© Shutterstock

Facial serums -

A serum is a product you typically apply after cleansing but before moisturizing to deliver ingredients straight into the skin. They’re perfect for targeting specific skincare concerns.

© Shutterstock

Facial serums -

Why serums? The substance is made up of smaller molecules that can better penetrate the skin and deliver a powerful concentration of active ingredients.

© Shutterstock

Facial serums -

They can have moisturizing ingredients, but Into The Gloss emphasizes they are not a substitute for moisturizers, which tend to be thicker and are better for keeping moisture in.

© Shutterstock

Facial serums - Serums can be water- or oil-based. Water-based serums go under the cream because the water molecule is small enough to penetrate the skin. Oil-based serums, however, are the exception and can go on top of moisturizer because they have a bigger molecule.

© Shutterstock

Facial serums -

Serums are used as a vehicle for various acids and vitamins, and this is where you get to choose whatever ingredients you need according to your skin type. Ahead are the most popular these days.

© Shutterstock

Retinol -

Everyone’s talking about the benefits of retinol, but what is it really? It’s a form of synthetic vitamin A that helps reduce wrinkles, dark spots, and signs of aging.

© Shutterstock

Retinol -

It supports healthy cell turnover, which then refines skin texture, boosts radiance, and targets signs of aging. It’s also an antioxidant that fights free radicals and reduces inflammation.

© Shutterstock

Quick lesson on free radicals -

Free radicals cause damage by trying to grab an extra electron from atoms in the skin. Messing with the atoms in the skin's molecules causes damage to our skin's DNA, which ultimately speeds aging.

© Shutterstock

Retinol -

Retinol serums are usually recommended for nightly use, but when starting it's best to go slow and see how your skin tolerates it. If your skin is extremely sensitive, apply moisturizer first to make the retinol less intense.

© Shutterstock

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) -

Look for vitamin C serums if you’re acne prone or have dull skin. Vitamin C also increases collagen production, protects skin from UV damage, enhances skin’s repair process, lifts dark spots, and reduces inflammation.

© Shutterstock

Zinc -

Zinc helps prevent acne by regulating the activity of oil glands in the skin, and it also soothes irritation and promotes healing.

© Shutterstock

Vitamin E -

This powerhouse vitamin is in most skincare products (sometimes labeled as tocopherol) because of its antioxidant properties, which protect cells from free radicals and assist in cellular restoration. It also helps strengthen skin barrier function while soothing inflammation.

© Shutterstock

Niacinamide -

Niacinamide helps build keratin, a type of protein that keeps your skin firm and healthy to better retain moisture and protect against damage. It also minimizes redness and blotchiness, making it great for dry skin or those with inflammatory skin conditions.

© Shutterstock

Glycolic acid -

Glycolic acid is more commonly found in cleansers, as it’s one of the smallest molecules of the alpha-hydroxy acid family (read more on that later), meaning it can penetrate deeply into the skin to help shed dead skin cells.

© Shutterstock

Green tea extract -

If your skin is feeling dull, look for antioxidants like green tea extract, resveratrol, or ferulic acid, which combat free radicals and promote cellular repair and healing.

© Shutterstock

A word of warning -

Serums are extremely potent, which is why they come in tiny bottles with high prices. They typically also come with a dropper because you really only need a small amount. Always do a patch test before applying it on your face!

© Shutterstock

Hyaluronic acid -

This immensely popular moisturizing ingredient sounds scary but is just a clear, gooey substance that is actually naturally produced by the body—but because of ageing, environmental aggressors, and other irritants, our skin needs more.

© Shutterstock

Hyaluronic acid -

Its main function is to retain moisture in the skin, acting as a humectant, a magnet for moisture, ultimately keeping the skin hydrated, plump, and healthy. It's great for diminishing lines and wrinkles!

© Shutterstock

Hyaluronic acid -

The reason everyone’s in love with it is because its gentle hydration is good for all skin types, plus it helps regulate moisture within the skin. Hyaluronic acid can be found in a serum, as a supplement, in eye drops, as well as injections.

© Shutterstock

AHA exfoliant - According to Healthline, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are a group of plant and animal-derived acids primarily used in exfoliators, but also in a variety of anti-aging skincare products like serums, toners, and creams.

© Shutterstock

AHA exfoliant -

Glycolic and lactic acids are the most popular, and their exfoliating properties clear away dead skin cells to reduce wrinkles, dark spots, discoloration, and acne, ultimately brightening the skin.

© Shutterstock

AHA exfoliant -

In addition to their own distinct benefits, AHAs can help your existing products work better by increasing their absorption into the skin. Just avoid using retinol and an AHA at the same time, since both are quite potent—try alternating instead!

© Shutterstock

BHA exfoliant -

While there are many AHAs, there is only one beta-hydroxy acid: salicylic acid. Like AHAs, salicylic acid helps to exfoliate the skin by removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores, but it’s better for more sensitive, acne-prone skin.

© Shutterstock

Rosehip seed oil -

Ever since Kate Middleton was reported to use rosehip oil in her daily regimen, it’s been a hit. As a source of vitamin A and Vitamin C, it’s a natural retinol alternative, and it also has antioxidants to help protect from daily oxidative stress.

© Shutterstock

Rosehip seed oil - According to Elle, the oil harvested from the seeds function much like retinol to promote the synthesis of collagen and elastin, making the skin look smoother and tighter.

© Shutterstock

Rosehip seed oil -

The lipid-rich oil also helps repair your skin’s lipid barrier, which can get damaged from exfoliating too often, dry climates, and other harsh irritants that leave cracks in the barrier for moisture to escape.

© Shutterstock

Rosehip seed oil - Experts advise against using the oil pure, and to instead get a product (i.e. serum) that will function like a delivery system so that it doesn’t just sit on top of the skin.

© Shutterstock

Amino acids -

Amino acids are the foundations of peptides and proteins, making them essential to healthy skin. Some amino acids help transport moisture through the skin, others work as antioxidants, but most help your skin to reproduce its own antioxidants, protecting skin from free-radical damage.

© Shutterstock

Amino acids -

Each amino acid performs a specific function in skin care. Arginine helps to restore visible skin damage, histidine soothes the skin and has antioxidant properties, methionine protects the skin from irritants, lysine strengthens the skin’s surface, and proline, leucine, and glycine make fine lines and wrinkles less deep.

© Shutterstock

See also -

Are you using expired makeup? Here's when to toss it

© Shutterstock