A Simple Guide to Choosing and Using Skin Serums

With age, wrinkles, fine lines, brown spots, and dullness appear on your skin, making it look tired and less radiant. That is why skin serums have become an essential part of modern skincare routines.

You may ask naturally: What are skin serums, and what do they do to your skin?

Skin serums are concentrated, fast-absorbing liquids designed to penetrate your skin and target specific concerns—such as dryness, acne, dullness, pigmentation, and early aging signs.

And if you are considering adding the best serum for glowing skin to your routine, you may also ask: How to choose serums for my skin type and concerns?

Here’s your complete guide to understanding and using skin serums.

What Is a Skin Serum?

Unlike moisturizers, skin serums are lightweight skincare formulas that contain a high concentration of active ingredients. Commonly, there are two types of serums: water-based or oil-based.

However, you can’t consider serum as a replacement for moisturizers. Serums work as targeted treatments that address specific skin concerns, while moisturizers help seal in hydration and protect the skin barrier.

Now, let’s discuss skin serum uses and benefits! 

Benefits of Skin Serums

Best serums for glowing skin, their uses, and benefits may vary depending on skin type. However, in general, skin serums offer the following benefits for your skin.

• Nourish skin with active ingredients.

• Address specific concerns like acne, pigmentation, or dehydration. 

• Absorb quickly without feeling greasy.

• Suitable for oily, dry, sensitive, and combination skin types.   

In Pakistan’s climate, serums are especially useful as they provide effective skincare without heaviness.

Common Types of Skin Serums

1. Hydrating Serums

Hydrating serums contain glycerin and hyaluronic acids, which plump up your skin, reduce fine lines, and restore moisture. 

Suitable for those with dry and dehydrated skin.

2. Brightening Serums

Brightening serums include niacinamide, vitamin C, and alpha arbutin, which help improve dark spots, uneven skin tone, dullness, and sun-related damage.

Often recommended for people seeking a more even complexion.

Alongside topical serums, overall skin brightness is influenced by internal nutrition. Adequate intake of vitamin C—such as liposomal vitamin C, which is included in ACTIVIT—can help support skin health from within.

3. Anti-Aging Serums

With retinol and peptides as active ingredients, anti-aging serums are specifically designed to target fine lines. These serums may support collagen production, thereby reducing wrinkles and keeping your skin firmer.

Well-suited for those concerned about the effects of skin aging. 

4. Soothing Serums

Designed for irritated skin, these serums contain aloe vera, niacinamide, licorice root extracts, Centella Asiatica, and other compounds that soothe skin.  

5. Acne-Control Serums

Acne-control serums help prevent excess oil, breakouts, and clogged pores with ingredients such as zinc, salicylic acid, and niacinamide.

These are suitable for those with acne-prone and oily skin.

6. Exfoliating Serums 

Primarily, exfoliating serums contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), which improve skin texture and reduce pore size. 

Suitable for those with uneven and rough skin.

How to Choose the Best Skin Serum

By now, you may have questions like, how to choose the best serum for glowing skin or what are the best skin whitening serums in Pakistan?

Consider the following factors before choosing a skin serum:

• Skin Type: Always choose a serum considering your skin type; for example, water-based lightweight serums are best for oily skin, while hydrating serums are ideal for dry skin. Gentle, fragrance-free formulas with soothing agents are suitable for sensitive skin.

• Skin Concern: Identify your skin concern before choosing a serum; for example, dullness, blemishes, uneven tone, acne, pigmentation, or fine lines.

• Serum Ingredients: Go through the ingredient list of the best serums for glowing serums. Prefer clinically tested serums and avoid harsh alcohols, strong fragrances, or unnecessary additives, especially if your skin is sensitive. 

Tip# Before starting a skin lightening serum, always do a patch test to check irritation and sensitivity. 

How to Use Skin Serums

So, how to apply skin serum correctly? Skin brightening serums should be applied to clean skin before moisturizer.

Let’s discuss the skin serum routine for beginners! 

Basic order of skin serums application:

Cleanser → Serum → Moisturizer → Sunscreen (Morning)

Use only a few drops and gently pat serum onto your skin; don't rub aggressively.

How Often You Should Use a Serum

Some serums are suitable for daily use, while others should be used two to three times per week. If you are a beginner, start slowly and increase frequency gradually.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

You should avoid the following mistakes:

• Using multiple serums at the same time.

• Applying too much of a serum.

• Skipping moisturizer after serum.

• Missing out on sunscreen when needed.

Final Thoughts

So, do serums actually work? Yes, they may improve your skin texture and can address common skin concerns. However, without a balanced diet, healthy nutrition, and adequate hydration, skincare products alone cannot deliver longer-lasting results. Supporting your body with essential nutrients, including through medical-grade multivitamins like ACTIVIT, can complement a well-rounded skincare routine. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I leave serum overnight?

Yes, you can. In fact, most serums are designed to be left on the skin overnight because they work well at night. Why? At night, your skin automatically shifts to repair mode, making it receptive to serum’s active ingredients. Always follow with a moisturizer to lock in benefits. 

2. Can I use serum under my eyes?

Some serums can be applied under the eyes, but avoid applying too close to the eyes unless the product is specifically designed for under-eye use. 

3. Is serum better than moisturizer?

Serum and moisturizer serve different purposes. Serums treat specific skin concerns, while moisturizers hydrate the skin. For best results, use both.

4. Can serum remove dark spots? 

Yes, serums can help reduce the appearance of dark spots over time. For example, vitamin C, niacinamide, or alpha arbutin are commonly used to help fade dark spots. 

5. Do I apply serum on wet or dry skin?

Serum should be applied to clean, slightly damp or dry skin, depending on the formula.

6. Do you apply serum with fingers?

Yes. Clean fingers are the best way to apply serum. Gently pat the product into the skin instead of rubbing aggressively. 

7. What serums are the best for your skin?

The best serum for glowing skin depends on your skin type and concern. Still, if you wonder: Which serum is the best for dry skin, or which serum is the best for oily skin? Hydrating serums suit dry skin, soothing serums work well for sensitive skin, and lightweight formulas are suitable for oily or acne-prone skin.

References:

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-face-serum

2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hyaluronic-acid-benefits#side-effects 

3. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/skin-types-care#specific-care

4. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/skin-serum-what-it-can-and-cant-do-2018061214029