How to Choose the Right Facial Serum for Your Skin

Focus on What You Want to Achieve

Generally, the first thing we take into account when choosing a skincare product is our skin type. While this is indeed the best strategy in most cases, you should use a slightly different approach when choosing a facial serum. As we’ve already mentioned in the introduction to this article, facial serums target specific problems. So to choose the right serum, you need figure out your main skincare goal: to keep your skin hydrated, to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, to slow down skin aging, to brighten your complexion, to remove dark spots, etc.

Figure Out the Best Ingredients for Your Skincare Goals

Most serums are formulated with just a few active ingredients (although in high concentrations) that help achieve specific goals. For example, hydrating serums usually contain a hydrator (an ingredient that adds water to the skin, like aloe vera gel) and a humectant (an ingredient that locks in moisture, like hyaluronic acid). Retinol has anti-age properties, antioxidants (for example, vitamin C) protect the skin against free radicals, hydrolyzed collagen boosts skin elasticity, glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant, etc. To pick the right serum, pick the one with the ingredients that will help achieve your specific skincare goal.

Your Skin Type Still Matters

Although your skin type isn’t the first thing you need to consider when choosing a facial serum, you should consider it nonetheless. If you have dry or mature skin, try a serum with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. For oily, combination or problem (acne-prone) skin, choose a product with retinol, niacinamide or salicylic acid. If you have normal skin, check out a simple hydrating serum with humectants and antioxidants.

Be Aware of Possible Allergies

Since serums are more concentrated than regular skincare products, your skin may react adversely to some active ingredients. To reduce the probability of adverse effects, you should consult a dermatologist before you buy a serum, or at least do a patch test before using it. A tingling sensation after application is okay, it just means that the serum is working. But if you experience skin redness, itching, burning or other signs of irritation, you should rinse the serum off immediately. You should also avoid face serums with very potent ingredients if you’re pregnant or have skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, etc.

Be Prepared to Invest

Most serums are more expensive than regular moisturizers because they contain more active ingredients. A good serum can be affordable, but it can’t be cheap. The upside is that you’ll only need a couple of drops every time you apply it, so even a small bottle will last long.

Know When to Apply Face Serum

Picking a face serum is just the first step. In order to achieve your skincare goals, you need to apply it properly. Generally, facial serums are recommended to apply twice a day: in the morning after cleaning and toning, and in the evening before moisturizing. However, serums containing specific active ingredients need to be applied at a certain time. For example, ingredients like glycolic acid, salycilic acid and retinol make the skin more sensitive to UV exposure, so they are best in the evening. Antioxidant ingredients, on the other hand, are best in the morning.