Not all serums are created equal – how do you know which one is right for you?

We’ve all been there at some point, browsing the internet, going through dozens of product reviews, trying to decide which face serum to buy. Scrolling endlessly online might seem relaxing and exciting in the beginning, but as you fail to identify the right one for your complexion, it starts feeling oddly overwhelming. You realise that you lack the necessary knowledge to choose the right serum that matches your skin type.

There are so many bottles. So many promises from the producers. And so many promotional terms that promise you a serum for correcting, radiance, firmness, and you have no idea what you need.

So do you need all of them? Some? None?

The thing is that picking a product isn’t just buying one skincare product; it’s about making a decision that matches your skin type. Your skin’s personality, if you like. Because yes, our skin has a personality and is often as unique as our own personality.

So, before talking about what serum to buy, let’s first talk about your skin.

What skin type do you have?

Let’s be honest for a moment. Have you ever been confident that you know your skin type? Have you ever looked in the mirror thinking, “I have dry skin,” only to wake up the next morning with a random breakout on one of your cheeks or an oily T-zone? We can relate. The thing is that skin types aren’t something fixed, but usually people fall into one of the following categories:

• dry skin that feels tight, is always thirsty for hydration, and sometimes flakes
• oily skin that is prone to clogged pores, and usually gets shinny by midday
• sensitive skin that gets easily irritated, is reactive, and feels unpredictable
• normal skin that is balanced and in truth seems the unicorn of skincare
• combination skin that has a little of all of the above, which often isn’t fun at all.

When picking a face serum, ensure it matches your skin’s behaviour, not only your goals for your complexion. Everyone wants glowing skin, but if the glow comes with irritation because you have sensitive skin that breaks out when in contact with particular ingredients, then you might want to skip it.

Read more: Why are school children using anti-ageing skin products?

Different types of serums and their benefits

Dark spot correcting serum for when your skin tells stories you want to forget

The dark spot correcting serum is ideal to get rid of the little marks that seem to linger forever. They might be the result of hormonal changes, old acne, or sun exposure. Regardless, they are memories you want to forget.

Ideal for:	Why:	How to use:	What to expect:
● normal skin ●       oily skin with post-acne marks ●       combination skin	● evens skin tone ●       fades pigmentation ●       gives skin a consistent look	● in the morning or evening ●       before moisturiser	● less visible spots ●       brighter complexion ●       more uniform skin tone

Blemish control serum for no breakout moments

Breakouts are the worst. There is no right time for having a breakout, and somehow, your skin decides to rebel, mainly before big events. Using a blemish control serum could help you prevent such instances.

Ideal for:	Why:	How to use:	What to expect:
● oily skin ●       acne-prone sensitive skin ●       combination skin	● reduces inflammation ●       unclogs pores ●       prevents future breakouts	● once a day ●       or every other day	● less redness ●       smoother texture ●       fewer breakouts in the long run

Radiance serum so your skin will no longer look tired

We have all had those days when our skin looks a little flat. It’s not bad, it’s not problematic, but it seems to lack life. A radiance serum will shine (literally) on these days, and so will your skin.

Ideal for:	Why:	How to use:	What to expect:
● dry skin ●       normal skin ●       combination skin	● improves dullness ●       boosts glow ●       gives the illusion of a well-rested complexion	● ideally in the morning	● a subtle, natural glow ●       healthier-looking skin ●       brighter appearance

Hyaluronic acid serum for when your skin needs extra hydration

If your skin were to speak, it would definitely ask for water more often than you might think. And when it dries, it requires water immediately, or it starts to react. Surprisingly, oily skin also needs hydration. Hyaluronic acid serum offers your skin the hydration it craves for.

Ideal for:	Why:	How to use:	What to expect:
● dry skin ●       sensitive skin ●       oily skin ●       combination skin	● skin feels smoother ●       extra plumpness ●       improves overall function	● on slightly damp skin ●       lock it it with moisturizer	● a bouncy, healthy feel ●       reduced fine lines ●       instant softness

Firming serum for the first signs of ageing

There comes a day when we look in the mirror, and we feel something is different, but we cannot exactly pinpoint it. This is the moment when introducing a firming serum into the skincare routine is a good idea.

Ideal for:	Why:	How to use:	What to expect:
● normal skin ●       dry skin ●       mature skin	● improves skin texture ●       enhances elasticity ●       boosts overall firmness	● in the evening ●       with a restorative routine	● more resilient skin ●       slightly lifted skin in the long run ●       smoother appearance

Is it enough to use just one serum?

You asked the right question. And the answer is no, you shouldn’t use a single serum because skin isn’t one-dimensional. You can have normal skin with occasional breakouts, oily skin with dehydrated flare-ups, or dry, dull skin. And the examples can go on, so no single serum will cover everything.

How to mix and match skin serums

Hyaluronic acid serum makes a good base because it improves hydration, so it’s the one serum you can introduce in your skincare routine, regardless of your skin type.

According to your needs, you might need:

• in the morning: a dark spot or radiance serum
• in the evening: a firming or blemish control serum

Golden rules to keep in mind:

• use maximum of 2 or 3 serums to prevent overloading your skin
• introduce new products gradually
• pay attention to how your skin reacts
• stay consistent

So, before adding serums to your shopping cart…

Before buying a new skincare product, pause for a moment and identify your current skin type. Ignore all trends and the bottles that would look pretty on the shelf. Think about your skin, its needs, and its problems. Does the serum you want to purchase respond to your present needs?