How to Use Serums

A cleanser and a moisturizer are essential to any basic skincare routine, but you’ll find the secret to unlocking your best skin ever in a bottle of serum. What may seem like an extra step on the way to hydrating is actually a crucial opportunity to double down on a myriad of results. From brightening to firming to smoothing to nourishing, a face serum can flip the switch on your individual beauty goals. So, what is a serum exactly? It’s a fluid formula of highly active ingredients, with a consistency that’s typically quite watery or similar to a milky lotion. The aqueous texture of a face serum is part of its incredible efficacy. Comprising small molecular structures, a serum is able to sink in and access skin at deeper levels compared to a rich face cream with larger molecules designed to stay put on the upper most layer, a.k.a. the epidermis. Your epidermis needs attention, of course, but beyond the top layer is where vital skin functions connected to how skin looks and feels take place. That means by choosing the right face serum to address a specific concern, you can inform the final results—which is the complexion you see in the mirror! Think of a face serum as an effective shortcut to customizing your at-home routine. With a variety of formulas to choose from, including ones that feature the buzziest ingredients (think: retinol, glycolic acid, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid), there’s an option to benefit every skin type and texture. By now you’re probably wondering how to use serums, so here comes the best news: Incorporating one into your existing skincare routine couldn’t be easier! Read on to find out how to use the right serum and elevate your skincare game to the next level.

The brightening serum

Vitamin C, the reigning powerhouse antioxidant, gets a lot of love from dermatologists for its ability to protect the skin from free radical damage, which can lead to a dull, lacklustre complexion. Adding L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power LZR 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum to your skincare routine will enhance radiance and even out your skin tone while also smoothing and firming skin.

How to use it: For the best brightening results, use a vitamin C serum daily in the morning followed by a sun protectant. Apply a few drops of this water-free formula to freshly cleansed skin and then use a face cream with SPF to ward off the dull and darkening side effects of UVA/UVB exposure.

The hydrating serum

If your dehydrated, dry or mature skin can’t seem to get enough hydration, a few drops of L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power LZR 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum will satisfy the thirst with long-lasting results. With 1.5% pure hyaluronic acid, which is a potent hydrator that can capture and retain moisture from its environment, this fragrance-free serum leaves skin replenished and plumped.

How to use it: Layering is one of the best techniques when it comes to applying skincare products, and this lightweight serum is ideal for that. You can use it daily in the morning and at night because it doesn’t have a tacky feel or leave a sticky residue. Applying a few drops to clean, damp skin will create an extra moisture surge. Once the serum has been absorbed, use your favourite moisturizer on top to double down on hydration.

The anti-aging serum

Another fave among dermatologists, retinol is a multi-tasking must-have in an anti-aging skincare routine. Honestly, there’s not many things it can’t do! A derivative of vitamin A, retinol has the ability to nudge cell turnover, lessen dark spots, support collagen and elastin production (which boosts firmness) and help with hydration (which also makes fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable). A note on percentages: More isn’t better when it comes to retinol amounts. You want to start low and go slow, which makes L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power LZR 0.3% Pure Retinol Night Serum perfectly suited for first-time users as well as ideal for those with sensitive skin.

How to use it: Since light exposure can alter the efficacy of this delicate ingredient, using retinol at night is the standard recommendation for the best results. It’s typical to experience some initial redness, tingling or dryness, which is why it’s also important to add retinol serum to your routine gradually. Try using it once a week and then move to every other day as skin adjusts. Apply a few drops to clean, dry skin, followed by an application of a nourishing night cream or a moisturizing night mask to keep skin soothed.

The smoothing serum

You’ve got normal, combination or oily skin and you’re dreaming of a smoother, more even toned and luminous complexion? Then L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power LZR 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum is your perfect match. The star ingredient—glycolic acid—is a proven exfoliator that can disintegrate the bonds holding dead, dull cells together. Basically, it performs a mild shedding action on the outer layer of skin that helps reveal the fresh stuff underneath. A transformative ingredient, glycolic acid can also help reduce the look of dark spots and even travel a little deeper to help firm skin from within.

How to use it: This face serum is blended with glycerine and aloe vera to give it a nourishing boost, but glycolic acid is still a potent exfoliant. Best to let it do its thing, undisturbed, at night. Avoid layering it with any strong exfoliating actives, like retinol. Apply four to five drops of glycolic acid serum to fingertips and then massage it gently into your clean, dry face, neck and décolleté. Follow with your favourite night cream. Those with sensitive skin can add it into a routine two to three times a week, allowing skin to adjust before moving to nightly usage.