A serum plays an important role in a balanced skincare routine. It’s an opportunity to incorporate more active ingredients into your regimen, though a serum shouldn’t replace your moisturizer.
Commonly found in a tincture bottle, the serum has a gel-like or liquid consistency that can be layered with other skin care products. It’s best to use a serum after cleansing and toning but before moisturizing.”
Serums can be beneficial for targeting a variety of skin concerns and skin types. People who want to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and other signs of aging may be interested in these anti-aging serums.
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“When compared to lotions, creams, and ointments, serums tend to be lighter, thus getting absorbed faster into the skin. They are also lightweight and easier to layer or be mixed in with other skin care products,” Kikam adds.
Since serums have a higher concentration of active ingredients, the results tend to be faster when addressing signs of aging. Moisturizers and other skin care products may contain these same ingredients but in smaller amounts.
Other skin care products also tend to focus on ingredients that retain moisture in the skin, while anti-aging serums are formulated to address specific concerns.
Some of the active ingredients that are recommended for signs of aging include:
- peptides
- retinol
- antioxidants, like vitamin C.
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Other common active ingredients found in serums include:
- hyaluronic acid
- niacinamide
- resveratrol
- alpha arbutin
- azelaic acid
- exfoliants
- vitamin E
The products below are shown to reduce signs of aging with specific ingredients, such as retinol and vitamin C.
Best for skin barrier health
EltaMD Skin Recovery Serum
Main active ingredients: amino acids, antioxidants
Pro: helps repair skin barrier damage
Con: pump may be faulty, according to some reviews
What it’s for calming irritation and reducing free radical damage
You may have a damaged skin barrier if you experience redness, flakiness, irritation, and sensitivity.
This EltaMD serum is specifically designed to repair a damaged skin barrier, which ultimately supports the overall health and appearance of your skin.
When the skin barrier is healthy, skin is able to renew itself more effectively. A trio of amino acids works harmoniously to support optimal skin regeneration and healing. Antioxidants, like vitamin E, help diminish visible signs of aging by reducing free radical damage, a type of damage that breaks down collagen and results in wrinkled, sagging skin.
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Best for dark spots
Naturium Alpha Arbutin Serum 2%
Main active ingredients: alpha arbutin, niacinamide
Pro: safe for all skin types and complexions
Con: might not be compatible with exfoliants
What it’s for: fading the appearance of dark spots
People with darker skin tones may have difficulty finding products that target dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
The “gold standard” ingredient for lightening dark patches of skin, but it’s not suitable for people with a lot of melanin in their skin. Alpha arbutin is an alternative that’s safe for all complexions since it’s not a skin-bleaching agent.
This serum contains a 2 percent concentration of alpha arbutin and is formulated to help fade dark spots caused by environmental stressors and aging.
It also contains niacinamide, an antioxidant that helps regulate oil levels in the skin. But this ingredient can cause irritation in some.
When you incorporate this serum into your regimen, avoid using exfoliating ingredients in the same routine.
Best for oily skin
Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum
Main active ingredients: niacinamide, peptides
Pro: weightless formula absorbs quickly
Con: may cause a reaction, according to some reviews
What it’s for: improving overall skin health and appearance
This bestselling serum contains a cocktail of active ingredients, including niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid, madecassoside, and peach extract.
With several active ingredients, this serum is multi-functional. It provides hydration, reduces inflammation, and increases collagen production to fill in fine lines and wrinkles.
The formula is cruelty-free and fragrance-free, making it suitable for vegans and people with sensitive skin.
However, some people may experience irritation or other reactions to niacinamide, so perform a patch test first before applying it all over your face.
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Best for dry skin
PCA SKIN Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum
Main active ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
Pro: encourages the skin to produce its own hyaluronic acid
Con: bottle doesn’t last long
What it’s for: hydrating and smoothing the skin’s surface
Hydration is vital for an anti-aging skincare routine. When skin is dry, fine lines and wrinkles are more noticeable. Hyaluronic acid is a go-to ingredient to boost skin hydration since it attracts and retains water in the skin.
