clearing benefits.”
Ole Henriksen Double Rewind Pro-Grade 0.3% Retinol Serum
This luxe, dual-action formula is designed to help even out skin tone, smooth texture, and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots, all while promoting skin clarity and youthful radiance.
Best serums for dryness
“Hyaluronic acid is a powerhouse ingredient known for its ability to bind moisture to collagen within the skin. These options ensure the dermis maintains its structure and elasticity, keeping the skin plump and supple.”
SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel
Enriched with vitamin B5, known to help with tissue repair, the Hydrating B5 Gel replenishes nutrients the skin needs to feel smooth and appear younger. This moisture-enhancing gel contains hyaluronic acid, the body’s natural hydrator, to bind moisture to the skin.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
This lightweight formula replenishes skin’s hydration levels with all-day results, and helps the skin retain moisture to replump dry, dehydrated skin. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 also promotes skin suppleness and elasticity, while minimising the appearance of fine dry lines.
“Glycolic Acid is effective in removing dead skin cells from the surface to reveal smoother, brighter skin underneath, while ceramides are critical for maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier. Ceramides are basically lipid molecules essential in the outer layer (stratum corneum) as they prevent excessive water loss and preserve hydration levels.”
SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight
Skinceuticals Glycolic Renew Overnight is an optimal choice for gentle yet effective exfoliation, promoting skin renewal and enhancing overall radiance. Especially for individuals who are sensitive to Retinol or Retinoids.
Best serums for anti-aging
“Retinol is a cornerstone in anti-aging skincare. It’s celebrated for its ability to enhance skin thickness and elasticity, and effectively slows melanin production, reducing dark spots, while also combating inflammation and preventing clogged pores. Available in concentrations ranging from 0.25% to 1%, retinol is a potent ingredient that promotes skin renewal and a more youthful appearance,” says Dr Chahal.
“These innovative formulations combine the power of retinol, peptides, and ceramides to address multiple signs of aging effectively. Whether you’re targeting fine lines, wrinkles, or loss of elasticity, incorporating these serums into your skincare routine can help achieve smoother, more youthful-looking skin.”
Ole Henriksen Double Rewind Pro-Grade 0.3% Retinol Serum
This luxe, dual-action formula is designed to help even out skin tone, smooth texture, and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots, all while promoting skin clarity and youthful radiance.
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum
This high-dose and fast-acting Dermalogica retinol serum works to improve the look of wrinkles, pores, skin tone and texture, for a smooth, radiant appearance. If you’re looking for a retinol that does it all, this one’s a winner.
“Peptide and Ceramide Complexes Peptides are vital for building essential skin proteins like collagen and elastin. Serums enriched with peptides can contribute to firmer, more resilient skin, potentially reducing signs of aging and even preventing breakouts. Meanwhile, ceramides play a crucial role in maintaining the skin’s barrier function and moisture retention. By preventing rapid water loss through the outer layer (stratum corneum), ceramides ensure the skin remains hydrated and protected.”
Medik8 Liquid Peptides Drone-Targeted Peptide Complex
This innovative serum reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while boosting elasticity, and improving skin texture. Simultaneously it nourishes skin with prebiotics, helping to promote optimum skin health.
Best serums for dull skin
“Hyaluronic Acid Known for its exceptional ability to attract and retain moisture within the skin and combat dullness. It helps to hydrate and plump the skin, restoring its natural radiance and vitality,” she explains.
“These serums work synergistically to combat dullness, revealing a more luminous and youthful complexion. Incorporate them into your skincare regimen to restore vibrancy and achieve a radiant glow.”
Avene Hydrance Boost Concentrated Hydrating Serum
A lightweight serum formulated with Hyaluronic acid and Vitamin B3 to leave skin feeling soft, moisturised and plump.
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Ageing Serum
This powerful hydrating serum is formulated with two types of Hyaluronic Acid as well as Vitamin B5 to help recover bounce and suppleness in skin.
La Roche-Posay Redermic Pure Vitamin C10 Serum
La Roche-Posay Redermic Vitamin C10 Serum blends stable, pure vitamin C with supportive, effective ingredients that improve the skin’s texture and tone.
Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum
Bright, clear and even – it’s how we want our futures to look, as well as our complexion. Full of gold, and chockers with Vitamin C – I guess that applies to both too?
Best serums for pregnancy
“These serums are carefully formulated to be safe and effective during pregnancy, providing essential skincare benefits without compromising maternal or fetal health. Incorporate them into your daily routine to maintain a radiant and healthy complexion throughout this special time.”
SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3 Emulsion
SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3 Emulsion is specifically formulated with a high-concentration cocktail of actives to address early symptoms of photoaging, including dullness, discolouration, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Serum
This powerhouse antioxidant serum combines Vitamin C and E with ferulic acid to shield the skin from environmental stressors and free radical damage. Vitamin E contributes to skin nourishment and restores lost lipids, bolstering the skin’s barrier for enhanced resilience during pregnancy.
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