The Best Serums for Any Skin Type—and Exactly Why You Need Them
Serums are kind of a gray area in the beauty world, especially for a younger crowd. And the truth is, you may not need a serum at all! But if you do suffer from a specific, recurring skin concern, you may want to consider adding something a bit more potent to your regime.
Serums can be layered under moisturizers for best results, and they're renowned for delivering high-quality ingredients right to the skin! So if you're looking for a better complexion, picking one up may be well worth the try.
We asked some of our favorite skin professionals what products and ingredients they'd recommend you look into, then we organized them by concern. No matter if you're dry, oily, or just looking for an extra bit of glow, there's something here for you.
Click through the slideshow to see what you should be buying!
Photo: Mark Leibowitz / Sunday Riley1/6Dry? Oily? Red? Don't worry—we've got just the right thing.
Photo courtesy of sukiskincare.com2/6Skin Concern: Redness or Rosacea
The Symptoms: "Redness and rosacea are not the same thing," notes Dr. Heidi Waldorf, a New York-based dermatologist. "Most teens with redness of the face actually don’t have rosacea. A more common reason for redness in that age group is keratosis pilaris—rough bumps in the hair follicles of the cheeks. (You might also see these on the upper outer arms, front of the thighs, and the buttocks.) This condition tends to happen in the same people who have eczema, seasonal allergies, or asthma. But over-using drying acne medications—especially without moisturizing—will also make the skin look red."
Look for Ingredients Like: "You’ll need antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and hydrating ingredients. Polyphenols, found in grape seeds, can have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Products with hyaluronic acid and glycerin are both excellent for hydrating."
Try: This product marries nourishing jojoba oil with soothing grape seed and chamomile. Suki Balancing Facial Oil, $33. Available at sukiskincare.com.
Photo courtesy of sephora.com3/6Skin Concern: Dark Spots or Hyperpigmentation
The Symptoms: "Discoloration on the skin occurs when you’re overly exposed to the sun or you have overactive hormones," says New York City facialist Ildi Pekar. (It can also come from scarring due to acne picking—so be careful!)
Look for Ingredients Like: "Vitamin C, which will improve surface pigmentation, uneven skin tone, and dark spots caused by sun damage. It also will invigorate dermal circulation and cellular turnover." Also, it’s crucial in this step that you get your daily dose of SPF 30!
Try: Vitamin C meets grape antioxidants in Caudalie’s Polyphenol C15 Serum, $62. Available at sephora.com.
Photo courtesy of juicebeauty.com4/6Skin Concern: Acne
The Symptoms: "Acne comes in all forms large and small. It could be pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads, but also can become more extreme and scar."
Look For Ingredients Like: "Salicylic acid, which removes the sticky cells that clog pores and can help with acne."
Try: Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum ($29, available at juicebeauty.com) was a favorite among most of our pros, while Dr. Wechsler recommends Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Correcting Serum ($44, clinique.com).
Photo courtesy of reneerouleau.com5/6Skin Concern: Combination-Oily
The Symptoms: "This skin type has a tendency to breakout, may get shiny, and clogs very quickly," says Pekar.
Look For Ingredients Like: "You could try glycol so your pores won’t get clogged as easy, or look for anything pH balancing."
Try: Since this isn’t a specific condition, you need a good everyday serum that’s not too active or too rich. Get your glow on with a twice-weekly serving of Renée Rouleau Skin Drink, $39, available at reneerouleau.com.
Photo courtesy of nordstrom.com6/6Skin Concern: Dryness
The Symptoms: "People with this condition usually suffer from rough, tight skin," says Dr. Jeannette Graf. "Your skin might feel itchy even after moisturizing," adds Dr. Wechsler.
Look For Ingredients Like: "Hylauronic acid and glycerin, which will help to moisturize," advises Dr. Graf.
Try: Dr. Wechsler calls Chanel Hydra Beauty Serum a "super-moisturizer." $98, available at nordstrom.com.
