Serums are water or oil-based liquids that are light and easily absorbed by the skin. The active ingredients used in them can vary. Being more concentrated than standard cleansers or moisturisers, serums are extremely powerful – and you only need a small amount to enjoy their benefits.

Created to hydrate and nourish your skin, serums are an excellent tool to reduce the visibility of wrinkles, give your skin a beautiful colour, and keep signs of fatigue and ageing at bay. Yet, studies have shown that the benefits of these serums depend heavily on the quality of ingredients used.

Find the best serum for your skin with this Skin Trust Club guide.

If you have a skincare routine, you are familiar with moisturisers, creams, and lotions. Serums are not so different – but with some added benefits. Firstly, serums don’t usually have synthetic ingredients such as lubricating agents and thickening ingredients.

Serums are topical products containing a high concentration of certain active ingredients. Depending on the effects you are looking for, you should look for serums containing hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, retinol, tea polyphenols, ferulic acid, and resveratrol.

Some of the most popular types of serums include:

• Anti-ageing – anti-ageing serums promote skin renewal and collagen production, which naturally decreases with ageing and are essential for skin health. Some common ingredients in anti-ageing serums include retinol.
• Skin-brightening – as we age, the skin melanin content and colouration change. Serums containing vitamin C, kojic acid, ferulic acid, lactic acid, and liquorice roots can fight oxidative damage.
• Hydrating – a lack of hydration can cause the skin to crack and retain toxins. Serums containing hyaluronic acid can help you restore collagen content and hydrate your skin, making it look younger, healthier, and plump.
• Antioxidants – serums containing vitamins C, A, and E can fight free radicals and protect your skin from oxidative damage.
• Sensitive skin – serums containing salicylic acid and niacinamide can minimise inflammation, making them perfect for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
• Skin appearance – serums containing glycolic acid can boost your skin’s appearance, reducing signs of ageing and creating a uniform texture, colour, and tone.

Serums can be extremely powerful, but you won’t see results unless you apply them regularly. Ideally, you should apply face serum as a base product, just before any moisturiser, makeup, cleanser, or sunscreen – but this will depend on your skin microbiome, your skincare routine, and your skin goals.

Applying serums as a preventive measure will also help you keep the sign of ageing at bay, reduce the risk of discolouration, oxidative damage, and prevent dehydration and wrinkles.

You should generally consider using a serum as the next step after cleansing and apply it once or twice a day.

Being lightweight and quickly absorbed by the skin, serums are excellent products to include in your skincare routine. However, as we have seen, there are several types of serums to choose from – and it is essential to find the ones that are best suited for your skin type and microbial composition.

Here at Skin Trust Club, we know that your skin is unique – and so should your skincare routine be. That is why the first step to choose the best serum for your skin type is to understand the skin you have.

Our Skin Trust Club microbiome test allows you to do just that – get started today to discover more of your skin and receive tailored suggestions for an ideal skincare routine for your needs and goals.