Facial Serums Your Skin Is Secretly Craving, When Your Skin Starts Whispering for Help
I still remember the season my skin felt like it had given up on me. It didn’t even seem to care whatever product I used. I tried all manner of serums, face oils, moisturizers and even those creams that will promise you a change in minutes, Lol. I was so desperate to see a change and so, I didn’t care what it would cost me but in all I did, my face still remained dull, rough, and uneven. I think things got even worse. It really affected me, I wasn’t feeling myself anymore.
It became such a personal struggle and whenever I look into the mirror, I got even more sad and never stopped wondering why it had to be so. I avoided taking pictures because I never liked how I looked in them. I mean, who loves seeing an ugly picture of themselves?
It was that bad. One could literally see the bumps, redness and roughness of my skin and whenever my hands touched my face, it just felt really rough. Things just became different as I grew older and so, I just kept pushing and managing myself until one of those nights. I had just washed off another very expensive product from my face and as I looked into mirror, I sighed and sat on the bathroom floor.
I was fed up and tired. I had already spent a lot at that point and so, with tears in my eyes, I whispered ‘what do you want? Skin, what exactly do you want me to do for you?
I literally wanted to hear it speak.
That was my turning point. I think that moment changed everything because I was no more applying what I felt was right or just using the latest product in the market but listening to the needs of my skin and responding with the products it needs. I had to careful study my own skin, stop comparing it with others and focus on the exact type of care it was craving.
I gave myself to learning my own skin, I researched and found answers.
Sincerely speaking, no skin is bad. Some have been carelessly handled while others may just be weak, craving better attention or even completely misunderstood and this is why it is important to know the facial serums your skin is secretly craving.
The moment you become more familiar with your skin, get to understand what it really needs, then, skincare becomes less of a burden but an enjoyable journey because the results will be clear. When your skin gets what it wants, you will also get a clear, healthy and glowing skin.
It is a simple as that!
What Are Facial Serums?
Facial serums are very light weighted and nutritious skin care products made to bring the answers your skin have long waited for. They contain ingredients that sorts out the skin in no time and this is because they are easily absorbed. Facial serums go deep into the skin where even moisturizers cannot reach and they are more efficient in handling problems like wrinkles, dryness, dullness, hyperpigmentation, redness and acne.
Creams moisturize the surface but best facial serums go right into the pores and starts work from the inside. The transformation that facial serums give is not just about how beautiful the outside looks but how effective the change is from the root. You can see them as your daily supplements, very simple to use. Serums are not used in place of moisturizers but they make the results better and clearer. Have your moisturizers and also get your facial serums.
Now that you know what facial serums are, let’s see the ingredients used to make them:
The Secret Language of Ingredients (What Each One Whispers to Your Skin)
It’s one thing to know what your skin wants and it’s another thing to recognize the serum that will give you just that when you see it. Every serum is as strong as its ingredients. Whatever you want from a serum, you can only confirm by checking what it contains and the more you understand what each ingredient does, the easier you make a choice to satisfy the cravings of your skin.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a lot in one. It brightens your skin and makes you shine like the sun. It removes dark spots, balances your tone and protects your skin from stress and harshness. It is that daily requirement to keep your skin alive and well. If your skin is dull, this is the awakening it needs.
As a 2024 study in PubMed and the SkinCeuticals antioxidant research paper confirm that topical vitamin C formulas like CE Ferulic increase the firmness and brightness of your skin and also protects you against UV rays at the same time. After a while of using it, it increases collagen that softens fine lines and helps your skin look more healthy and rested. With Vitamin C, you’d have to be consistent because the consistency is key.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Niacinamide brings the calmness to your skin and brings balance even when hormones and every other factor becomes overwhelming. It also controls oils and reduces inflammation. Niacinamide helps to tighten the pores and at the same time, does not leave your skin dry. You can call it the peacemaker.
According to a review in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology via PubMed Central and Healthline’s dermatology-based guide on Niacinamide, Niacinamide brings firmness, reduces redness and balances your skin color. It is good for sensitive or combination skin types because it never irritates or gets overwhelming. It feels so calm and never causes reactions. Niacinamide serums also help to build up your skin barrier and this makes it so firm that even when other products are introduced, they can all work better without breakouts of any kind. So, if you are struggling with unbalanced skin color, redness, dullness, you need facial serums that contain niacinamide to give you that bright, smooth and even look like your skin finally found life.
