Facial serum is a highly concentrated skin care product that penetrates deeper into the skin's surface than conventional moisturisers. In fact, you only need a few drops of this powerful concentrate of active ingredients for daily treatment of the face, neck and décolleté to achieve impressive results. Regular use leads to visibly healthier and more radiant skin.
While vitamin C serum ensures radiant skin, retinol serum effectively combats wrinkles and signs of ageing. Hyaluronic acid serum provides the skin with intensive moisture and has a plumping effect. Niacinamide serum is also suitable for an even complexion and ceramide serum for strengthening the skin barrier. These versatile products can be used both as an emergency aid for sudden skin problems and as long-lasting skin care products. Regardless of skin type - whether dry, oily or combination - there is a suitable serum for every skincare need.
The centrepiece of modern skincare routines is undoubtedly the face serum. These highly concentrated skincare products are true multi-talents that target specific skin problems such as ageing, pigmentation, lack of moisture or acne, thereby significantly improving skin care results.
Compared to moisturising creams, serums have a lighter, more fluid texture which distinguishes them from creamy products. While creams mainly moisturise and form a protective barrier, serums deliver targeted treatments for specific skin concerns. Moisturisers contain oil, water and emulsifiers, resulting in a rich consistency, whereas serums are characterised by their clear or milky, fluid-like nature.
In fact, the two products should not be seen as competitors, but as perfect complements. One expert explains: "Although a serum contains highly concentrated active ingredients, it rarely has moisturising properties, unlike a moisturising facial care product. A combination of both products is therefore recommended for a complete skincare routine.
The effectiveness of facial serums is due to their molecular structure. The lightweight formula and thin consistency allow active ingredients to penetrate into deeper layers of the skin - areas that ordinary creams cannot reach. Due to their special formulation, they penetrate deep into the epidermis and deliver fast, visible results.
The small molecule structure of the serum penetrates much deeper into the skin than that of the cream. It is therefore important to apply the serum before the cream. Otherwise, the oil-based cream could prevent the serum from penetrating and negate its skincare effect.
The high concentration of active ingredients makes serums true "power beauty boosters". Compared to conventional creams, they contain significantly more active substances - often in doses up to ten times higher. This means that just a few drops are enough to achieve maximum results.
One impressive example is a serum with Celumer Marine Extract, which has been proven to provide 48% more hyaluronic acid, which significantly increases skin hydration and leads to plumper, plumped-up skin. It also promotes 43% more collagen for stronger connective tissue, which makes the skin appear firmer and younger.
Due to their concentrated action, high-quality serums can help to regenerate, nourish, rejuvenate and treat serious skin problems in addition to general skin improvement. These versatile products perfectly complement any skincare routine and intensify the skincare effect of other cosmetic products.
Choosing the right facial serum depends largely on your individual skin type. Each serum contains specific active ingredients that are tailored to different skin needs. Below you can find out which serums are particularly suitable for your skin type.
Moisturising ingredients are crucial for dry skin. Hyaluronic acid intensively binds moisture in the uppermost layer of the skin and plumps up wrinkles from the inside. It also improves the skin's elasticity and combats dryness lines. An aloe hyaluronic serum is particularly suitable for dry and mature skin, as it not only moisturises but can also prevent premature skin ageing. The aloe vera gel also has a soothing effect on the skin and can provide more suppleness when used regularly.
A serum with niacinamide and zinc is particularly effective for oily skin. A niacinamide serum with a 10% concentration has been proven to ensure an even skin tone and fewer visible pores. After four weeks of use, 91% of users confirm a reduction in the visibility of pores. Zinc PCA has an antimicrobial effect, while niacinamide regulates sebum production and has an anti-inflammatory effect. For oily skin, oil-free, non-comedogenic formulations are also recommended to prevent clogged pores.
Sensitive skin needs gentle but effective ingredients. Ceramides are the body's own lipids and a central component of the skin barrier - up to 60% of the lipids in the skin barrier are ceramides. They retain moisture in the skin, protect against transepidermal water loss and soothe irritated skin. Thyme and cucumber extract are also particularly suitable as they can minimise redness. A soothing serum such as SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Gel can calm the skin and reduce redness.
Mature skin benefits from retinol serums, which boost collagen production and smooth wrinkles. Retinol is an anti-ageing ingredient that stimulates cell renewal and reduces the depth of wrinkles. Retinol can also help to refine the pores and thus ensure a more even complexion. High-quality anti-ageing serums often also contain hyaluronic acid and peptides, which together with retinol provide a plumping effect and radiant skin.
Serums with AHA/BHA acids and vitamin C are suitable for blemished skin. Beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) such as salicylic acid penetrate deeper into the skin and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) remove dead skin cells and stimulate skin regeneration. Vitamin C stabilises the skin barrier, supports regeneration and counteracts inflammation. The combination of these active ingredients is particularly effective for blemished skin, but they should not be used at the same time. Experts recommend using vitamin C during the day and AHA/BHA in the evening. View vitamin C serum.
