I have to admit, a few years ago, I had no idea what serum was. Most people own some serum and store it in their beauty toolkit but really have no idea what they own.
It is usually a clear liquid that can be used as a moisturizer but most people will still apply moisturizer. Serum has an oily consistency but its not called face oil. Some serums have a different consistency and are more liquid in nature.
For this reason I decided to do some homework and learn more about whitening serums so you don’t have to! And so you know what that mysterious liquid is that promises to lighten skin!
What is skin serum?
Serum is a beauty product that is applied to skin after it has been cleaned and followed by a moisturizer typically. The reason serum is applied in this order is to allow its concentrated ingredients to penetrate and absorb into the skin.
Serum is made up of nano molecules that allow it to really absorb into skin allow the high concentrate of active ingredients to work their magic. The small molecules deliver great results and is why serums tend to be more expensive.
Can serum be used as moisturizer?
Depending on the type of skin whitening serum and who you ask you’ll get different answers. Many serums have many ingredients that do moisturize the skin and retain its supple appearance by locking in moisture. We recommend you continue to use a moisturizer after using a serum if you have dry skin.
Is serum the same thing as essence?
They are the same thing, usually. Some serums or essences are intended for different parts of your whitening toolkit and are meant to be used before moisturizing or after cleaning. Some serums are intended for certain goals like skin whitening while others are intended for hydration.
Serums tend to be thicker liquids (think gel instead of watery) and more concentrated whereas essences are usually more diluted, and its for this reason that serums tend to be more expensive due to the higher content of active ingredient.
Skin whitening serum vs. face oil
Serums are usually water based whereas face oils are sometimes – serums! It all has to do with the marketing of the product. Face oils are becoming increasingly popular so they can be spotted more and more these days.
While we think both work equally well it’s important to know what will be best for your skin whitening routine. Serums can be water-based or oil based, the water-based serums are to be used under creams so that they help treat the inner layer of the skin and provide nutrients since it is formulated as a small molecule application.
Oil based serums are meant to be applied on top of the moisturizer because they are large molecule based. They help keep the cream and other things you put on moist and fresh during the entire day.
With so many products on the market, its vital to understand how everything works to achieve the right results.
Serums are not cheap!
Serums tend to be expensive – as we discussed above – it’s because they are super concentrated so keep that in mind when shopping.
It is important to note that some concentrated ingredients do lose their stability when exposed to air so be sure to store serums properly – think cool, dry places like underneath your kitchen sink and use it within six months to a year of time.
Best serums for skin whitening
Here are our top picks for serums you may want to consider:
Lyfetrition Azelaic Acid Serum
This natural serum has lightening properties that is achieving great results for many persons. Some of the ingredients include azelaic acid, Vitamin C, E, B3, provitamin B5, witch hazel, hyaluronic acid, caprylyl glycol are used holistically to not only brighten skin but also reduces acne and other skin ailments. Think of it as a general skin toner!
TruSkin Vitamin C-Plus Super Serum
This serum uses an advanced formula of Vitamin C, Retinol, Niacinamide, Botanical Hyaluronic Acid, Salicylic Acid and helpful plant extracts, starts on the surface of your skin to slowly penetrates deeply to increase skin health, whiten skin while making it more healthy.
