Face Serum: Why You Should Use One

Written by: Paula's Choice Research Team

It’s true that every product in your skincare routine should contain skin-loving antioxidants and replenishing, skin-restoring ingredients. However, serums are special. Face serums are more advanced, concentrated formulations designed to address specific needs in a more focused, enriching manner.

Depending on your specific skincare concerns, you may need higher concentrations of key anti-aging and anti-pollution ingredients. While moisturizers contain many of these beneficial ingredients, there simply isn't room in their formulas for the higher amounts needed to effectively address or prevent advanced skincare issues. Serums are able to effectively address skincare concerns directly by delivering a higher dosage of specialised ingredients to the targeted area.

Serums don't need to contain the ingredients required in other products, such as the sunscreen actives found in daytime moisturizers or the heavy emollients that give nighttime moisturizers their texture. Instead, face serums use that extra space to pack in other beneficial ingredients such as more antioxidants, skin-replenishing, and skin-restoring ingredients. Because of their special blends and textures, our serums are easily added to your existing skincare routine and can even be layered with each other. So, whether you want a serum with retinol, serum with hyaluronic acid, or serum with vitamin C, we’ve got you covered with serums that contain proven ingredients.

Face serum benefits for all ages

Just like it’s never too soon to start being physically active or eating mindfully, this fundamental aspect of life also applies to skincare. Using face serums loaded with important ingredients before you start seeing signs of aging and environmental damage means you'll be on track for getting (and keeping) the beautiful skin you want now and in the long term.

Keep in mind that just like your body never "gets used" to eating nutrient-dense foods, nor does your skin get used to great ingredients. Your skin craves and needs generous amounts of beneficial ingredients because they help your skin stay healthy and young-looking. Using them now does not mean they won’t work "when you really need them", rather, they will be working for you every day of your life.

Of course, these ingredients also work after signs of aging appear, but without question, sooner is better than later!

Choosing a serum for your face & when to use a face serum

No matter how well formulated a serum is, it isn’t right for you if it isn’t a match for your skin type. So, if you’re looking for a face serum for oily skin, look for a fluid or light lotion serum that feels weightless on skin but still has a potent formulation.

When it comes to choosing a face serum for dry skin, you’ll likely love a serum packed with emollients like shea butter, omega fatty acids to strengthen the moisture barrier, and ceramides for barrier support.

Sensitive skin calls for serums packed with hydrating and calming ingredients, like ceramides and beta-glucan.

Those are just a few suggestions from our range of face serums. Feel free to experiment with more than one, as each formula contains a different mix of exciting ingredients to visibly improve skin in multiple ways.

Depending on your skin type and concerns, a face serum can be used either once or twice per day. During the day, you should apply it before your daytime moisturizer with SPF. At night, it can either be used on its own or applied right before your nighttime moisturizer and eye cream.

Learn more about anti-aging and wrinkle ingredients for your skin.

Shop Paula’s Choice Face Serums & Treatments.