“This hyaluronic acid serum helps draw hydration into the skin, improving tonicity, plumpness, and bounce. Its blend of niacinamide helps replenish the skin’s protective barrier to retain moisture, target discoloration for a more radiant complexion, and regulate oil control.
Best for sensitive skin
CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Main active ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, ceramides
Pro: helps restore skin barrier health
Con: formula prone to pilling, according to some reviews
What it’s for hydrating dry skin and supporting skin barrier function
This affordable serum contains a mixture of active ingredients that are beneficial for anti-aging: hyaluronic acid for retaining moisture, vitamin B5 for soothing skin, and three ceramides for restoring the skin barrier.
It’s formulated without fragrance and other potential irritants, making it suitable for people with sensitive skin.
Unlike most serums that have a gel-like or liquid consistency, this serum has a creamy texture that sinks into the skin and pairs well with a moisturizer.
Best with vitamin C
Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum
Main active ingredient: vitamin C
Pro: potent 20 percent concentration of vitamin C
Con: some reviewers experienced breakouts after using this product
What it’s for: brightening dark spots and exfoliating dead skin cells
A vitamin C serum is a staple in any skincare routine, including one targeted toward anti-aging. This powerful antioxidant has been shown to fight free radical damage. Since free radicals can speed up the aging process, a potent vitamin C serum is a must.
This serum contains 20 percent vitamin C concentration to brighten skin and encourage a healthy glow.
In addition to vitamin C, the serum also contains a 10 percent AHA concentration derived from seven fruits: apple, grapefruit, orange, lemon, lime, hawthorn, and jujube. These AHAs slough away dead skin cells and help reduce the appearance of discoloration and dark spots.
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Best night serum
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Serum
Main active ingredients: retinol, niacinamide
Pro: improves signs of aging
Con: the second ingredient is silicone
What it’s for: reducing the appearance of wrinkles
Clinically shown to reduce the appearance of wrinkles after 4 weeks, this night serum is an anti-aging powerhouse. Retinol works to improve fine lines, fade dark spots, and encourage firmness.
For those who are prone to irritation when using retinol, this serum is gentler on the skin. It also contains niacinamide for antioxidant protection against free radicals.
The second ingredient is dimethicone, which is used in some products to help fill in lines and pores. It can prevent water loss because it forms a barrier around the skin. But this could mean your moisturizer sits on top of the serum instead of getting absorbed.
How to choose an anti-aging serum
Not all serums are formulated for signs of aging. To choose an anti-aging serum, consider the concerns that are important to you, and choose a serum that contains the appropriate ingredients for targeting those concerns.
“Serums formulated with vitamin C and other antioxidants help to fight free radical damage, improve skin texture, and even out skin tone.
“Retinol helps with wrinkles and fine lines by increasing the production of collagen. Some serums contain a cocktail of ingredients like AHAs, niacinamide, peptides, etc. that all work together to improve the signs of aging.
Also, consider your current skincare routine. Certain ingredients do not mix well, such as retinol and glycolic acid. A retinol serum and exfoliating treatment should not be used in the same skincare routine, so use these products on alternating days.
Similarly, retinol might not pair well with vitamin C, so use your antioxidant serum in your morning routine and retinol serum in your evening routine.
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You can also account for your skin type. Sensitive skin might not react well to certain active ingredients, like retinol, exfoliants, and niacinamide, so opt for a serum with gentle and soothing ingredients.
People with oily skin may prefer oil-free serums that are lightweight, while people with dry skin may benefit from heavier serums.
My Take…
Anti-aging serums can help prevent and reverse signs of aging. Look for a serum with ingredients proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration.
Ensure that the ingredients in a serum pair well with the other products in your skincare routine. Some serums can be layered with each other, while others should be used on alternating days.
