Cleanse, tone, moisturize, sunscreen – this might be your basic skincare routine. However, if you haven’t added a face serum to the mix, you’re missing out on one of the most potent and effective skincare solutions available. Serums have become a staple in everyone’s skincare regimen, offering targeted treatments that deliver powerful results. Read on to discover why face serums are essential and how they can elevate your skincare routine.

What is a Face Serum?

If your nightly skincare routine is like a three-course meal, then the face serum is the main course. Dense and rich with nutrients, face serums provide ample nourishment to the skin. Face serums are clear, gel-based skincare formulations. They contain a higher concentration of active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, and vitamin C compared to conventional moisturizers.

Some serums can hydrate the skin even better than the heaviest cream available in the market. The regular heavy creams usually form a layer over the skin without penetrating the skin layers. As a result, the deepest layer of the skin gets deprived of the required hydration. While the face serum does the job of inner hydration, it also augments the effectiveness of your moisturizer.

In short, serums are skincare products that provide superior concentrations of specific active ingredients to your skin. There are various kinds of serums available in the market, each one caters to specific skin-types and every serum varies in its functionality, ranging from hydration to skin-brightening.

Now, you might be wondering how the face serums are any different from facial oils. Unlike serums, oils aren’t formulated with water and are thicker in consistency, beneficial for keeping the skin’s barrier smooth and nourished. Let’s discuss this in detail in the next section.

What is the difference between Face Serum and Facial Oils?

Did you know that presently, there are various oil-based serums in the market, however, initially they were more water-based? These oil based face serums are also known as facial oils.

Water-based serums are lighter but effective in providing nourishment to the skin's innermost layer as the molecules of the active ingredients are extremely tiny. 

However, a lot of gel and water-based serum contain chemical ingredients. While each of these ingredients has its unique benefits for the skin, it could be unsuitable for specific skin types.

Thankfully, there are natural and organic alternatives to these chemical serums. One of them is using all-natural facial oils as face serum. Facial oils like Kumkumadi Oil and Moringa Oil formulated with natural oils are completely safe for all skin types. They can be applied directly to the skin every day without having to worry about any side effects. 

The type of face serum you choose determines the best time and method of application of the serum. The benefits of the face serum also vary depending on its key ingredients. Let’s look at some of these top ingredients of face serum and understand how they benefit the skin. 

Top Benefits of Using A Face Serum

The key benefits of using a face serum depend on the active components present in it. Usually, serums possess topical antioxidants, also including vitamin A (retinol), Vitamin B (niacinamide), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and Vitamin E. Along with these, Retinol and even specific ingredients that smooth out the skin tone. Because of its light consistency, serums usually work wonders when used as a layering product beneath moisturizers.

Serums also work as a targeted treatment for wrinkles, fine lines, pigmentation, and redness.

The following are the top constituents to look for in a face serum based on their key features.

1. Vitamin C

Consider searching for Vitamin C in the ingredient list, especially if you have acne-prone skin. Vitamin C can accentuate the collagen production of the skin. Hence, it speeds up the skin’s repairing process along with diminishing inflammation.

2. Vitamin A Kumkumadi Oil

Kumkumadi Oil is a unique Ayurvedic blend of oils and herbs that is formulated to help the skin look young and healthy. It is prescribed for dull, pigmented, damaged, and aging skin. Kumkumadi Oil has 21 potent herbs like Saffron, Sandalwood, Lotus, Licorice, and Vetiver. Together, these herbs make Kumkumadi Oil an effective serum for revealing a naturally glowing complexion.

Shop Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi Oil Night Serum

3. Retinol

You would be surprised to know this element also, specifically targets and aids in benefitting the acne-prone skin type. It is an antioxidant and can significantly reduce inflammation caused by acne.

4. Zinc

Zinc is an anti-inflammatory agent that can soothe irritation and can also help in regulating oil production. This is possible as it can again clear out the acne-causing bacteria.

4. Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid can help the skin clear out or shed the dead skin cells from the upper layer more effectively. This, in turn, reduces the redness and swelling. Hence, it diminishes pimple formation and promotes healing.

5. Moringa Oil

Vitamin E is renowned for helping those dealing with dull and dry skin. This ingredient is an antioxidant and can protect your skin cells from harmful oxidative damage. One of the best ways to nourish your skin with Vitamin E is by using Organic Moringa Oil as a face serum.

Apart from Vitamin E, Moringa Oil also has powerful ingredients like Vitamin A and Oleic Acid. The high content of oleic acid makes it a deeply hydrating oil, protecting the skin from pollution and other environmental aggressors.

Shop Kama Ayurveda Moringa Oil Serum

6. Niacinamide

The dryness in the skin can be reduced with Niacinamide, as it considerably intensifies the skin elasticity. It even increases the level of ceramide content of the skin. Sufficient ceramide content can constructively balance the moisture of the skin, eliminating dryness.

7. Glycolic acid

Glycolic acid is stated to be an exfoliator that could attenuate the radiance and complexion of the skin. It can even lighten any forms of discoloration and improve the skin tone.

8. Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid can retain and lock in high content of moisture. Thereby, keeps the skin nourished and eliminates the progress of wrinkles. Shop Amarrupa Face Cream with plant-based hyaluronic acid.

9. Green tea extract

Green tea consists of properties that can promote DNA repair of the skin cells. Hence, it even works against Ultraviolet damage caused by harmful sun rays. It also contains components that combat aging sings.

