Time to call in the experts. Before parting with your hard-earned cash and pasting together a skincare routine – like,ahem,I did – Dr Joseph Hkeik,aesthetic physician and owner of All Saint Clinic says,“It is always best to see a professional skin expert to start your journey correctly,especially when it comes to a serum.”
Shopping for skincare can go from exciting to overwhelming in two seconds flat. Below,experts advise the best place to start.iStock
I took Hkeik up on his offer for an in-clinic appointment where they use VISIA Skin Analysis System to photograph the deepest layers of my skin,assessing pore size,texture,sun damage,pigmentation,redness and wrinkles. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that my sun damage is within the normal range;however,there is plenty of pigmentation lurking below my skin’s surface.
Hkeik’s team recommend two serums for my particular set of circumstances:Skinceuticals Phloretin CF (containing a gentle form of vitamin C to treat and prevent pigmentation) and Skinceuticals Metacell Renewel B3 (packed with niacinamide to help reduce pore size and lock in hydration). I would have never thought to choose these products myself.
Going it alone and purchasing the wrong serum could lead to disappointment or even cause irritation. Here’s the expert-approved method of finding the best face serum for your skin.
Whatis a serum?
If you want to step up your skincare routine,a serum is a good place to start. For me,my skin was “fine” but not exactly glowing either,which is why I wanted to shake things up.
A simple two-step cleanse and moisturiser routine will keep your skin ticking along;however,if you want to improve the quality of your skin,a targeted serum is the product that will do the heavy lifting.
“The potent molecules of a serum will deeply penetrate your pores,delivering a multitude of benefits,especially when used regularly as part of your daily regime,” explains Hkeik. “A serum can not only help to lock in moisture,but also closely target specific aspects of the skin,as well as strengthening the outer barrier,to ensure a healthy and hydrated complexion.”
Where does a serum fit into my skincare routine?
“As a general rule,we recommend a process of cleanse,treat (with a serum) and then hydrate (with a moisturiser) to optimise results,” advises Hkeik.
How do I pick the right serum for my skin?
If you’ve stepped inside a department store or pharmacy recently,you’ll know that there are hundreds of serums to choose from. “The range of options can definitely feel overwhelming,” concedes Madeleine Mills,skincare education specialist at MECCA,which is why it’s important to have a plan of attack.
Step 1:Get clear on your skin type and concerns
Do you know what your skin type is? It might be obvious to some – if your skin is really dry,you’ll know – but less obvious to others. The most common skin types include:dry,oily,sensitive,normal and combination (oily through the t-zone).
From there,understand where your skin is at and what your main concerns or gripes are. For example:have you been experiencing more breakouts than usual? Is the texture of your skin not as smooth as you’d like? Does your face feel like an oil slick by the end of the day?
Step 2:Enlist the help of an expert
Once you know what you’re working with,it’s time to seek professional advice. Most skin clinics will offer a skin consultation service,where one of their dermal therapists will assess your skin and then recommend the best products to help you reach your skin goals. This takes out the guesswork.
Some stores,such as MECCA and Sephora,also offer a complimentary skin consultation. Mills adds:“You can get the best advice on which product would be best[for your skin] and advice on how to integrate it into your current routine.”
If you don’t have time for an in-person appointment,Mills suggests using the filter function on the MECCA website. “If you make your way to the serums landing page,you can then refine by skin type and skin concerns,and it will narrow down your options to what best will suit you.”
Step 3:Come armed with a budget in mind
A word of warning:the price tag on serums can vary wildly. While cosmeceutical grade skincare,most often prescribed by dermal therapists,does come with added benefits to warrant the price tag,there is a serum for every budget.
Here,Mills and Hkeik share some of their go-to serums.
Budget-friendly starter serums,under $60
For a bit of everything: ($38) is a fantastic starter serum. Vitamin A increases our skin’s cell turnover,creating healthy-looking,firmer skin while vitamins C and E create a more even skin tone and provide antioxidant protection to defend your natural collagen,” says Mills.
For brightening: ($59) provides the hydrating benefits of sodium hyaluronate and glycerin,the brightening properties of vitamin C and niacinamide as well as other skin soothers and antioxidants,” she adds.
Splurge-worthy serums,over $60
For smoothing: ($101.50) is an excellent option that helps to ease fine lines,wrinkles and other signs of ageing,” says Hkeik.
For sensitive skin: ($182) is a gentle but effective option that is hydrating and beneficial for sensitive skin,” he says.
Make the most of your health,relationships,fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. every Monday.