More than just your average cleanser or moisturiser, there truly is nothing better than a good effective serum to whip your skin into shape. But, when there are constant claims of the latest and greatest ingredients and the prospects of achieving perfect skin in a bottle, it can be a bit overwhelming to choose which one is right for you. The price points can also be… intimidating at times and usually, you’ll have to wait at least 30 days before you notice any substantial difference. But, before you throw up your hands in exasperation - we are here to help you find the perfect face potion for you and your skin needs.
How serums are different to other skincare
Serums are unique to their other counterparts due to their lightweight texture and higher concentration of active ingredients. They are basically the heavy lifters of the skincare world and unlike moisturisers or oils whose primary focus is hydrating and protecting the skin, serums have the power to penetrate deeper into the skin, delivering potent ingredients and treating specific problem areas.
Lightweight texture
Something you’ll probably notice straightaway with your serums is that they are a more lightweight consistency than the other products in your arsenal, and this is not by coincidence. Serums are formulated this way to allow them to penetrate more deeply into the skin’s layers. This deep penetration is key to their effectiveness, as it ensures that the active ingredients reach the areas where they can have the most significant impact. Especially for skin concerns such as acne or pigmentation, the cause of these concerns is usually deeper than the surface level, so by getting deeper into the skin, the serums can help not only to treat the problem, but prevent them from flaring up again.
Higher concentration of active ingredients
While serums do tend to come with a slightly more exorbitant price tag, there is a justified reason for this. They contain a much higher concentration of active ingredients compared to other products, which means a little goes a long way. For example, vitamin C serums can provide a concentrated dose of this powerful antioxidant that will help to brighten skin, reduce the appearance of dark spots and improve skin texture. Similarly, retinol serums can help to smooth fine lines and prevent breakouts.
Compliment other skincare products
While serums are powerful when used alone, they deliver the best results when they are used in conjunction with other skincare. While everyone's skincare routine will differ, the general rule of thumb is to cleanse and tone, then use your serums, then apply a moisturiser to help lock in the benefits and provide an additional layer of hydration and protection. But more on this later…
Why serums are an essential part of your skincare routine
Serums are crucial to an effective skincare routine because they have the unique ability to deliver a higher concentration of active ingredients more deeply into the skin. This makes them particularly important for those among us who want to target a specific concern such as acne, pigmentation or fine lines. When used correctly and in tandem with other products that complement their cause, you will absolutely see the difference and your skin will thank you.
Which ingredients should I look for if I want…
Deep hydration…
If you want happy, glowing skin then the first port of call should be to incorporate hydrating products into your routine. Well-hydrated skin not only looks healthier, but it also makes it more resilient, less prone to irritation and will absorb your skincare more effectively.
If you want hydrated skin go for anything with hyaluronic acid. This incredible elixir helps your skin retain moisture by binding water molecules to it and not letting go. Magic, right? What’s great about hyaluronic acid is that it doesn’t feel heavy like some of the thicker moisturisers, but it works just as well if not better. And to add to its myriad of benefits it's one of the gentler actives, meaning it's safe for just about anyone and well tolerated by almost all skin types.
At Skinsmiths, we use a smaller form of hyaluronic acid known as sodium hyaluronate, which allows for deeper penetration into the skin leaving you hydrated and plumped. These ingredients can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it an excellent magnet for hydration.
Try: Skinsmiths Ultimate Renewal Serum
If you're looking for ultimate hydration, the Skinsmiths Ultimate Renewal Serum is a great choice. Inspired by clinical treatments, this serum does more than just hydrate; it plumps, lifts, and improves your skin's texture. Peptides boost skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles as well as promote collagen production and prevent muscle movement that causes dynamic wrinkles, giving your skin a lifting and smoothing effect. Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, creates a healthy skin barrier while also smoothing skin texture and evening skin tone. While the sodium hyaluronate goes deep into the skin for intense hydration and plumping, keeping your skin looking hydrated and youthful.
To target specific concerns…
Serums are your secret weapon for tackling specific skin concerns like acne, pigmentation, and fine lines. Their potent, concentrated formulations deliver powerful ingredients right where they're needed most.
Acne
Dealing with acne? No problem. Look for serums that clear up your skin without causing irritation.
