If your skincare routine only includes a cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen, you’re definitely missing out on a very important step – serum!

Facial serums are lightweight formulas that are able to penetrate deep into the skin to deliver active ingredients. Serums are thinner in consistency than moisturizers so they are perfect for layering. They come in a variety of different consistencies, including gels and lotions, and contain a higher concentration of active ingredients, so they are known for their effectiveness.

There are many types of serums on the market. Brightening serums help to improve skin discolouration and contain lightening ingredients such as hydroquinone, kojic acid and arbutin. Hydrating serums boost the action of your moisturizer with ingredients that pull water into the skin or prevent it from escaping like hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid and ceramides. Serums for acne-prone skin contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Anti-aging serums use retinol, vitamin C and peptides to smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Exfoliating serums smooth and brighten the skin and often contain alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic or lactic acid.

In terms of application order, serums should be applied after cleansing and before moisturizer. Since they have a thinner consistency than moisturizer, they usually absorb faster into the skin and that means that the active ingredients also absorb faster.

Add a serum (or two) to your skincare routine and you will realize what you’ve been missing!