Best Serums
Finding the right super-powered serum can make all the difference, so what’s the best serum for your skin type. A host of exciting new launches is putting serums in the spotlight, but what if you’ve yet to add this underrated essential to your beauty routine?
We asked skincare experts for their advice on how to find the best serum for your skin…
BENEFITS>> “A serum delivers a high concentration of an active skincare ingredient to the skin – the nature of the active will depend on the skincare concern,” says DrMary Sommerlad, consultant dermatologist for Vichy, which is why it’s so important to find the product that’s best suited to your specific needs.
Lighter in texture than moisturisers or creams, serums are “quickly absorbed into the skin, and are therefore a fantastic way to layer products,” says dermatologist Dr Sharon Wong, who is currently working with Philips. “Some serums will combine several actives to target different skin issues simultaneously. This approach of pared back skincare, delivering only what is needed in a personalised and minimalistic way, otherwise known as ‘skinimalism’, has become an increasingly popular and sensible trend in skincare.”
APPLICATION>> “As serums tend to be lightweight and crammed full of actives they are best applied onto clean, slightly damp skin after a cleanser but before moisturiser,” says Dr Sommerlad.
Dr Wong says: “Anti-ageing serums containing photosensitising retinols should be applied in the evening,” and followed with SPF 30 or above the next morning.
“Generally speaking, if the serum is for antioxidant purposes, this should be used during the day.”
MATURE SKIN>> In terms of the best serum ingredients for mature skin, Dr Wong says: “The effect of retinols (Vitamin A derivatives) on improving collagen production, evening out skin tone and improving cell turnover is well established, and has sealed its status as the ultimate active to include in any anti-ageing routine.”
She also recommends Vitamin C for it’s antioxidant effects and as “an important co-factor in collagen production.
Mature skin tends to be on the drier side and retaining moisture becomes more challenging, so including hyaluronic acid in the serum is recommended, but it can also help to offset any dryness caused by the retinol.”
1 IMAGE Iluma Serum 27ml €57.50, visit theskinnerd.com
OILY SKIN>> “For oily skin, look for serums that are hydrating without being too heavy,” says Dr Sommerlad. Hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture into the skin is “unlikely to clog pores or leave a greasy residue. It’s effective in keeping skin well hydrated.”
2 VICHY Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydration Booster Serum 50ml €17.99 (was €25.99), visit boots.ie
SENSITIVE SKIN>> If your skin reacts to active ingredients, Dr Sommerlad recommends “serums that are unlikely to trigger the skin, but instead, are able to hydrate it.” Hyaluronic acid is more gentle than it sounds, especially when part of a lightweight formula.
3 EROBORIAN Yuza Super Serum 30ml €52.44, visit ie.feelunique. com
DRY SKIN>> Dr Wong is also a fan of hyaluronic acid for dry skin, calling it “the key ingredient to quench thirsty skin. As a highly-effective humectant, it has the ability to trap and retain water molecules to significantly boost skin hydration.”
4 BLISS Glow & Hydrate Day Hyaluronic Serum 30ml €24.99, visit boots.ie
COMBINATION SKIN>> “Combination skin can experience dullness in some areas and oiliness in others – look for serums which are multitasking,” says Dr Sommerlad, and Vitamin C, which has “antioxidant benefits, as well as the ability to help with pigmentation issues.”
5 SKINSENSE Hydranet Bi- Phase Cell Renewal Serum 30ml €35.39, visit skinsense.co.uk
ACNE PRONE SKIN>> Chemical exfoliation is essential for helping to keep pores clear and prevent spots from forming, which means “hydroxy acids such as salicylic acid, lactic and glycolic acid,” says Dr Wong.
Other key ingredients to look out for are anti-inflammatory actives such as niacinamide, which helps to regulate sebum production, and Vitamin C to reduce associated post acne scarring and pigmentation.”
6 AURELIA LONDON Resurfacing Serum 30ml €75.50, visit aurelialondon. com
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