Try: Skinsmiths Blemish Rescue Treatment
The Skinsmiths Blemish Rescue Treatment packs everything acne-prone skin could ever need to stop it in its tracks. Packed with zinc oxide, it creates a protective barrier that speeds up the healing of blemishes. Salicylic acid works to clear blocked pores, while tea tree oil and centella asiatica calm and soothe your skin. Plus, it’s supercharged with SauvigNZ for antioxidant protection against everyday stressors like UV rays and pollution. Your blemishes don't stand a chance, trust us.
Pigmentation
Struggling with dark spots or an uneven skin tone? Brightening serums can fade pigmentation and give you a more even complexion.
Try: Skinsmiths Pro Strength Vitamin C
This powerhouse serum is your go-to for a brighter, more even complexion. Activated by a stabilised vitamin C derivative, along with vitamin E and liquorice root extract, it works to lighten dark spots and even out your skin tone. SauvigNZ provides robust antioxidant protection, defending your skin against UV damage and pollution. Clinically proven to lighten dark spots in just six weeks, it’s a radiant skin game-changer!
Fine lines and wrinkles
If fine lines and wrinkles are your main concern, anti-aging serums can help smooth and firm your skin, making you look as young as you feel.
Try: Skinsmiths PRO Strength Retinol
The Skinsmiths PRO Strength Retinol is the ultimate in anti-aging. It combines a potent blend of retinol and phyto-retinol to amplify cellular renewal for younger-looking skin. Sodium hyaluronate delivers deep hydration, helping to firm and plump your skin. SauvigNZ steps in with antioxidant protection, reducing oxidative stress and promoting healthy collagen levels. Clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles in just four weeks, it’s your ticket to a youthful glow.
How to incorporate serums into your routine
As mentioned above, everyone’s skincare needs will call for different products and perhaps a different order of application. But here is a general prototype for what order of proceedings works for most…
Morning routine
Cleanser: Start with a gentle cleanser such as the Skinsmiths Gentle Cream Cleanser to remove impurities.
Toner: Follow up with a toner to balance your skin’s pH and prep it for better absorption.
Serum: Apply your morning serum, such as a vitamin C serum, to protect against free radicals and brighten your skin.
Moisturiser: Lock in the serum with a good moisturiser.
Sunscreen: Always finish with sunscreen to protect your skin from damage.
Evening routine
Cleanser: Use a cleanser such as the Purifying Gel Cleanser to remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil.
Toner: Apply a toner to refresh and prepare your skin.
Serum: Use a nighttime serum, like a retinol serum, to target specific concerns such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Moisturiser: Seal the serum with a nourishing moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated overnight.
Which order to layer your serums
Here are some general tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your serums…
Start with the thinnest consistency
Apply serums with the thinnest consistency first. This usually means starting with a hydrating serum, like one with hyaluronic acid, which provides a moisture base.
More onto more targeted treatments
Next, apply serums targeting specific issues, like acne or pigmentation. For example, if you’re using Skinsmiths Blemish Rescue Treatment, now is the time to reach for that.
Finish with the richest serum
Apply the richest, most active serum last. If you're using Skinsmiths PRO Strength Retinol for anti-aging benefits, this would go on after your other serums.
Allow absorption time
Give each serum a minute or two to absorb into your skin before applying the next one. This helps prevent pilling and ensures each product can penetrate effectively.
Seal with moisturiser
Always finish with a moisturiser to lock in the benefits of your serums and keep your skin hydrated. In the morning, follow this with sunscreen.
So, hopefully, this provides some clarity to the chaos. Basically, incorporating serums into your skincare routine is like unlocking a new level of skin health and radiance. These powerful, concentrated elixirs are tailored to address specific concerns, whether it's banishing blemishes, evening out skin tone, or turning back the clock on fine lines and wrinkles.
How to choose the right serum
You don’t need to settle for a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to your skincare. Especially when there are a myriad of products out there that are designed with a specific skin concern in mind. The key to choosing the right serum for you is to first identify your skin type and concern, then choose a product with ingredients that can help you solve it (see above), do a patch test, and if all goes well, lock in for a month to see if you can see results. While it can seem daunting, there is solace in knowing that there absolutely is a serum out there tailored to your specific needs.
Embrace the power of serums, layer them wisely and watch your skin transform into a healthier, more vibrant version of itself. Ultimately, great skin is hydrated, free from dead skin, free from impurities and even-toned and there is a product on this list that will help you achieve each and every one of those goals.