Hyaluronic Acid
This acid hydrates the skin and provides water that your skin needs and locks it all up in your pores. Oh, what a relief! A clinical study on topical hyaluronic acid serum published in PMC found that Hyaluronic reduces fine lines and increases hydration. When your facial skin feels very dry and tight, you need hyaluronic acid serums to bring hydration. That way, you will see that it becomes soft, bouncy and plump again. As you apply it, it just slides right into your skin to restore that glow, smoothen the fine lines and revive it.
Retinol (Vitamin A)
This ingredient prevents aging. It is added in facial serums to make you look younger even as you get older. It smoothens your skin texture, removes wrinkles and just makes your skin look fresh and shiny. Retinol is so powerful and just like you respect anything powerful, you don’t just apply anyhow. You have to start slow, allowing your skin to get familiar before increasing the quantity. It’s better used at night but if you have to apply during the day, then, use sunscreens because retinol makes your skin excessively sensitive to light. Be consistent with this and overtime, you will see that undeniable glow form within. Just be patient because anti-aging serums naturally need time.
Peptides
Peptides make the skin stronger and more firm. Normally, the skin tends to look weaker as we grow older but with facial serums that contain peptides, there is nothing to fear. As you apply this, your skin will produce more collagen and elastin that makes it look stronger.
According to Healthline’s Peptides and Your Skin Care Routine report, facial serums that contain peptides make the skin more firm, resilient and very bouncy . It gives that very youthful and young look even as you grow older.
Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids (AHAs & BHAs)
This is an exfoliating ingredient used to sweep off dead cells that stop your skin from glowing and advancing. These dead cells stay back and make your face look old and dead but Alpha and Beta Hydroxy acids wipe them off gently. AHAs like glycol and lactic acid smoothens and brightens the surface of the skin and BHAs like salicylic acid go deeply into the pores to remove oil and old cells. These two acid types work hand in hand to ensure that the full skin is transformed to look healthy, softer and more balanced. It is advised to use this regularly and at the same same time moderately. Always remember to use sunscreen after applying during the day.
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid works calmly but powerfully. It is that type that doesn’t say much but does much. It is one of the Alpha Hudroxy Acids that is made out of fermented milk but it is not as harsh as other acids. It does it’s work quietly until you begin to see the results. Lactic acid removes dead cells and gives a more balanced tone but beyond exfoliating, it also hydrates and makes the skin soft and very plump.
If your skin is the type that reacts to almost every new chemical, it’s best to start with lactic acid. Use at night for once or twice each week and also ensure you apply sunscreen when using it during the day to avoid skin issues. Your skin should be treated like the queen that she is!
Ceramides and Sphingolipids
Ceramides and Sphingolipids protect your skin from the harshness around you. These ingredients strengthen your skin barrier and ensures that your beauty is not affected by either weather or any other irritants outside. It creates an invisible outer layer on your skin that prevents any form of damage. You know how a body guard ensures there is no harm?
That’s exactly what ceramides do!. It makes your skin look healthy and lovely even in a harsh environment. That way, your skin does not just become bad because of the weather but it remains great no matter what because it is protected. Whenever your skin feels so dry, affected by harsh weather or excess exfoliation, you need to apply ceramide serums to help fix the cracks that will be showing, hydrate your skin and push in strength. After a while, your skin will feel softer, thicker, stronger and healthier. Ceramides are very important because when your skin barrier is protected, you won’t struggle with unnecessary redness, breakouts of acne and the rest of them.
Botanicals
Some examples like Aloe Vera. licorice, Green tea are all here. They calm inflammation, reduce redness and give great balance to your skin tone. Botanicals also prevents the effects of pollution, stress and irritation to show on your face.
So, until you are sure of the ingredients, the roles that each come together to play will never make sense to you. It is time to stop the guess work and know what exactly you need and want.
Categories of Facial Serums (By Skin Concern or Need)
There are different types of skin and every skin blossoms when the serum made just for its type is used for it. The hack to all this is knowing the different categories and using them accordingly.
- Hydrating Serums
This is the serum that hydrates your skin. If your skin looks so dry and starved of water from within, then, you need hydrating serums. Hyaluronic acid and glycerine helps your dry skin by popping in moisture and ensuring it stays in to give your skin that fresh look. So, if your skin always looks dry and tight, get yourself a hydrating serum and watch your skin transform to a healthy looking one.
