Every item in your skincare routine has an important role to play, but if you had to zero in one of the most important when it comes to anti-aging, it would be a serum. Why? Serums are the super heroes of any skin care routine. They’re highly concentrated and penetrate deeply, which means they deliver a high dose of key anti-aging ingredients to the skin. Here’s a closer look.
What is A Serum?
A serum is a lightweight skincare product with a thin, watery consistency. Although they are not moisturizers, they can add extra moisture to the skin although they do not take the place of a moisturizing cream. Most serums are water-based but a few are oil based. Since the texture of a serum is thin and lightweight, it absorbs easily into the skin, making it an ideal delivery system for hard working ingredients. Most serums are multi-taskers, addressing more than one skin issue whether its wrinkles, dark spots, acne or oiliness. Because serums can address a multitude of issues, they are ideal for any type of skin and any age, whether you are in your 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond.
What To Look for in an Anti-Aging Serum
The best anti-aging serums contain a cocktail of wrinkle fighting ingredients, including moisturizing hyaluronic acid, which holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water; retinols (a vitamin A derivative which helps encourage cell turnover, revealing fresher looking skin); antioxidants (which help fight against free radical damage) and peptides which help support skin structure. Look for ingredients like vitamin C, which help to brighten the face and minimize the look of dark spots as well as ferulic acid, which is often paired with vitamin C.
How to Apply A Serum
All serums (including ones aimed at wrinkles) should be applied after cleansing but before applying a cream or moisturizer. Serums should also be applied in a very specific way. They should not be rubbed into the face like a cream. Instead, dispense a dropper of serum into the palm of the hand and press or pat the liquid into the face. Give it some time to absorb before applying the next product. Some serums can be applied twice a day, but depending on your skin and what conditions you are trying to address, you may want to incorporate two serums into your routine; one for day and one for night.
What Are The Best Anti-Aging Serums?
The best anti-aging serums do a little bit of everything to support skin and keep wrinkles at bay. They add moisture, protect against free radical damage, help the skin look brighter and perhaps encourage cell turnover to reveal fresher, smoother looking skin. Here are our top picks.