10. Resveratrol

Resveratrol is an antioxidant that could effectively brighten dull-skin it can also even out one’s complexion considerably. Having skin-soothing properties, it is known to diminish redness and inflammation.

11. Ferulic Acid

Ferulic acid is an ingredient that can secure the skin’s integrity by eliminating the formation of spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. This anti-oxidant works by augmenting the efficacy of other antioxidants as well.

The aforementioned face serum constituents can help you find the right serum based on skin type and skin-complications.

How to Use Face Serum for Best Benefits?

Now, as we know the advantages the face serum provides based on the component it contains, let us read about the method of using the face serum to experience its best benefits.

1.Choose The Right Serum

It is essential to choose the serum based on the need of your skin. Selecting the wrong serum could do more harm for your skin than good. Hence, for this, one should consider the following criteria.

• Skin Type

You need to be aware of the skin-type that you possess - understand whether it is oily, dry, or normal skin type. Different serums cater to different skin categories. Hence, identify the skin-type you belong to and then begin searching for the face serum best suitable for you.

• Skin Issues

Next, understand what complications your skin is facing. You can get your skin-type analysed and get recommendations by booking a free consultation with our Ayurvedic beauty experts. Your face serum can help you with your specific skin concerns - bet it wrinkles, fine lines, dry skin, recurrent acne, or dark spots. Accordingly, select the best face serum that could aid in eliminating them.

2. Test Beforehand

At times, those of us with sensitive skin may have allergic reactions to certain skincare products. To avoid the onset of such allergies, it is suggestive to perform a patch test before utilizing any face serum. 

3. Cleanse and Tone before application

The most initial step to begin with any skincare regime is to cleanse the skin thoroughly. Cleansing works by removing sweat, oil, makeup, etc. Throughout the day, the skin gets exposed to different irritants; cleansing helps to get rid of them. After cleansing, one should use a toner to prepare the skin for the next product. Toner is also known to reduce the pore size and provide firmness to the skin. Also, remember always to use the products most suitable for your skin type.

Those with dry skin should apply the serum when the face is slightly damp as the skin moisture content makes penetration faster and easier. For this, you can use a natural toner.

In case you have sensitive skin it is best to apply the serum after the skin dries. This slows down the penetration process and thereby reduces the chances of potential irritations.

4. Use natural serums, avoid artificial fragrances and chemicals.

Serums contain potent constituents. If any artificial fragrance or chemical is added to the serum, it interferes with its absorption process. Other than that, some chemicals used to infuse scents are infamously associated with the origin of respiratory disorders, skin allergies, dermatitis, etc.

Lastly, it is recommended to consult with your dermatologist before incorporating any product into the skin-care regimen to avoid any unforeseen side-effects. You can book a free consultation with an Ayurveda beauty expert for further guidance. 

Before we conclude, let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions about face serums.

Frequently Asked Questions About Face Serum

1. Which is the best serum for the face?

The best serum for your face will depend on your skin concerns and skin type. If you’re trying face serum for the first time, we strongly recommend that you use natural serums only. Kumkumadi Oil and Moringa Oil are our top recommendations for natural face serums. 

2. What are the top face serum uses?

Mostly, face serums are used as an integral part of night care regimes. They aid in skin recovery, nourishment and rejuvenation. The following are the top uses of a face serum.

• Improvement in texture through building the collagen and elastin.
• Reduction in spots and scars.
• Reduction in open pores, blackheads and whiteheads.
• Reduction in dark circles and puffiness of the eyes.
• Better moisturisation and hydration of skin.

Almost all face serums fulfill these purposes. However, some face serums are more effective in treating an issue than others. For instance, Moringa oil effectively reverses skin damage caused by pollution, and Kumkumadi oil effectively reduces pigmentation to reveal a naturally glowing complexion.

3. Which is the best face serum for dry skin?

Oil based face serums are best suited for dry skin. Our top recommendation for face serum for dry skin is Kumkumadi Oil. It is a night serum that is very beneficial for those who have dry skin. Start with using it in small quantities at first (1-2 drops) and you can gradually increase it to 2-3 drops after further usage.

4. When to use face serum?

The right time to a serum varies with the type of serum that you choose. It’s essential to stick to a routine and follow the instructions for using any face serum. Some serums with ingredients like Retinol or acids should not be used during the day as the ingredients present in them could cause skin irritation when exposed to the sun.

For instance, our Moringa oil can be used as a part of your day skincare routine as well as your nighttime routine. However, it’s supposed to be applied first to the skin and left for about 20-30 minutes before washing it off with a natural cleanser.

Kumkumadi oil, on the other hand, is a night serum that should be applied after cleansing and toning the skin. Unlike Moringa oil, it doesn’t need to be washed off and left on the skin overnight to get the best results.

5. How long to face serums take to show visible results?

The time to show desired results depends on the type of serum. Usually, it takes 4-6 weeks to see visible results. Even though a face serum has many active ingredients, do not expect them to show instant results. Use it regularly for long term benefits. 

With this, we conclude our guide on using face serums. I hope you feel ready to equip your skincare routines with an additional magical product - the face serum!

Highlights

• What is a Face Serum?
• What is the difference between Face Serum and Facial Oils?
• Top Benefits of Using A Face Serum
• How to Use Face Serum for Best Benefits?
• 2. Test Beforehand
• 3. Cleanse and Tone before application
• 4. Use natural serums, avoid artificial fragrances and chemicals.
• Frequently Asked Questions About Face Serum