Face Serum

What is face serum?

A face serum is a clear, thick, liquid beauty product applied to the face and neck area. Face serums come in many different varieties and are often meant to target a specific problem. They can be used to help fight the signs of aging such as lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. They can also be used to help prevent acne and brighten the skin. Depending on its specific purpose, a serum can contain a wide variety of ingredients, including vitamin C, amino acids, mushrooms, glycerin, cucumber, and aloe.



Many face serums contain vitamin C designed to stimulate collagen production and restore radiance and skin tone.  If you do go for a vitamin C serum then you need to make sure that the active vitamin C is microencapsulated or otherwise protected in the fluid.

As an anti aging serum tends to include highly active ingredients – watch out for skin sensitivity.  In particular, vitamin C can cause some people to get adverse skin reactions.        

People are often confused about the differences between a moisturizer and a face serum, and may be unsure if they should use one or both products. Due to their large molecules, moisturizers can only penetrate the first layer of the skin, allowing them to hydrate and seal in moisture. A face serum is able to penetrate into all three layers of the skin because it is made of smaller molecules. The serums ability to go deeper into the skin is what allows it to help combat many common beauty complaints. 

Face serums are best applied to a clean, slightly damp face. If a toner is being used, the serum should be applied after the toner. It is often recommended to apply the face serum before bed, as the skin will absorb it better overnight, although each serum will have its own application instructions.

Some face serums contain ingredients that also help moisturize, therefore eliminating the need for an additional moisturizer. If an additional moisturizer is necessary, it is best to wait several minutes after applying the serum. Applying the moisturizer on top of the serum will help seal in the benefits of both.

If the serum becomes discolored or yellowish, it may mean that the ingredients have oxidized, or become unstable. When this happens, the serum can become rancid, so it is best to dispose of it.

For younger looking and more radiant skin an anti aging serum has to be part of your beauty routine.
But do they actually work? Looking at clinical trial data and customer feedback,  results are very positive! Customer testimonials report great improvements in skin tone, brightness and smoothness.  Many users notice an overall reduction in fine lines and wrinkles.

Remember that inflammation – red, itchy, peeling or rough areas of skin – in response to a new product is highly damaging to skin.  Inflammation is a major cause of premature aging so if your skin reacts badly you need to stop using the product and try something different.  Don’t persist because you think your skin will get used to it.  Change it for something else.

The best way to start with a vitamin C serum if you are at all unsure is to find a brand that offers several strengths and start with the lowest level formulation.  You can work up from there to a stronger version if your skin responds well.