Serums: Which To Use For Every Skin Concern - Vilma Iris | Lifestyle Blogger

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Serums: Which To Use For Every Skin Concern

Serums: Which To Use For Every Skin Concern

Serums are the workhorses of our skincare regime, the products that can really deliver results. They’re formulated with more active ingredients and can address any skin concern.

Serums are applied before moisturizer or can also be added to your moisturizer, treatment creams or masks to increase effectiveness. They should be gently pressed into the skin to maximize absorption. You can also layer serums, and change them out from day to night. One thing to note is that serums formulated in a water base tend to be ideal for those with oily skin and those formulated with oils tend to work better for those with drier skin. Generally, you want to go from light to heavy consistency when it comes to figuring out what to use when in your routine.

There truly is a serum for everything, but finding one can often seem overwhelming. So I thought it would be helpful to share some of my favorites, organized by what you’re looking to treat/improve.

Vitamin C serums

  • SKINCEUTICALS C E FERULIC: One of the pricier options, but one I use daily because it addresses a range of concerns. It’s a powerful combo of ferulic acid and vitamin C to reduce the appearance of fine lines, firm skin, brighten / even out complexion, and protect against the environment. Should be use in morning routine.
  • MAD HIPPIE VITAMIN C SERUM: A superb alternative to Skinceuticals and super affordable.
  • DRUNK ELEPHANT C-FIRMA DAY SERUM: Another great option, and like the rest of the Drunk Elephant line, it really works.

Anti-aging serums to reduce fine lines + wrinkles

  • CAUDALIE PREMIER CRU: This is one of my newer serums and I’m already loving it. They worked on this serum for nine years with a Harvard research team. Contains reservatrol (reduce fine lines and wrinkles), hyaluronic acid (moisturizes), vineferine (improve radiance, reduce dark spots), polyphenols (anti-wrinkle), white peony (radiance) and vinolevure (fortifies skin). Pricey, but effective. To be used day and night.
  • THE ORDINARY BUFFET: A multi-peptide serum that targets multiple signs of aging. Also addresses dryness and uneven texture. Super affordable option with good results, although not as potent as the Caudalie option.
  • THE ORDINARY GRANACTIVE RETINOID 5% IN SQUALENE: Targets multiple signs of aging with 5% concentration of Granactive Retinoid, which won’t irritate the skin. With Squalene, it will also help lock in moisture. I feel like a Retinoid is a must in any routine. Use only at night.
  • LA PRAIRIE ANTI-AGING RAPID RESPONSE BOOSTER: I’ve not used this gel serum yet (although I have a sample), but I hear it is the treatment to get for anti-aging, especially amongst La Prarie’s very pricey collection. This is their most aggressive, fast-acting wrinkle treatment and I’m told I will LOVVVVE it. Stay tuned.

Renewing/replenishing serums

  • KIEHL’S MIDNIGHT RECOVERY CONCENTRATE: One of my ride or dies, I use this almost every night. This is a facial oil that restores skin overnight, firming and replenishing. Formulated with essential oils and botanicals including lavender essential oil, evening primrose oil and Squalane (to lock in moisture).
  • KIEHL’S DAILY REVIVING CONCENTRATE: Rich in antioxidants with a blend of Ginger Root, Sunflower and Tamanu, it helps skin feel refreshed each morning. Use after water-based serums and before moisturizer.

You can buy these as a set.

Radiance serums to brighten, reduce hyperpigmentation

  • LYTERA 2.0 PIGMENT CORRECTING SERUM: Addressing hyperpigmentation and melasma is difficult and my dermatologist swears this is the only over-the-counter product that really makes a difference. I’ve seen some gradual results, which is a huge plus.
  • KIEHL’S CLEARLY CORRECTIVE DARK SPOT SOLUTION: Lightweight serum that brightens and clarifies skin, targeting stubborn dark spots and overall dullness. While it says it targets deep hyperpigmentation, I would say it is a lighter solution that can help alleviate softer discolorations.
  • OLE HENRIKSEN TRUTH SERUM: Lightweight formula that brightens, firms, fights visible signs of aging and delivers all-day hydration. This is a good daily serum that does target multiple concerns, although with its strong vitamin C component, it’s great for brightening skin. Smells really good too.
  • CAUDALIE VINOPERFECT RADIANCE SERUM: This is a lightweight, oil-free serum that  improves the appearance of dark spots, improves evenness of skin tone and boosts radiance.

All of these can be used day and/or night.

Hydrating serums to address dry skin

  • THE ORDINARY HYALURONIC ACID 2% + B5: Uses three forms of HA with varying molecular weights (to offer maximum penetration into the skin, instead of just sitting on top of it and temporarily making it seem as though you are hydrated), as well as an HA crosspolymer to offer maximum hydration and visible plumping.
  • THE ORDINARY 100% PLANT-DERIVED SQUALANE: Prevents ongoing loss of hydration by locking in moisturize. I think this is a good one to use in combination with another hydrating serum… push the moisture into the skin, then keep it there.
  • LA MER REVITALIZING HYDRATING SERUM: With an interactive blend of green, brown and red algae this revitalizing and replenishing serum delivers all-day hydration while helping to improve radiance and protect against the elements.
  • SKINCEUTICALS HYDRATING B5 GEL: Combines vitamin B5 with hyaluronic acid to help bind moisture to the skin. It can be used alone or with a daily moisturizer to provide extra hydration, and is an ideal moisturizer for acne prone skin.
  • DRUNK ELEPHANT HYDRATING SERUM: I’m loving this one lately.

All of these can be use day and/or night.

Resurfacing serums/treatments

These are often acid treatments with AHAs and BHAs, to be used at night.

  • KIEHL’S NIGHTLY REFINING MICRO-PEEL CONCENTRATE: I’ll never be without this one, it’s my favorite. I see a visible difference overnight. It gently exfoliates skin to make it appear brighter, more even and more refreshed when you wake up. Skin also feels softer as it refines the feel of it. I use this every other day, unless I’m using another acid treatment like the one below.
  • THE ORDINARY LACTIC ACID 10% + HA 2%: Exfoliates the skin and reduces signs of inflammation. I find this to be gentle on my skin, but if you’re new to acids, you can start with the 5% version.
  • THE ORDINARY AHA 30% + BHA 2% PEELING SOLUTION: This one is not for sensitive skin and is the most aggressive treatment (of sorts) in this post. If you watch my Insta stories, this is the bright red solution I used recently. It really tingles when you put it on, but your skin will look great with this deeper exfoliation. It’s also a good treatment to combat acne. I use it once a week.

Soothing serums to reduce redness

  • DR. JART+ CICAPAIR TIGER GRASS RE.PAIR SERUM: I love this line, it’s so great for reducing redness. I use the treatment when my face looks reddish before applying foundation, but now, there’s a serum you can use if you suffer from continuous redness and irritation.

This list includes all the ones I’ve used and had experience with, I’ll continue to update this list as I try and test more products!

 

This post contains affiliate links, meaning I’ll receive a small commission should you purchase using those links. All opinions expressed are my own. I receive no compensation for reviews.

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