The skin on your face is a delicate, sensitive area that needs to be treated with the upmost kindness and respect. That’s why the idea of putting harsh creams, oils and gels onto its fragile surface is a concept we don’t enter into lightly. Find out why serums are an alternative option to more traditional face products from Elisabeth Bouhadana—International Scientific Communications Director at L’Oréal Paris for a new outlook on skincare.

GALLERY: The best FACE SERUMS

What is a serum?
What’s in it for you when it comes to using face serum? Lots of things, including clear and glowing skin. “A serum is a concentrate of active ingredients in a very fluid formula to allow for deep action and fast absorption,” says Bouhadana. Leave it to a face serum to hydrate your skin without that heavy feel.
 
What makes a good serum?
Ditch walking up and down the aisles of the drugstore clueless by searching for active ingredients in a face serum for glowing skin. “A good serum isn’t sticky or greasy on the skin, has an optimal concentration compared to the other products of the same range (highest concentration of actives for faster penetration), and allows layering or another product on top,” says Bouhadana. The top element to be on the hunt for is an oil-free formula.
 
Where should face serums be placed?

Working a thin layer (read: very minimal amount) of serum into the face is vital to achieving healthy skin. But where should you apply? “Usually all around the face and neck, avoiding eye contour because the formulas might leak into eyes,” says Bouhadana. Focus on wrinkle-prone areas and spots beneath the chin.

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Who should be using serum?
Although women of any age can use a serum (it’s never too early to take preventative measures against wrinkles ladies!), middle-aged females may find serum most beneficial. “These women are no longer in the teenager acne fight, and not yet in the anti-aging battle. They want the best formula to get perfect skin, without a greasy or sticky sensation,” says Bouhadana. (Try L’Oréal Paris Youth Code Texture Perfector Serum for glowing skin.)
 
Find out what’s new with face serums on the next page…

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When should a serum be used?

As it turns out, you can use serums all year round to hydrate your face for healthy skin. “Serum should be used each time we want a boosted efficient skincare treatment. We can vary the serum depending on the seasons or specific needs,” says Bouhadana. This means targeting dry skin in the winter and boosting glowing skin in the summer with a serum.

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Why should we be using face serums?
As opposed to a face oil, cream or moisturizer, a serum is water based to allow for extra hydration (and to enhance the products you add on top). What are the advantages to serum? “More concentrated formulations and faster absorption, boost the cream of the same range, allowing further layering of a cream or oil to associate different benefits,” says Bouhadana.
 
What’s new in the world of face serums?

With technologies constantly changing, new formulas and methods of development are being used to improve serums. “Reverse emulsions are quite new—they allow different sensations and the integration of different types of actives depending on their solubility and on the targeted effects on skin,” says Bouhadana.

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Drugstore face serums vs. high end?

It’s a constant crusade between drugstore products and high-end brands in the world of beauty, especially with serums. “The best is to find the serum most adapted to your needs,” says Bouhadana. You should be judging face serums based on their character, not the price tag attached. Compare ingredients between products at different costs and narrow down your favourites.
 
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