Right now, most of us are living with uncertainty, and that could mean your skin is breakout out. From redness to dryness or acne a go-to fix for giving your skin a skin serum. Editor Trudi Brewer says for those who are already fans, or if you are ready to try one for the first time, check out these hard-working options.
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A skin serum offers targeted results, for almost every skin concern. How? The potent formulations and the customised approach, in a liquid or gel-like consistency, helps the concentrated ingredients penetrate faster and deeper than other skincare, including moisturisers. The good news, you're never too young to start using one. Find your perfect match to treat any concern from the collection below. By Trudi Brewer.
Editor Trudi Brewer shares why a skin serum will amplify the effects of everything else you apply to your skin on TV3’s The Cafè.
Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Rapid Brightening Treatment with Ferment + Vitamin C, $158.
New
Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Rapid Brightening Treatment with Ferment + Vitamin C, $158.
Created to boost skin clarity, and help reduce the look of dark spots, and acne scars, the potent ingredients include a stabilised vitamin C, with fermented molasses and yeast. Together this formula boosts the skin's natural exfoliating process, which over time, slows as we age. So not only can you expect a brighten looking complexion, this serum works to break that cycle of dullness - and who doesn't want that, right?
Also available in 50ml size too, $218.
Smooth wrinkles
The Ordinary Buffet, $32.
If wrinkles are your worry, then the smorgasbord of peptides ( which are short chains of amino acids that mimic skin functions like the production of collagen and elastin), and vitamin A (retinol) in this little bottle will be a welcome relief. The active ingredients at an affordable price make this serum is one of my faves from The Ordinary collection. Be mindful when using retinol-laden skincare, you may experience some flaking or redness, if so, apply every second night, while your skin adjusts.
The Ordinary Buffet, $32.
Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter, $189.
Brighten
Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter, $189.
The combination of ingredients Clinique calls "damage erasers,’ along with new technology called 'CL302’ equalizer corrects dark spots in two ways. The blend of seedcake yeast, and salicylic acid, gently exfoliate the look of dark spots from the skin, while, the lineup of antioxidants including Japanese Gyokuro, green tea, mulberry root extract, caffeine and licorice root, (to name a few), prevent future brown spots from showing up on your face - genius right?
Calm sensitivities
Eau Thermale Avene Hydrance Intense Serum, $60.
For anyone with sensitive skin, this serum heals as it hydrates. Boosted with moisture microspheres, and Cohederm, found in Avene's thermal spring water, which restores the hydrolipidic film on the surface of the skin, reducing water loss, the main reason your skin can feel tight and dry. A gel-like consistency it is ideal to use first thing in the morning, before moisturiser and SPF.
Eau Thermale Avene Hydrance Intense Serum, $60.
Dermalogica Age Smart Phyto-Nature Firming Serum, $290.
Firming
Dermalogica Age Smart Phyto-Nature Firming Serum, $290.
Dermalogica believes that stress, lack of sleep, and a poor diet, as well as UV exposure, and pollution, account for up to 50 per cent of visible signs of ageing? If that worries you, then this dual-phase serum with active plant extracts such as Moroccan rockrose extract, camu camu, (a sour berry), and Madagascar green coffee bean extract, and clever technology called 'sapphire-bound biomimetic peptides' (synthetic protein peptides, that are identical to natural amino acids), along with the moisture magnet hyaluronic acid offers an instant plumping effect and long term firmness. Those who use this serum, swear by it, perhaps that is why it’s earned the reputation of being called ‘Botox in a bottle”.
Boost radiance
Shiseido Future Solution LX Legendary Enmei Serum, $700.
The oil-like consistency of this serum leaves a luminous visible sheen on the skin that has me pray I never run out of it. Made with a patented synthetic amino acid, called 'Skingenecell 1P technology', this formulation is a blend of Enmei, a famous Japanese herb, vitamin C, and Japanese emerald green silk. Together these ingredients work to boost radiance, by restoring the moisture levels and skin firmness, you once had in your youth. So, in easy speak, not only does it nourish the skin almost instantly, it balances, calms and helps to boost radiance - fast. Yes, it's pricey, but a little goes a long way, you need only one pump for the entire face - it's like liquid gold.
Shiseido Future Solution LX Legendary Enmei Serum, $700.
Yves Saint Laurent Pure Shots Night Reboot Resurfacing Serum. $120, and refills cost $100.
Overnight treatment
Yves Saint Laurent Pure Shots Night Reboot Resurfacing Serum. $120, and refills cost $100.
This luxe-y, resurfacing bi-phase serum gently buffs and hydrates your skin while you sleep. How? The combination of glycolic and salicylic acids exfoliate the skin, while argan oil and the skin-strengthening moonlight cactus flower hydrate and protect the skin overnight. This new serum will ensure you get your beauty sleep.