A serum is similar to a moisturizer, but not quite the same. The main difference -- aside from their silky, gel-like texture -- is that serums have a higher concentration of active ingredients. This allows them to penetrate more layers of the skin to quickly and efficiently prevent and remove wrinkles, fine lines, age spots and dryness. They do so better than a moisturizer alone does (though they do work well when paired with a moisture, too).
To achieve best results, cleanse your skin, use an alcohol-free toner and then apply serum to the designated area while the skin's slightly damp. Dampness helps serum penetrate even deeper. Follow up with a moisturizer. (FYI: moisturizers prevent moisture from evaporating from the skin and also wards off environmental irritants. Wear a moisturizer daily, even if you're wearing a serum.)
If you haven't gathered from the above, here's a little secret: serums are a woman's best friend. Let man have his dog -- you take the serum.
I've sampled and reviewed -- and spent many a dollar -- on serums in my day. Below are some of my personal favorites in addition to serums that have been well received in the beauty world.
Serums For Your Eyes
Bargain Prices:
- Antho's Lullabies for My Eyes Organic Eye Serum, $16Antho uses 99% USDA certified organic ingredients in all its products, ensuring a truly healthy experience for your skin. Their Lullabies for My Eyes serum packs anti-aging oxidants to help restore youthful eyes and prevent signs of aging.
- Myrtle Leaf's Firming Eye Serum, $22
A concentrated blend of powerful antioxidants, cell-building proteins and nourishing oils,carefully selected to help reduce dark circles under the eyes. Excess hemoglobin released by the fragile blood vessels under the eyes can be absorbed and eliminated by a special concentrated complex consisting of yeast enzymes (oxido-reductases), soy peptides & rice peptides (hydrolyzed rice bran extract) found in this amazing serum.
Mid-End:
- Clarisonic Opal Anti-Aging Sea Serum, $65
This serum was developed by immunology expert Dr. Robb Akridge to optimize for the dynamics of sonic technology. His multi-layered approach uses marine extracts and botanicals that hydrate, firm, tighten and protect skin from future damage. Designed to help target crow's feet and extra under eye 'baggage', it leaves skin feeling hydrated and refreshed.
- Peter Thomas Roth Laser-Free Resurfacing Eye Serum, $58
Skip the laser, get the results! This eye serum helps skin appear resurfaced, regenerated, renewed, and repaired. It addresses the appearance of noticeable signs of aging, including the effects time, UV exposure, and environmental damage.
High-End:
- Phytomer Youth Performance Wrinkle Radiance Serum, $128
This serum features an exceptional texture which instantly melts on application to create younger looking skin. Its high-tech formulation includes a new, vectorized marine ingredient, Seastem Ciblactiv, which precisely targets the skin's regeneration cells.
- Marie Veronique Eye Serum, $80
MVO's all-natural eye serum decreases eye puffiness with caffeine-packed guarana, relaxes muscles with GABA to diminish squinting (which causes crow's feet) and reduces wrinkles and expression lines. It also lightens dark circles under the eye.
Serums For Your Face
Bargain Prices:- Antho's Lullaby for Skin Organic Face Serums, $16
Antho's Lullaby for Skin Face Serum comes in two forms: one for oily skin and another for dry skin. Both balance skin tone, soothe skin and reduce/prevent signs of aging. The Dry Skin face serum is best for mature, damaged, dull or very dry skin. Their Oily Skin face serum is ideal those with problem or acne-prone skin.
- Yes To Blueberries Intensive Skin Repair Serum, $20
Looking for a paraben-free product? Here it is! The blend of anti-oxidant rich fruits and special ingredients work to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin firmness and soothe and protect age-damaged skin. The organic cotton thistle further hydrates skin and increases collagen production.
Mid-End:
- NEOCUTIS PREVedem Antioxidant Serum, $45Here's a powerful anti-oxidant serum that primes and strengthens skin as it provides daily anti-oxidant protection against environmental assault. The product is formulated with a high concentration of a non-distillate, natural, polyphenol rich Hamamelis Virginiana Extract (Witch Hazel) to help condition skin.
- Soap & Glory Make Yourself Youthful Super Rejuvenating Face Serum, $35
Packed with collagen-boosting and circulation stimulating ingredients, this amazing super-regenerating facial serum helps re-energize tired skin, smooth surface imperfections, refine pores, recalibrate uneven skin tone, brighten, tone and tighten, while acting as a light-medium nightly moisturizer.
- Philosophy When Hope is Not Enough Serum, $38
This firming and lifting facial serum is enriched with toning, firming and hydrating properties to revitalize a dull, lifeless complexion. The lightweight, fluid gel absorbs easily into the skin unlike any other face serums on the market.
High-End:
- Joanna Vargas Rejuvenating Serum, $100
This ideal anti-aging moisturizer is the simple solution for those seeking a light, non-greasy residue. It smells incredible and uses all natural ingredients. It's the perfect potion of essential oils and is loaded with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties and nourishing ingredients that promote cellular metabolism, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also be worn on the neck and is especially great for mature, dry skin.
- LaseResults Calm & Restore Serum, $75
A unique hydrating serum designed to instantly calm and hydrate, as well as improve the appearance and feel of your skin. The results: a refreshed, firm, supple and healthy-looking complexion. If you're looking for the perfect anti-aging kit, consider investing in LaseResults whole collection ($383), a well-received line of products that's proven effective.
Serums For Your Neck
- LUSH's Full of Grace Serum Bar, $14
Full of Grace serum bar is made with a concentrated blend of moisturizing murumuru and cupuacu butters to hydrate skin, and rose oil to relieve irritations. The serum is easily absorbed by the skin, creating a soothing treatment for the neck. It also works well on the face.
- Walgreen's Deep Wrinkle Serum, $17
This silky-smooth, light serum reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It glides on easily and is quickly absorbed, for skin that feels velvety-smooth. Smooth the serum over face and neck until completely absorbed. You may experience mild tingling or tightness. This is normal and indicates that the product is working.
Mid-End:
- SIBU Beauty Sea Buckthorn Hydrating Serum, $40
Experience the ultimate in skin hydration. This light, non-oily serum improves skin tone and texture, brightens your complexion and stimulates cell renewal with the help of sea buckthorn. Infused with vitamins and high in antioxidants, this serum fortifies the skin against the aging process and repairs damage at a cellular level.
- Myrtle Leaf Nature's Chemistry Organic Nutrients Hydrating Serum, $34
Like a skilled mason, this amazing serum works continuously to help rebuild the cell walls in the skin by delivering vital lipids and nutrients to the innermost dermal layer, where healing begins. The result is a profound improvement in the overall "health" and firmness of the skin, leaving it glowing and radiant!
High-End:
- Joanna Vargas Daily Serum, $85
The serum acts ast to revitalize your skin's appearance, improving your skin tone, minimizing pores, raising moisture levels and giving you remarkably radiant skin. This magical elixer penetrates deeply to make your skin clearer, brighter and healthier. This can also be applied to face and eyes.
- Wei Beauty Jujube Age Control Serum, $78
This lightweight gel serum uses humectants along with a complex of Jujube and eight other herbs to restore moisture and bring a radiant glow to the skin. It hydrates skin and softens without adding excess oil, revitalizes tired skin and improves skin's natural radiance and clarity.
