If you have yet to introduce a serum to your skincare regimen, you need to change that immediately.
Serums will deliver a hit of active ingredients to your skin that other skincare products like a moisturizer simply cannot manage. With a good quality serum, you will get those all-important (to actually make a difference) active ingredients deep down to the skin cells that need them.
The reason serums can do this is because they are made up of smaller molecules that can penetrate deeply into the skin – which is also why they are perfect for argeting specific skincare concerns, like wrinkles, dry skin and uneven skin tone, to name a few.
When to apply it
Serums are designed to be applied right after cleansing your skin – but before moisturizing. Many assume you can skip a moisturizer when you use a serum, but much as serums often are choc-a-block with moisturizing ingredients (hyaluronic acid, ceramides), a moisturizer is richer in texture and will help create a barrier on top of the skin to keep all that good stuff in. Meaning; you need to use both for maximum skin perfecting powers.
What to go for
Serums are everywhere at the moment, and you will find them at different price points – often based on the percentage of active ingredients they contain.
In terms of what you need, a good rule of thumb is to go for a serum with salicylic acid and/or glycolic acid if you have oily skin and are prone to breakouts. For dry complexions, look for formulas that incorporate hydrating proteins such as hyaluronic acid that attract water to the skin. And if aging, dull, or combination skin are your skincare worries, you will often benefit greatly from serums with both vitamin C and retinoids.
We have been testing a number of serums the last few weeks, from many different brands and price points, and have found our very favourite three. These are all total multitaskers when it comes to areas they target, and we love how they can be used day and night – for maximum results.
1. Pestle & Mortar Pure Hyaluronic Serum
As we get older, Hyaluronic Acid in our bodies will naturally decrease, which can lead to skin that looks and feels dry, and far more prone to lines and wrinkles. Which is exactly why it is so important to start adding this to your skincare.
We love how lightweight this serum feels, and how it has added Vitamin E for extra skin-beautifying properties. Even after only a couple of applications my skin looks plumper, more radiant and has a lovely glow.
Pestle & Mortar Pure Hyaluronic Serum, €43
2. The Burren Perfumery Meadowsweet and Jasmine Facial Serum
We have for a long time been huge fans of anything The Burren Perfumery does, and are always in awe at their stunning products invented and produced at their store in the Burren, Co. Clare.
This nourishing serum is no different, and we love how all-natural the ingredients are, and how it works on pretty much any skin type. After using this for a few days my skin felt soft and nourished and looked more even in tone and texture.
The Burren Perfumery Meadowsweet and Jasmine Facial Serum, €28
I could rave about products from SkinCeuticals all day every day (and for good reason), but when it comes to this serum, all you really need to know is this: It really, really works.
Vitamins C and E are, in skin terms, true superheroes, working together to brighten your complexion, tackle dark spots and offer mega protection against environmental damage like sunshine and pollution.
This serum literally visibly changed my skin in days, leaving it radiant and glowing. Worth every penny.
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, €162