- Brightening Serums
Brightening serums don’t bleach your skin, they only make your skin brighter with ingredients like Vitamins C, niacinamide or Aloha Arbutin. This type of serum fights dullness and helps make your skin look balanced, healthy and glowy. It also reduces the production of melanin which makes you darker. After a while of use, you will see how alive your skin turns out to be.
- Anti-Aging Serums
This category of serums are the type that make sure you look younger everyday. It fights fine lines, wrinkles and weakness. Every anti-aging serum contains retinol, peptides and antioxidants that increases collagen which will make the skin look firmer, smoother and stronger.
- Acne-Control Serums
If your skin always breaks out, this is the type of serum you should go for. Acne- control serums contain ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree extract and niacinamide that will go right into your skin and kill every bacteria that causes the breakout of acne. It also stops inflammation and redness. This serum type is best for oily and combination skin types.
- Soothing Serums
This category of facial serums is for people that have sensitive skin. These serums are always made with ingredients that calm the skin like aloe Vera, Centella Asiatica (Cica) and green tea. Soothing serums help protect the skin from damages and harsh environments, stopping irritation and reducing inflammation. With this, your skin is always calm, feeling refreshed and smooth no matter the danger around.
- Repair Serums
Repair serums are made with Ceramides, Panthenol(Bitamin B5) and other ingredients that help repair the skin. This category of serum helps to rebuild all your skin may have lost as a result of excessive exfoliation or exposure. After a while, your skin is regenerated and healthy again, looking smooth, stronger and richer.
Any of these could be the facial serum your skin is secretly craving and the key to a better skin care journey is finding that out!
Top Facial Serums Your Skin Is Secretly Craving (And What Each One Does)
- SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic (Brightening / Anti-Aging)
This facial serum falls under the category of the anti-aging serums and it is one of the most reviewed and talked about Vitamin C serum in the skincare industry. It contains Vitamin E, pure L-ascorbic acid(Vitamin C) and Ferulic acid that help brighten the skin , remove dark spots and protect the skin. This serum also balances your tone, gives your skin an even colour, makes you glow and look younger by the day.
- The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% (Acne-Control / Brightening)
This is not expensive, it is easy to afford and at the same time, does a lot of work. A lesson that beauty doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The ordinary Niacinamide + zinc serum reduces inflammation, controls oil and stops dark spots or blemishes. It also makes the skin look even and clean. It is very light in weight and can be easily absorbed into the skin. So, if you keep having acne, dullness or too much of shine, this serum will bring balance and healing to your skin. This serum is perfect for combination and acne-prone skin types.
- La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum (Hydrating / Repairing)
This hydrating serum is for persons with dry and dull skin. It gives your skin water and makes it look refreshed at all times. This serum contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 that removes roughness, dryness and ensures your skin looks fresh, strong and alive. One good thing about this serum is that it goes into your skin easily and makes you look hydrated all day. It can also be used on dry, hydrated or sensitive skin.
- Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum (Anti-Aging / Repairing)
This particular serum was made to work more at night but if applied during the day, sunscreen should be used. The Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum contains Retinol and peptides that helps smoothen your skin texture and make it stronger. This retinol serum is different from most serums that contain retinol. It is not as harsh or dry as the others but is very gentle and effective. It makes your skin look and feel stronger, firmer and refreshed everyday. With this serum, you will age backwards. Finally, it is advised to also apply sunscreen if you must use it during the day to protect your skin.
- COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence (Hydrating / Soothing / Repairing)
This is one of Korea’s best serum in production. It is made with 90% snail secretion filtrate and a lot of nutrients that repairs the skin, makes it always hydrated and calm. It clears acne, scars and also gives your skin a unified color. Have you seen someone and you wonder how a person’s skin can be so shinny and clear as glass? That is what this serum can do for you. It can turn your dull looking skin into a very classy, smooth, clear and healthy skin. The skin absorbs this serum so fast because it is very light in weight. So, if you’re struggling with a dull, sensitive or dry looking skin, this is the facial serum you should go for.
- Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster (Brightening / Acne-Control)
This niacinamide booster serum helps to brighten your face and give you a very clean look. It makes your skin shinny and refined. After a while with this serum, you wouldn’t even need to apply make up to look pretty in pictures. You will glow even with your bare face. Niacinamide makes the skin look stronger and younger. It also reduces oil, makes your skin calm and fights every form of acne or breakout. The Paula Choice serum is so easy to use because you have options. You can either add a few drops to your moisturizer or use without a mixture. As you remain consistent with this, you will almost not recognize your skin anymore because the difference will be so clear.
- Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum (Brightening / Anti-Aging)
This is a Vitamin C serum that brightens and protects the skin from damage. It contains enzymes, antioxidants and other materials that will help the skin get better. This serum removes dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles. If your face always looks dry, weak and tired, this one is for you. Drunk elephant serum will brighten your skin and add that glow that you desire. It is best used in the morning and it is mixed right before use. - Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum (Hydrating)
It is a hydrating serum, which means that it provides water for the skin and ensures that it never goes dry. It is easy to absorb because it is very light in weight. This serum contains purified hyaluronic acid that helps the skin to absorb the water in it. This keeps your skin soft, fresher and plumper. It is that type of serum that answers to its name, the reviews never lie! It also has a gel-like nature and this makes it very easy to slide into your skin.
- Garnier SkinActive Vitamin C Serum (Brightening / Everyday Glow)
This brightening serum is a very good choice. It contains Vitamin C and lemon to help remove dark spots, give the skin a unified color and make you glow. Your skin absorbs it so quickly and gives you a glowing look immediately. It can be used in the mornings under your sunscreen or foundation for makeup. Using this consistently makes your skin look fresher, smoother and very bright. There’s one interesting thing about this- It is so affordable and you don’t have to rob a bank, yet, so effective that the results are seen almost immediately. What is more interesting?, Lol
- Simple 10% Niacinamide Booster Serum (Soothing / Brightening)
The Simple 10% Niacinamide Booster is simple, yet very powerful. It is a soothing and brightening serum made for sensitive skin types. It reduces inflammation, redness and balances your skin color. It is not made with any harsh material like alcohol, fragrances and harsh chemicals, yet, it comes at the enemies of your skin very harshly. With this serum, you won’t have reactions or get unnecessarily irritated anymore by new products. This niacinamide serum restores your complexion, makes you look calm and bright.
How to Apply Face Serum the Right Way
- Ensure your skin is clean. Gently rinse and pat your face.
- Apply a toner(not compulsory). You have to apply before your serum if you have one.
- Apply 2–3 drops of serum and gently rub into your skin using your fingertips.
- Apply lighter serums first and then, thicker ones after.
- Apply a moisturizer or sunscreen to seal it all in.
- Be consistent and patient. Avoid pressure because that will not help.
Finally, if you are using serums that have strong and harsh nutrients like Vitamin C and retinol, start little, apply fewer times and increase as you go on. That way, your skin does not react.
To learn better ways of combining serums or actives, this PubMed research shows how niacinamide and hyaluronic acid combined can increase hydration, elasticity and clear signs of aging.
Final Thoughts: Listening to What Your Skin Really Needs
You don’t get a healthy and glowing skin by using the latest product or trying out every product someone else uses. You have to first understand your skin and what it really needs. Find the problems your skin is having and check out the ingredients that sorts that challenge.
With that in mind, you will easily pick the one that meets your need. It doesn’t have to be expensive, it just has to solve the problem. If your skin needs hydration, go for hydrating serums and if it seems dull, go for brightening serums. Just find what your skin really needs.
Your skin is not difficult or bad, you just have not figured what’s best for it because as soon as you get the right serum, it will definitely respond. So, every-time your skin breaks out or becomes dry and dull, it is just telling you that it lacks something and is craving that nutrient. Don’t just reach out for makeup products to cover it all up because when it’s all wiped off, you’re back to the real thing. Choose to pay closer attention because that way, you will begin to see results and the skin care journey becomes very interesting.
Establish a relationship with your skin, allow it learn to trust you. You don’t just force any product you wish on it. Allow it communicate and respond too. That’s a connection!. It is not always about having a flawless skin but more about having a peaceful one. Yes, having one that gives you results, that right there is so comforting.
So, stop comparing yourself with everyone that seems to have the best skin. Find your balance, understand your own skin and boost your confidence. Enjoy your journey because it is very unique!
If this article enriched you, share with someone who you know is also on a skincare journey. They could just be doing things the wrong way and about to quit but this will surely bring help their way. Someone needs to know that their skin is special and unique that way.
It will also be lovely to hear from you, you can share your skincare journey in the comments. What are you struggling with? What have you conquered? Let’s discuss and learn together.
