What are Hydrating Serums and Why Should You Use Them?

Hydrating or moisturizing serums have become a cornerstone of modern skincare. You have probably come across these products on social media since skincare influencers keep talking about them, recommending their favorites. It’s natural to wonder what they are and why you need them. This article explains what hydrating serum is and why you should add it to your skincare regimen.

What are Hydrating Serums?

Moisturizing serums are skincare products that contain a high concentration of hydrating and moisture-retaining ingredients. Whether you’re using a hydrating serum for combination skin or other skin types, their formula is usually lightweight and fast-absorbing. Your skin absorbs it quickly giving you more ease as you go about your skincare regimen. However, they are not meant to replace moisturizers and other skincare products.

What Do Hydrating Serums Do?

Hydrating serums boost and maintain moisture in the skin. The best hydrating serum for oily skin, or other skin types, works by delivering a concentrated dose of moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. This particular ingredient attracts and retains water within your skin. Moisturizing serums prevent the skin from drying, keeping your appearance youthful and radiant. In one study, hyaluronic acid in serum form increased skin hydration by 55%.

At What Age Should You Use A Face Serum?

The best age to start using face serum depends on individual skin needs. Everyone is different, and our skin responds differently to skincare products and lifestyle in general. However, for most people, the best age to use face serum is in their 20s. This is the time when people usually start noticing signs of skin damage. Signs of aging associated with mature skin appear between ages 40 and 50, but they can show up before 30s. That’s why it’s best to start using hydrating serum for face in your 20s.

Importance of Skin Hydration

Skin hydration is important because, like other organs in the body, your skin needs enough moisture to function properly. Dry skin can impair the skin’s natural processes and lead to problems such as decreased elasticity and a higher risk of cracking and inflammation. Lack of hydration can cause skin dryness. It can shrivel plump skin cells which can lead to the premature formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

A well-hydrated skin is more resilient and can work at its full potential to withstand environmental stressors.

Another reason behind the importance of skin hydration is that it supports natural processes such as cell turnover and collagen production which are both crucial to youthful appearance.

You’ll achieve the best results if you hydrate your skin with products specifically formulated for your skin type. For instance, if you have an oily T-zone and dry cheeks, you will surely benefit from a hydrating serum for combination skin.

Understanding Your Skin Type

Skincare efforts sometimes fail because the products aren’t appropriate for the specific skin type. Your hydrating serum and other products will do their job properly only when you choose items that are formulated to meet the specific and unique needs of your skin. That’s why it’s important to understand your skin type.

Different skin types

Different skin types are:

• Oily skin: indicated by excessive production of sebum (oil) which can result in shiny complexion and enlarged pores. People with oily skin are prone to acne. Oily skin also needs proper hydration, which is why you need to consider the best hydrating serum for oily skin. This formula will keep your skin hydrated without the shiny and greasy appearance.
• Dry skin: lacks moisture and is often characterized by flakiness, tightness, and dull appearance. Redness and fine lines tend to be more noticeable with dry skin.
• Combination skin: exhibits characteristics of both oily and dry skin. Generally, the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) is greasy or oily, but the cheeks and other areas are dry. This skin type requires hydrating serum for combination skin for a radiant and healthy appearance.
• Sensitive skin: prone to irritation, redness, and reactions to environmental factors and certain products, especially those with harsh ingredients. It can be dry, oily, or normal.
• Normal skin: pores are barely visible, complexion is radiant, and almost no imperfections.

How to Determine Your Skin Type?

There are several ways to determine your skin type. An easy strategy is to take note of your skin’s condition from morning to evening on a typical day. Oily skin will appear greasy, combination skin will have shiny T-zone and matte cheeks, dry skin will feel tight and flaky, and sensitive skin will appear inflamed and itchy. Normal skin is balanced, neither too dry nor too oily. Most of the time, this skin type has no issues.

