If your goal is to have younger looking skin, without the dullness, pigmentation and fine lines and wrinkles; you need to invest in a really great serum!
It might be an extra step in your skincare routine – but it’s an essential one that shouldn’t be missed!
Serums are super concentrated targeted treatments, that are easily absorbed, and penetrate the deepest layers of the skin (due to the smaller molecules). It’s an ideal product for targeting skin problems and concerns; whereas your usual moisturiser acts as a protective barrier for the skin, and only treats the surface layer.
But how do you know which serum is best for you? Read on to discover our favourite smart serums with ground-breaking formulas…
Retinol
One of the most researched skincare ingredients ever, retinol (or vitamin A) is an anti-ageing superstar – a brilliant natural skin-cell communicator that directs skin cells to work together, improving pigmentation, acne and large pores, and helping to increase our own hyaluronic acid production.
Plus, as an antioxidant, it helps prevent oxidative stress in the skin that leads to ageing.
Find it in SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3, R1 190 for 30ml; Environ Intensive Retinol 1, RRSP R354 for 30ml; and new Skinderm Retinol+ Elixir, R620 for 30ml.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
Plumps fine lines and wrinkles, while helping skin cells repair themselves and function at their max. It’s a must in everyone’s regime. The best formulations contain multisized HA particles to penetrate further.
Find it in Eucerin Volume-filler Serum Concentrate, R349.95 for 30ml, has big and small HA particles for deeper penetration; Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, R765 for 30ml, repairs and protects; and Avène Sérénage Nutri-Redensifying Vital Serum, RRSP R459.95 for 30ml, rich in dry-skin-boosting HA; and the super-restorative QMS Night Collagen, R1 000 for 30ml.
Vitamin C
Helps to boost cell turnover, increase natural collagen production, and aids in the repair of UV-induced sun damage and pigmentation. It brightens, helps even out pigment issues, and staves off oxidative stress, which otherwise leads to premature ageing.
Find it in Placecol Vitamin C Radiance Therapy, R305 for 30ml, to brighten skin, and minimise dark spots and pigmentation; Obagi Professional-C Serum 10%, R952 for 30ml, an antioxidant cocktail that contains vitamin C in its purest form.
Plant Derived
Mother Nature is deemed the most powerful chemist. Scientists are able to tap into genius plants, to develop the very best active ingredients for, healthier, beautiful skin.
Find it in Chanel’s new Blue Serum, R1 710 for 30ml, that’s inspired by the blue zones of the world (where people live longer), combining concentrated Green coffee from Costa Rica, antioxidant rich Olives from Sardinia and regenerating Lentisk from Greece; and Esse Plus Probiotic Serum, R1 199 for 30ml, to balances your and strengthen its natural defences
