By: Jane Chertoff
As temps continue to dip, making sure your skin gets proper hydration and protection for your skin is key. That’s where the best face serum comes in.
Serums are all the buzz in skincare these days. That’s mainly because they are highly effective and can help target fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and more, explains Dr. Michele Green, board-certified dermatologist.
“Serums are really lightweight water, oil or gel-based skin treatments which typically have a smaller molecular size, so they penetrate deeper into the skin,” she says.
What’s more, Green says that serums can be effective for all skin types. So, whether you have oily, dry or even sensitive skin, there’s a serum out there that will work for you.
Have Dry Skin? Choose a Face Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
Dry skin plus serums are a match made in skincare heaven, says Dr. Robin Evans, a board-certified dermatologist.
“Serums can be great for dry skin because they can target a specific issue including adding moisture to the skin. They are also absorbed quickly so someone with dry skin can easily apply a rich moisturizer afterwards,” she says.
She recommends looking for a serum that contains Hyaluronic Acid (HA) for an extra moisture boost.
What to Buy:The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2 percent
Looking for something different? Vital Proteins offers a variety of collagen products that contain the skin-saving ingredient like our Glow Collagen Shot and Collagen Beauty Glow.
Living with Oily Skin? Reach for a Water-Based Face Serum
A lightweight, water-based serum will work wonders for oily skin, Green says. She recommends looking for a serum containing Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHA), jojoba oil or retinol. “They will reduce excess oil production,” she says.
And be sure to avoid products that contain mineral oil or waxes, which are comedogenic and will add more oil to the skin, adds Evans.
What to Buy:Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment
Have Sensitive Skin? Calming Face Serums Are the Answer
There’s no need to avoid face serums just because your skin is sensitive. But there are certain ingredients you should stay away from, like Retinol, Glycolic Acid or Salicylic Acid, suggests Evans. “These can cause dryness and irritation, and be difficult to tolerate on sensitive skin,” she says. Instead, she recommends looking out for HA and botanically-based serums.
Green suggests a product with soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, ceramides, green tea and caffeine to help sensitive skin thrive.
What to Buy:MG Skin Labs Duo Serum
Living with Breakout-Prone Skin? Go for a Water- or Gel-Based Face Serum
If your skin is prone to breakouts, avoid any serums that contain essential oils, says Green. A lightweight serum is your best option.
“Serums work well for acne-prone skin because they are lightweight and won’t clog the pores,” she says. “Look for water or gel-based serums which contain retinol and salicylic acid, as these ingredients reduce excess sebum, unclog the pores, and also reduce redness and inflammation caused by acne.”
What to Buy:The Ordinary Retinol 1 percent