How Paula’s Choice Serums Work
Confused about if you should use a serum, or why you should use one? You’re not alone! Many people wonder what exactly a serum does for skin and how it differs from a moisturizer. Paula’s Choice Skincare offers several serums, so we obviously feel they’re worth considering because of their specialised formulations. In this piece, we will explain what makes them unique and show you how to find the perfect serum for your skincare needs.
What are the Benefits of Using a Serum?
First, it’s important to know that all moisturizers, whether labelled as anti-aging or otherwise, should contain a premium balance of the beneficial ingredients we talk about all the time: antioxidants, skin-replenishing ingredients, soothing ingredients, and skin-restoring ingredients. We don’t want anyone to cheat their skin by using leave-on skincare products that don’t contain these precious ingredients, because they can help everyone’s skin look and feel so much better.
Good serums also contain these exceptional ingredients, but serums are special because of the higher concentration of the ingredients they contain and their distinctive textures. Along with the fusion of ingredients, serums typically have a distinguishing smooth delicate lotion, gel-lotion, or silky fluid texture. Serums should apply easily and feel lightweight, even though the formula is packed with the best of the best. A great serum will be compatible with your moisturizer as well, complementing its benefits rather than competing with them.
Do You Need a Serum and a Moisturizer?
The answer is: maybe; it depends on your specific skincare needs. For some, just following the basic steps of our Paula’s Choice Skincare Essential Routine might be enough to accommodate their skin type and address minor concerns. For others, especially those with visible signs of aging, one of our Advanced Skincare Routines which also includes the use of a serum, will produce enhanced results that build on the basics of cleansing, toning, exfoliating, protecting from sun exposure, and moisturizing.
In other words, if you have more specific concerns such as advanced signs of aging, uneven skin tone, pronounced dehydration, dry patches, or rough texture, a serum might be a good product for you to add into your routine. After all, a well-formulated serum can take your skincare routine to the next level! Serums provide what your skin needs to look beautifully revived and renewed, and their fortifying qualities can make skin feel better and look healthier.
You can use a serum twice per day: In the morning, apply it before your daytime moisturizer with sunscreen; at night, smooth it on before applying your nighttime moisturizer. You can also decide to use a serum only in the evening, applied before your moisturizer. It's up to you!
For those with oily skin, you may prefer to use a serum as the last step in your nighttime routine and let it serve as your nighttime "moisturizer". Serums can and should be applied around the eyes, too, and you can follow with an eye cream if desired.
It might also be beneficial to alternate different serums or to layer them as needed for more customised results. That’s what many of us at Paula’s Choice Skincare do, as this is a great tactic if you can’t decide between two serums or if you feel that both could help your skin improve.
Another reason this might be effective is because skin is not static; its needs can change for numerous reasons, such as changes in seasons, exposure to a new climate, or the passing of time.
Choosing the Best Paula’s Choice Serum for You
At Paula’s Choice Skincare, we’ve developed a range of serums that vary in texture and potency. Their concentrated formulas can address advanced concerns, such as multiple signs of aging (including wrinkles), signs of environmental damage, loss of firmness, dehydrated, dull-looking skin, and uneven skin tone.
The following guidelines can help you decide which serum is best for you. If you have questions, please contact our Customer Care team or chat with them online. The team is well-trained and well-versed in everything skincare, and would love to help you with professional advice!
- For normal to very dry skin, use our SKIN RECOVERY Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol to provide antioxidants that protect from environmental assault and nourishing non-fragrant plant oils like evening primrose and grapeseed to relieve dryness. This serum also contains the anti-aging superstars retinol.
- For normal to dry or slightly dry skin, our RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Vitamin C is an ideal option. Those looking for a concentrated anti-aging serum, and who are sensitive to retinol, will find that this serum’s vitamin C and peptide-spiked formula works brilliantly.
- For signs of aging, large pores, and skin prone to clogs and bumps, use our oil-free RESIST Ultra-Light Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Hyaluronic Acid. The combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid smooths the skin’s surface without leaving a slick or greasy feel.
- For normal to oily skin that tends toward clogged pores, our SKIN BALANCING Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum with Retinol is a weightless wonder to help safeguard skin’s appearance from environmental assault and quickly improve hydration with its feather-light touch. Its special texture helps minimise the look of large pores, while retinol goes to work on wrinkles and fine lines.
Finally, if you have extra-sensitive skin prone to redness, your skin will love our CALM Repairing Serum. This lightweight formula comforts skin and eases redness, and is even gentle enough for those with rosacea and eczema, while delivering skin-replenishing ingredients like glycerin and ceramides.
Find out how to apply serums and other skincare products the right way.
Shop Paula’s Choice face serums and treatments here.
References for this information
- Indian Journal of Dermatology, May-June 2016, pages 279–287
- Cosmetics, 2015, pages 259–276
- Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 2014, pages 173–181
- Life Sciences, October 2014, pages 1–7
- Phytotherapy Research, February 2014, pages 159–166
- Clinical Dermatology, March-April 2009, pages 159–165
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science, December 2006, pages 447–451
- Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, September 2007, pages 183–188
- Journal of Investigative Dermatology, October 2005, pages 826–832
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2005, pages 243–249
- Evidence Based Complementary Alternative Medicine, 2013, volume 2013, article 827248
- American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2003, pages 107–129
