Everyone’s exhausting routines have left our skin exposed to pollution, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, stress wrinkles and dull skin. Our hustle shouldn’t be the reason our skin should suffer. And, we get that choosing proper serums, masks and creams can be incredibly confusing. The advertisements, attractive packaging and the variety available definitely doesn't make it easier. Worry not, in this article, we will talk about the best 5 serums that would help your skin glow from within. These ingredients in the serums will work best if they are compatible with your skin concerns and skin type.
- Vitamin C : Popular far and wide, this potent ingredient is one of the most famous ones when it comes to glowing skin. And why won’t it be ? With benefits like skin brightening, reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation, battling sun exposure and discolouration and boosting collagen production, it’s no secret that this is everyone’s favourite.
Best when used in the AM routine before moisturiser and sunscreen.
There are ample brands offering their version of Vitamin C serums, either just that being the star ingredient or mixing it up with niacinamide or alpha arbutin, etc., to make it even more efficient. You can choose the perfect serum for yourself based on the following things :
- Type of Vitamin C - There are two main types of Vitamin C serums, L-ascorbic which is most commonly used and a pure form of the vitamin, but it is not suitable for sensitive skin since it tends to be a tad bit harsh and also has lesser shelf life. Another type is Vitamin C derivatives. The ones which are used most often are magnesium ascorbyl palmitate, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate and retinyl ascorbate. After getting absorbed in the skin, the derivatives are converted into ascorbic acid. Serums with Vitamin C derivatives are more sensitive skin friendly and have a longer shelf life1.
- Concentration - 10% - 20% is ideal depending on your skin type and tolerance.
- Stabilising ingredients - In its pure form, Vitamin C isn’t very stable and tends to oxidise soon when it comes in contact with light and air, hence, it's important that your serum has stabilising ingredients like Ferulic Acid and Vitamin C to make it more usable and minimise the the risk.
- Hyaluronic Acid : Yes, the whole skincare industry is going gaga over it and yes, this ingredient deserves the hype. Hyaluronic Acid works to revive your skin from dullness and dehydration. Not only does it heal and strengthen the skin barrier, it’s also known to work on wrinkles and redness ensuring that the glow comes from within and lasts long2.
- Retinol : A best friend for mature and ageing skin but its benefits don’t stop there.
It also prevents breakouts and clogged pores while helping with post-inflammatory pigmentation that occurs when the blemishes are at their healing stage. Retinol is well acclaimed by users, dermatologists and estheticians alike. It works so well because it promotes cell turnover to reveal a healthier, brighter skin underneath the damaged surface. Usually works with all skin types, it’s not called an all star ingredient for nothing3
- Squalane : A relatively newer ingredient for you skincare fans, but very potent. It actually already exists in our very own skin in the form of squalene. But when made for skincare it becomes squalane.
Squalane, a non-comedogenic ingredient in serums and oils, is exceptional in restoring the skin barrier. Like a lot of other natural skincare ingredients, this one boasts of many good-for-you qualities. It tackles fine lines and texture, giving you that youthful, refreshed, just woke-up-from-a good-sleep look. It provides a luminous glow since it moisturises the skin inside out.
- Niacinamide : A form of Vitamin B3, niacinamide is what you need if you are looking for a blemish free glow. It revitalises dull skin, reduces the pore size and controls sebum production so that you can sport fresh and spot free face. Niacinamide serums work effectively well to produce collagen and promote cell turnover. Its USP for most people is that it repairs acne scars and dark spots. Most serums come with 2% to 10% concentration of niacinamide. Beginners can start with 5% niacinamide and use it regularly to see some great results !
Finally, a tip from one skincare enthusiast to another - ALWAYS remember to moisturise your skin after serums to balance the dryness caused by them and when using the serums in the AM routine, follow up the moisturiser with a broad spectrum sunscreen so that you can flaunt that glow all day long!
Sources:
1.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5605218/