FACE SERUMS

For a skincare routine that covers all bases, it’s recommended to include a face serum. Serums have the unique ability to penetrate the skin - more so than heavier creams or oils. This allows beneficial products to be delivered more deeply. To access a full range of skincare benefits in your daily regime, look for a serum that suits your skin care needs.

Your twenties are a good time to introduce facial serums into your skincare regime. While a minimal approach can be beneficial for teenage skin, adult skin may start to appreciate the extra hydration, antioxidant or smoothing abilities a serum can provide. Listen to your skin – if you notice dryness, discomfort or discolourations, it could be a good time to start using a targeted serum.

Both serums and concentrates are packed full of efficacious ingredients to offer a variety of advantages to skin. The term concentrate can be used to distinguish a product with a higher concentration of a certain ingredient, and the consistency may be similar to a lotion, oil or serum. Meanwhile, facial serums usually have a watery, fluid or gel-like consistency.

Apply your skin serum after cleansing your face with a skin tonerskin toner, face cleanser and before your moisturiser. You only need a very small amount of face serum to cover your entire face. Always apply to clean skin, lightly patting, pressing, and tapping the serum evenly over the face and neck with your finger to accelerate the absorption. Always read the instructions on the bottle and only use as much of the serum as is recommended – an application of 2-3 drops or 1-2 pumps is often recommended.

A once-daily application is ideal for most serums. In the morning, seek out hydrating and antioxidant serums like the Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate for free radical protection while you go about your day. At night, opt for nourishing serums formulated to do their best work while you sleep, like the Midnight Recovery Concentrate.

Not sure where a serum should slot into your skincare regime? It’s simple – serum comes after cleanser, and before moisturisers, oils and other products with a heavier consistency. A major benefit of serums is their lightweight nature and ability to penetrate the skin, which can be best harnessed by applying to a freshly cleansed face. You can then lock in serum benefits with a moisturiser.

To best make use of your chosen serum’s benefits, apply before moisturiser to clean, dry skin. Then, allow 1-2 minutes for the formula to absorb before continuing with your skincare routine. Serums should be applied first as moisturisers and oils can inhibit a serum’s ability to sink into skin and impart its benefits.

Kiehl’s has a comprehensive range of serums designed to target a variety of skin types and concerns. With excellent formulations in every category, from anti-ageing to brightening to hydrating, there’s a serum for you in the Kiehl’s collection. Some favourites include: Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum: A potent anti-ageing serum infused with micro-dose retinol alongside ceramides and peptides. Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate: A plumping and smoothing morning serum, with 12.5% vitamin C and hydrating hyaluronic acid. Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution: A highly targeted dark spot corrector, formulated with activated C, white birch and peony extracts to brighten and even skin tone.