What Serum Should I Use and How ?

What are the active ingredients in common facial serums?

Popular serums generally are formulated with a few active ingredients that support healthy-looking skin. Ingredients used in CeraVe Serums include:

Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is an essential ingredient in your skincare routine. Hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates the skin while locking moisture in to maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier. The Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum is suitable for all skin types wanting to keep the skin hydrated, plump and soft. 

Retinol

Retinol promotes the natural skin cell renewal cycle to help manage skin concerns associated with ageing, including fine lines, wrinkles and skin elasticity and is best used at night time. By promoting this cell cycle and promoting new collagen production, retinol is also used to help blemish-prone skin. Read our article on how to use retinol for more information. Overall, retinol is key to creating a smoother, more even skin texture. Target fine lines and wrinkles with the Skin Renewing Retinol Anti-Wrinkle Serum.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide helps with excess oil production and promotes the skin cell renewal process to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots and unwanted pigment. The CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum contains retinol and niacinamide for smoother, clearer skin. 

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that gently breaks down dead skin cells to help unclog pores that trigger breakouts. The exfoliating ingredient also helps to control oil production and even out skin texture. Incorporate salicylic acid into your routine with the CeraVe Blemish Control Gel.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps with dehydrated skin, signs of ageing and dull, tired skin. By promoting skin cell turnover and acting as an antioxidant against free radicals, vitamin C helps to illuminate and brighten your complexion while maintaining the skin's moisture barrier. Get your vitamin C fix with the Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum for Anti-Ageing.

What serum should I use according to my skin type?

A great way to determine what serums you should use is through your skin type. 

Oily skin

Oily skin shows up as a glossy or greasy sheen as a result of excess sebum production. This sebum production can result in clogged pores that can lead to breakouts and blemishes. Oily skin types should focus on active ingredients that dissolve dead skin cells, including salicylic acid, and brightening serums containing vitamin C. 

Dry skin

Dry skin can be easily irritated and appear as flaky patches. The key focus for dry skin is to ensure optimal hydration with a hydrating serum. Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are popular serums for helping combat dry skin.

Sensitive skin

Sensitive skin types should focus on hydrating serums as well as protection. Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C can provide benefits to sensitive skin. It's important not to overload the skin with too many serums though, as this can irritate the skin.

Combination skin

Combination skin appears as an oily T-zone, sometimes prone to blemishes and blackheads, and dry cheeks. Because different parts of the skin require different types of skincare, it’s important to focus on balancing out active ingredients with complementary products. Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid serums can help to maintain the skin’s moisture barrier for combination skin. 

Normal skin

Normal skin doesn’t exhibit any pronounced dry or oily areas. The key priority for normal skin is maintaining balance and equilibrium in the skin’s moisture barrier, through protecting and nourishing the skin. Consider a hyaluronic acid serum to maintain soft, hydrated skin, and an overnight retinol serum to help the natural cell renewal process.

Choosing serums by skin concern

Choosing serums based on your personal skin concerns is another great way to determine what serums are right for you. It’s useful to note that you should try to focus your routine on one skin concern so as not to layer too many products on top of one another. 

For Acne-Prone Skin

Blemishes can be caused by clogged pores, environmental aggressors and excess sebum production. The most commonly used active ingredients to help with blemishes are salicylic acid and retinol. 

For anti-ageing

As we age our cell turnover cycle slows down, and we're more prone to hyperpigmentation and “age spots” caused by sun exposure. Hyperpigmentation and ageing skin can be managed with retinol and niacinamide serums.

For redness or dry skin

The main focus for dry skin is hydrating the skin and locking in moisture throughout the day. Hyaluronic acid is the most commonly used serum to combat dry skin. Pair with a vitamin C serum for its antioxidant properties to minimise irritation from environmental aggressors.

For dull or tired skin

Acting as an antioxidant, vitamin C helps to support the skin’s moisture barrier which in turn keeps the skin hydrated. Combine with a hydrating serum containing humectants to keep skin looking full and plump.

What serum is best for what time of the day?

Day Time

During the day look for serums that protect the skin from environmental aggressors and free radicals, as well as hydrating serums that support the skin moisture barrier. The best serums for the day are:

• Vitamin C

• Hyaluronic acid

• Niacinamide

Night time

Night time serums should support the skin's natural restoration process. Hydrating serums are a great way to nourish the skin and minimise trans-epidermal water loss. The evening is also an ideal time to incorporate ingredients that may leave the skin sensitive. Look for overnight serums containing:

• Retinol

• Hyaluronic acid

• Niacinamide

Layering skincare: How should you apply serums? 

From lightest to heaviest

A general rule of thumb when it comes to layering skincare is to layer from lightest to heaviest. Serums have a lightweight consistency and should be applied after cleansing and toning, and before moisturiser. 

Balance out your active ingredients

If you’re using multiple serums, look to balance out the serum's function. Serums with retinol and niacinamide can dry out the skin, which is why they should follow with a hydrating serum to restore the skin moisture barrier.

Focus on one skin concern

While active ingredients are great for addressing specific skin concerns, layering too many products can irritate the skin. Try to focus your skincare routine on one core skin goal and keep the number of products you use to a minimum.

Simple serums developed with dermatologists

Ready to add serums to your routine? Check out the CeraVe range of facial serums!