When there are so many different buzzwords flying at your face (quite literally) it can be hard to decipher which ones you should be paying closer attention to, and which ones are simply the trends that will be here today, gone tomorrow. Take serums, for instance. What makes them any different than moisturisers? And what are the benefits of adding this extra step to your skin care routine. Serums are here to stay, so, pull up a chair and grab your blue light glasses; we’ve got the 411.

There to take on a number of skin care concerns, serums, if done right, are worth adding to your daily routine. Goodbye, signs of ageing!

What is serum?

If you imagine your nightly skin care routine as a three-course meal, your appetiser is face wash, your dessert is moisturiser and the most important part of your meal – the main dish – is your serum.

Serums contain a wide range of useful nutrients that cater to various needs.

Designed to deliver high concentrations of specific active ingredients to the skin, serums are suited to the task because they’re made up of smaller molecules that can penetrate deeply into the skin.

Most often, serums are clear, gel-based or liquid, and they tend to be less thick than a moisturiser. They’re typically applied before moisturisers to help lock in moisture.

How often should I use my serum?

Well, this all depends on the serum.

When in doubt, read the label, but once a day will probably cover your bases.

What's the difference between serum and face oil?

Traditionally, serums are water-based. Though, as the face oil trend grows (and there are more and more oils on the market), more oils are marketed as 'serums.' No matter what, it’s important to keep the distinction between the two in mind as their order in your skin care layering can make all the difference as to the benefits or lack thereof you’re getting from your products.

Water-based serums go under the cream and they are so important. They nourish the inner layer of the skin because the molecule is very small so it penetrates.

The oil-based serums go on top of the moisturiser because they have a bigger molecule. They're supposed to keep the cream and whatever you put underneath moist during the entire day.

How to use serum:

Generally, you should use a serum all over your face and neck twice daily, once in the morning and then again in the evening, before applying your moisturiser. Everyone's skin is different, but on average, you should give it about seven weeks to see how your skin responds to a new serum routine.

Anti-ageing serums:

Hit rewind with ingredients such as retinol, caffeine, green tea and hyaluronic acid. Don’t forget the rule of thumb, start low and go slow when it comes to the percentage of the active ingredient.

Antioxidant serums:

An additional protection from free radicals, the purpose of antioxidant serums is to prevent fine lines and other visible signs of ageing. This is a great serum for all skin types. Look for: vitamins A, C and E – C is especially useful in the morning for extra protection under sunscreen.

Hydrating serums:

Quite obvious, isn’t it? Infuse your skin with extra moisture to supplement your nightly moisturiser. If you suffer from dry skin, this is an ideal serum for your skin type – but it doesn’t stop there. Those who suffer from oily skin can also benefit from hydrating serums such as hyaluronic acid.