The correct application technique is crucial to ensure that the valuable active ingredients of a face serum can unfold their full power. Skin experts emphasise that it is not only the choice of product but also the method of application that determines the success of skin care.
A facial serum should always be used between cleansing and moisturising. After thorough facial cleansing and before moisturiser is the best time to apply it. Experts explain: "A thick layer of cream can prevent the serum, with its lighter consistency, from being absorbed into the skin". The general rule of skincare is to go from thin to thick. In fact, water-based serums should be used first, followed by oil-based formulations.
When it comes to dosage, less is often more. As serums are highly concentrated, a pea-sized amount is sufficient for the entire face and neck. pea-sized amount is sufficient. Alternatively, some experts recommend a hazelnut-sized portion. Between one and two pumps or drops are completely sufficient, as the formulations are extremely effective.
Most dermatologists recommend applying with your fingertips. The technique: Apply a drop of serum to the forehead, both cheeks, neck and décolleté. Then gently massage in with your fingertips in a circular motion, working from the bottom upwards. It is important never to rub or pull hard, but to pat in gently.
Applying several serums on top of each other - known as "layering" - can make perfect sense. The following applies: "First apply the serum that is intended for your primary skin problem, allow it to absorb and then use the secondary serum". However, it is important to allow five to ten minutes between layers. Alternatively, serums of the same consistency can be mixed in the palm of your hand.
A common mistake is the wrong order. Never apply the moisturiser before the serum, as this prevents the active ingredients from penetrating. In addition, acidic products should not be combined without expert advice to avoid skin irritation. Also note: Never apply products containing retinol, vitamin A or C to damp skin as this can cause irritation.
When it comes to skincare, active ingredients form the basis of every effective serum. Dermatologists repeatedly emphasise that the right ingredients are crucial for successful skincare. Here is a look at the most effective serums as recommended by experts.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from harmful environmental influences. It has a cell-renewing effect and makes the complexion appear more even by counteracting pigmentation spots and minor blemishes. In fact, it has a brightening effect and protects against free radicals that accelerate skin ageing. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it also contributes to collagen formation and inhibits its breakdown.
Retinol, a form of vitamin A, has been proven to promote the skin's own collagen production and thus contributes to greater firmness and elasticity. It helps to smooth wrinkles and fine lines and even out skin tone. During the ageing process, serums with retinol can stimulate natural skin regeneration and activate collagen production. A concentration of 0.5 to 1% retinol is often used in anti-ageing serums, which is ideal for combating wrinkles and pigmentation spots.
Hyaluronic acid increases the skin's moisture content, improves elasticity and can reduce the depth of wrinkles. High-quality hyaluronic serums contain both long-chain and short-chain molecules. The long-chain hyaluronic acid (1.2-1.8 million daltons) offers protection against environmental influences, while the low-molecular variant (10-50K daltons) penetrates deeper and provides long-term moisturisation.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) ensures an even complexion and a clear complexion. It has a calming and sebum-regulating effect, especially on skin prone to blemishes or redness. Clinical studies show that 73% of users confirm a visibly more even and radiant complexion, while two out of three people notice a visibly more even skin texture.
Ceramides are the body's own lipids and account for up to 60% of the lipids in the skin barrier. They retain moisture in the skin and protect against transepidermal water loss. A high-quality ceramide serum strengthens the natural skin barrier, nourishes with the body's own lipids and provides intensive moisture - particularly valuable for dry, irritated and sensitive skin.
To summarise, the right facial serum is an essential part of any effective skincare routine. The highly concentrated active ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin than conventional creams, delivering impressive results. In fact, correct application makes a significant difference - from applying a pea-sized amount to gently massaging it in with your fingertips.
It is particularly important to choose the right serum for your individual skin type. While hyaluronic acid moisturises dry skin, niacinamide regulates excess sebum in oily skin. Sensitive skin, on the other hand, benefits from soothing ceramides that strengthen the skin barrier. Mature skin, on the other hand, needs retinol to reduce wrinkles, while vitamin C ensures radiant skin.
The right order in the skincare ritual also plays a decisive role. The serum should always be applied after cleansing and before the moisturiser. This allows the valuable active ingredients to optimally penetrate the skin and develop their full effect.
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As an owner-managed family business, BONSANA has been synonymous with high-quality products that protect and care since 1996. With in-depth market knowledge and personalised support, BONSANA brings selected beauty brands to pharmacies, drugstores and leading retailers in Switzerland and throughout Europe. By choosing high-quality facial serums and using them correctly, anyone can achieve healthier, more radiant skin - regardless of skin type or specific skin problems.
