Serums 101
Looking to elevate your skincare routine, but don't know where to start? The best way to level up your skincare is by incorporating serums!
What Is A Serum?
It is a skincare product typically applied after cleansing but before moisturizing. Those are made up of smaller molecules that can penetrate deeply into the skin. It comes in different textures, some are runny, while others have a thicker consistency.
What Do Serums Do?
A very basic skincare routine tends to consist of cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. This routine is simple but effective. However, for more advanced skincare users, incorporating them is the perfect addition to your routine! They deliver a very high concentration of active ingredients, making them great tools for targeting specific skincare concerns, like wrinkles, dark spots, acne scars, etc.
Best Serums For AM:
While most of those can be used both day and night, we recommend using Vitamin C or hydrating serums during the day. Vitamin C is high in antioxidants, great for combating free radicals and increasing the effectiveness of sunscreen. If you're a makeup lover, we recommend hydrating ones during the day, as they give a healthy glow to the skin, which looks great under makeup!
This targets hyperpigmentation and blemishes caused by sun damage or acne breakouts. It’s formulated with Tocotrienol, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, and 23% Vitamin C to strengthen the skin barrier and improve texture for a more radiant, smooth appearance.
Sollalla Ultimate Hydrate Hyaluronic Serum
This provides a silky finish to the skin without stickiness while forming a natural barrier that helps with hydration of the skin throughout the whole day.
Best Serums For PM:
Those that contain stronger actives such as Retinoids, BHAs, AHAs, etc. should be reserved for your nighttime skincare routine. These types of ingredients tend to be more irritating and can increase skin sensitivity to UV rays. It's best to use them at night and be diligent about your SPF in the morning. Repairing serums should also be used at night, as this is when your skin begins to restore itself!
An all-in-one serum that’s formulated with Lactobionic Acid(5%), Oat Milk Complex(2%), Snow Mushroom Polysaccharide, Beta Glucan & Saponins, and Seed Butters to help build up the skin barrier, provide hydration, and reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines.
Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Snail Mucin Repair Serum
A lightweight, nourishing serum is enriched with Korean herbal medicine, Hanbang, for extra deep hydration. It brightens, repairs, and moisturizes the skin.
How to layer serums:
Many tend to struggle with how to layer them. The rule of thumb is to use your serums from lightest to heaviest. Essentially, a more runny serum should be applied first and then followed by the thickest one. It is important to note that some ingredients do not mix well. For example, retinoids should not be mixed with AHAs or BHAs, instead, try mixing retinoids with hydrating serums containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid! Researching the ingredients in your serums before mixing them is essential as this can lead to chemical burns and worsening of the problem area. If you are unsure, it's best to use them on different days.
For more BAZZAAL tips, tricks, and skincare hacks, check out our blog here!