How to add a serum into your skincare routine
When it comes to skincare, serums have gradually cemented themselves as an essential in any routine. Serums are designed to deliver high concentrations of active ingredients directly to the skin and are a great partner to help complement your other favourite skincare products. But with so many different formulas, it can be challenging to know exactly how and when to use them.
We called on the skincare experts to tell you everything you need to know about choosing the right serum for you and your regime...
Identify Your Skin Type
First thing’s first – let's go back to the basics. Yvie Claireaux, national skincare expert at Lancôme, says: “It really depends on your skin, what your specific concerns are and how your skin is reacting to seasonal changes.” This means that no matter your proficiency in skincare, it’s important to determine what your skin type is to be able to choose the right serum that works for you.
Dry Skin
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RRP: £30.00Current price: £22.50
Combination Skin
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For Sensitive Skin
Sensitive complexions tend to be more prone to redness and irritation, and often need gentler, soothing formulas that help to calm and comfort while hydrating the skin. The Lancôme Advanced Genifique Sensitive Serum is a great option for sensitive-prone areas. It is inspired by microbiome science and specially formulated to work as a soothing serum, enriched with ferulic acid and vitamin E that are separated until first use to maintain their potency. Once combined, the lightweight texture works to relieve the look and feel of stressed and sensitive skin, supporting a calmer, healthy-looking visage.
1
RRP: £67.00Current price: £33.50
Oily Skin
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RRP: £30.00Current price: £22.50
Choose Your Ingredients Wisely
As well as understanding your skin type, it's important to tailor your serum to your personal skin concerns when choosing your next formula. To help, it’s important to understand the key functions and benefits of popular skincare ingredients – as what works for one person might not necessarily work for you.
We’ve rounded up our favourite ingredients that are suitable for most skin types:
Hyaluronic Acid
If your skin is on the dryer, flakier side and you’re looking for a hardworking hydrator, hyaluronic acid is most people’s first point of call. Although it’s easy to associate the word ‘acid’ with something harsh and abrasive, Yvie explains that it’s actually naturally produced in our cells “It helps to keep our skin looking hydrated and plump. It works by helping to hold water in the skin, giving you a healthy, hydrated, and radiant glow. I like to use Lancôme Advanced Genifique Serum all year round to keep my skin looking healthy and at its best.” says Yvie.
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32
RRP: £30.00Current price: £22.50
Niacinamide
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RRP: £103.00Current price: £72.10
Dubbed as the ultimate anti-ageing ingredient, retinol is a form of vitamin A. It works to regulate sebum production and minimise the appearance of blemishes and pigmentation while also boosting the production of collagen to plump and improve skin’s elasticity. With skin concerns such as fine lines and wrinkles, a retinol-potent serum can help to stimulate cell turnover. Use overnight to promote a renewed and rejuvenated complexion.
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RRP: £55.00Current price: £41.25
Glycerin
Struggle with dryness or sensitivity? Including glycerin-infused serums in your routine can help to improve your skin barrier function and deliver a dose of hydration to the outer layer of your complexion. The ingredient acts as a humectant which allows the skin to retain moisture and leave a plumper-looking, more youthful appearance. Choosing a concentrated formula like the Kiehl's Vital Skin-Strengthening Super Serum is perfect to add an intense boost of moisture, working alongside other active ingredients to drench your skin with nourishment.
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RRP: £49.00Current price: £36.75
When should I be applying serum?
If you’re not sure where your new serum should fit into your skincare routine, a cleansed face is the best base to apply your serum, before then applying your moisturiser on top. You should apply your serum during both your AM and PM routine, depending on the product instructions.
What is Yvie’s top 5 tips for beginners using serum?
- “Choose a serum that is good for all skin types, that is really light and freshly absorbs into the skin – Lancôme Advanced Genifique is a great option for someone new to serums. It’s a staple in my skincare routine and is great under makeup.”
- “Use a small amount first. It is easier to add more product than it is to take away until you get used to how much is best to use for your skin.”
- “It’s better to press any excess serum into the skin rather than massaging it in.”
- “To apply, use long, gliding strokes. Spread the serum evenly across your forehead, cheeks, chin and even down to the neck/décolleté.”
- “Leave for about a minute until it’s absorbed completely before applying your day or night moisturiser.”
My large family of mainly women has made me passionate about all things beauty from a young age: from routines passed down from my grandmother, to trying the latest products and trends. After training as an MUA at MAC Cosmetics, my love for makeup has now evolved into making sure my skincare creates the perfect canvas for any look. I love anything that can make my base feel fresh & bright while accentuating my features – Bobbi Brown's Face Base is my holy grail at the moment!
