Why You Shouldn't Skip Face Serum, According to Dermatologists
When it comes to your skincare regime, there are so many options—from hydrating moisturizers, to anti-aging eye creams, to face serums. You may wonder: Do you really need them all?
It's a valid question—particularly if you're on a budget, pressed for time... or both. But dermatologists say face serum is worth the extra step and the added expense, no matter if you're focused on prevention or correction.
Okay, but what are face serums and why can't I just use moisturizer...
Face serums are concentrated formulas that hydrate and nourish skin from deep within. They contain a bigger, more potent dose of active ingredients than face moisturizers do, says Dr. Adam Geyer, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC and global medical director for Skin Laundry.
But that doesn't mean you can toss your moisturizer. For best results, incorporate both a face serum and a daily moisturizer into your beauty routine. "Serums can provide a boost of hydration, but in general, they are not designed to be your full hydration step," says Geyer. Instead, consider face serum as a way to advance your skincare routine—to provide more intense correction and greater preventive measures.
But there are so many types of serum...
Vitamin C serum, retinol serum, hyaluronic acid serum... with so many choices, where do you even start? "It’s just a matter of finding the one that helps you with your skin goals," says Angela Kim, Korean beauty expert and founder of Savor Beauty.
"Choosing a serum can be daunting for the skincare novice," says Kim. If you're not quite sure what your skin needs, she suggests visiting a skincare professional, like an aesthetician or a dermatologist. They can examine your skin under a magnifying lamp and recommend the best at-home serum to use.
As a basic guideline, younger patients focused on prevention should look at antioxidant-rich serums, like vitamin C, says Geyer. And those looking for more corrective, wrinkle-reduction, or skin-smoothing properties may consider more targeted serums, like retinol or peptides.
The best face serums, according to your skincare needs
How often should you use a face serum?
Skincare experts like Geyer and Kim agree that daily use will deliver the best results.
"A different serum in the morning and at night is really the gold standard," says Geyer. So, for example, you may choose a more preventive vitamin C serum in the morning and a more corrective retinol serum in the evening.
To increase efficacy of any face serum, apply it immediately after cleansing and toning, but before moisturizing, says Geyer. "This allows for the most effective concentrated delivery of the ingredients for key concerns like dehydration, pigmentation, and lines and wrinkles."
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