By now, chances are your skincare routine already involves a multitude of products. From sunscreen and moisturizer, to cleanser and exfoliator, it’s no secret that protecting your skin requires some amount of work. And if there’s one item you probably shouldn’t miss out on, it would have to be a face serum. But fair warning though: using too much serum can actually defeat its purpose.
So, what exactly is this skincare product and why is it so important? We asked board certified dermatologic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey T.S. Hsu, MD to find out. Keep reading as he explains what a serum is, how it works, and the disadvantage of applying too much on your face.
What is serum?
According to Dr. Hsu, “A serum is a thin viscosity skincare product that is usually high potency, and contains a concentrated dose of active ingredients that is geared towards addressing certain skin concerns.” He adds, “Typically serums are used after cleansing and before moisturizing in the morning and/or in the evening depending on the serum.”
What are the different kinds of serum?
If you check out serums available on the market, you’ll notice that there are several options to choose from. Dr. Hsu notes, “Because serums are made to address skin concerns, they are generally categorized by skin needs such as hydration, pigmentation, anti-aging (for wrinkles), acne, and skin dullness.” Aside from these, he shares that “there are unique classes of serums—like vitamin C, retinol, and growth factors—that are stand alone, powerful actives that can address all types of skin conditions and are good nourishment even for the healthiest skin.”
What is the disadvantage of using too much serum on your skin?
Dr. Hsu warns, "Unless you have been instructed to layer actives on top of actives together by a dermatologist or a dermal specialist, you risk diluting or even negating the effectiveness of each product. Never use too many." Before you even use serum, always make sure that you check the product’s packaging for directions and that you properly follow the instructions as to how much you should apply.
Skincare Tip
As a word of advice, Dr. Hsu believes in the saying that less is more. "A proper skincare regimen should be very simple," he mentions. Plus, when you think about it, using less products can actually help you become more cost efficient, too. Your wallet and bank accounts will thank you! Dr. Hsu says, "In medicine and science, it really doesn't take that much to change the biology of the skin for good skin health."
To conclude, Dr. Hsu emphasizes, "It is important to know that while all companies will claim that their actives are potent, there are no regulating bodies that manage how much actives retail companies actually put into their production batches. I always advise my patients to use medical grade products as they are backed by studies to show ingredient transparency and efficacy in their claims."
When in doubt, always consult your dermatologist. As medical professionals, they will definitely know what to say and how to treat your skin concern in the best way possible.