Choosing the Right Hydrating Serum

To be truly satisfied with a hydrating serum, you need to know how to choose the right product. Here’s what to consider:

• Brand: always select a hydrating serum for face made by a reputable brand known for the efficacy and safety of their products
• Skin type: buy a serum that works for your skin type; if your skin lacks moisture, it will benefit from dry-skin hydrating serums, likewise, you will get positive results from the best hydrating serum for oily skin if your skin tends to get greasy.
• Ingredients: look for ingredients known for hydrating effects e.g. hyaluronic acid and peptides
• Additional benefits: some serums offer antioxidant protection and other useful effects along with hydration
• User reviews: buy a serum with positive customer reviews and testimonials, and avoid products with a lot of complaints

Skincare Benefits of Hydrating Serum

Moisturizing serums are incredibly beneficial to your skin. Some of their most important benefits are described below.

1. Hydrating serum protects your skin

Moisturizing serums create a protective barrier on the skin. They lock in the moisture and prevent dehydration. The protective barrier shields the skin from harmful environmental factors such as pollution. This protection lowers the risk of skin damage and premature aging.

2. Hydrating serum improves your skin tone

Regular use of a hydrating serum leads to a more even and radiant complexion. Deep skin hydration reduces the appearance of redness, blotchiness, and uneven skin tone. As a result, your skin gets a smoother, more balanced look.

3. Hydrating serum acts fast

Hydrating serum for the face usually contains lightweight, fast-absorbing ingredients. These ingredients penetrate the skin quickly for immediate and noticeable hydration. The rapid action makes these serums a wonderful choice for people who are seeking instant relief from dry and sensitive skin.

Know the Difference between Serums & Moisturizers

Both serums and moisturizers are associated with skin hydration and nourishment, but they’re not the same.

Moisturizers like Infusoderm Deep Hydration Daily Moisturizer are thicker and creamier. They are formulated with hydrating ingredients, occlusives, and emollients to lock in the moisture in your skin. These products hydrate, revitalize, and brighten your skin while protecting it against free radicals.

Serums such as Excelagene Intensive Hydration Serum have a higher concentration of active ingredients. Unlike creamy moisturizers, serums have a thinner consistency. They work in a targeted effect addressing specific skin concerns. For example, hydrating serum for combination skin contains active ingredients that will specifically address issues attributed to the skin type.

Moisturizers act on the surface of the skin, whereas serums penetrate deeply into the skin. So, it’s best to use both products as they give better results when combined.

FAQ

Is vitamin C serum hydrating?

While vitamin C serum is not a primarily hydrating product, it can indirectly improve skin’s hydration. Vitamin C is well-known for its antioxidant properties that protect the skin against oxidative stress and damage. Vitamin C serum improves skin hydration and promotes skin health. If your skin is prone to dryness, you may benefit more from a hydrating serum for face that is specifically formulated for this skin condition.

Can I use hydrating serum every day?

Yes, you can use hydrating serum every day. Moisturizing serums are specifically created to be a part of your regular skincare routine. Most serums of this kind should be applied twice a day, in the morning and before bedtime.

Do I need a moisturizer if I use a serum?

Yes, you need a moisturizer even if you use a serum. While serums provide active ingredients that hydrate your skin, moisturizers lock in the moisture and form a protective barrier to keep your skin nourished. After your cleanser and toner, you may apply your serum followed by your moisturizer.

Can I use serum without toner?

You can use serum without a toner. However, it’s better not to skip a toner in your skincare routine. The Maxatone Clarifying Toner not only tones your complexion but also eliminates impurities that may have been missed while cleansing. Additionally, toners promote proper absorption of other skincare ingredients giving your skin the best results.

Is a hydrating serum necessary?

Hydrating serum is necessary in skincare routine because it provides concentrated moisture, plumps the skin, and reinforces the skin’s protective barrier. With regular use of moisturizing serums, your skin becomes smoother, more nourished, and youthful.

Conclusion

Hydrating serum is a popular skincare product that should be included in your daily routine. These products make sure your skin receives the proper hydration and nourishment it truly needs.

Serums are formulated for specific skin types. Understanding your skin type and choosing the right formulation should give you the best results. Dry skin needs moisture and hydration. If your face appears greasy, consider using the best hydrating serum for oily skin. Remember, serums should not replace the items in your skincare regimen, rather, they work optimally when they are combined with other products such as toners and moisturizers.

References

1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8322246/
2] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/nop2.351
3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2577631/
4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6549792/