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Serums can work wonders for all skin types and concerns. Whether you're dealing with breakouts, discoloration, uneven skin tone or fine lines and wrinkles, there's no doubt a serum out there to treat your skincare woes.
Not seeing results from your serum? You could be using the wrong serum or simply not using it to its full potential.
Here are all the signs it's time to swap your serum.
#1: Your Skin Hasn’t Improved Since Using it
Generally speaking, it takes around 4-6 weeks to see visible results from a skincare product. Of course, results can happen much faster but it's always worth holding out at least four weeks before swapping it out. Your patience will be rewarded – unless you're using the wrong serum!
If you’ve been using that retinol or vitamin c serum for several weeks now and you're still seeing no visible improvement in your skin, consider trying something different.
When it comes to tackling issues like dryness, acne, wrinkles, and dark spots, results aren’t going to happen overnight. That said you should see a change week by week as those active ingredients work their magic on your skin.
#2: You're Experiencing Unpleasant Side Effects
Certain active ingredients like retinol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide can be irritating to some skin types, particularly sensitive skin. If your skin looks or feels red, dry, and flaky after applying serum, it could be one of the actives messing with your skin.
Retinol is the ingredient most commonly associated with dryness, redness and irritation. That's why dermatologists recommend taking it slow until your skin adapts. If you've already done that and your skin still freaks out after applying, it's time for a change.
Some ingredients may even trigger breakouts if your skin is particularly delicate. Always take note of how your skin looks and feels after using your serum, and decide whether it's better to continue with a good thing or try another formula.
#3: It's Making Your Skin Dry
Don’t usually have an issue with dry skin? It's definitely not a positive sign if your serum leaves you feeling dry. However, it’s not uncommon. Especially with exfoliating acids and acne-fighting ingredients, it’s not unheard of to experience a dry, tight feeling afterwards.
As effective as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are for controlling acne prone skin, they can leave skin feeling parched.
Since they work by removing dead skin cells and excess oil, they can help tremendously in preventing pimples, but they can also dry out the skin.
If you're seeing results from your serum but it's triggering dryness, you don’t have to switch altogether. You can also try pairing it with a lightweight moisturizer to help replenish lost moisture in the skin. Don’t like creams? Pair it with a Hydrating serum instead.
#4: Your Skin's Needs Have Changed
Rarely does anyone have the same skin concerns their entire life. When you're in your 20s, you'll most likely experience issues like breakouts and dryness. And from there, issues like fine lines, discoloration, and sagging begin to crop up.
You also might go through phases of having dull or dry skin, in which case you'll need a new product.
If you started using your go-serum several years ago when you had lots of acne and oiliness, but now they're no longer an issue, consider making the switch. Identify what skin concerns you're dealing with now and select a formulation based on that. You can always speak to a dermatologist if you need help.
#5: You're Pregnant
Just found out you're expecting? Congrats! Your skincare regimen doesn’t need to change all that much...unless you're using retinoids? If so, they've gotta go!
According to research, using retinol-laced beauty products in your skincare routine can cause harm to your baby. Switch to a safe retinol alternative like bakuchiol. It offers all the same anti aging benefits as retinol without putting your baby's health at risk. Add in plenty of antioxidants too!
And by the way, this extends to other products in your routine — not just your serum. From your cleansers to your creams, if it's got retinol in it's gotta go!
#6: It's A New Season
In the winter you'll want to incorporate a more moisturizing serum into your skincare routine since this is the season when your skin’s most prone to dryness. Choose a serum formulated with Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
In the summer, breakouts and discoloration become a more pressing issue since you'll be sweating more and exposed to UV rays more. Choose a serum formulated with vitamin C to protect skin from the sun, and fade pigmentation. If breakouts are your issue, look for salicylic acid based serum to keep excess oil from clogging your pores, leading to blackheads and whiteheads.
And of course, always finish your routine with sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
SHOP SERUMS ONLINE
Ready to try something new? Take your pick from one or more of these gamechanging serums.
Tighten Serum
A lightweight formula of antioxidant-rich red microalgae and resurfacing AHAs to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles – and prevent them from forming.
Hydrate Serum
A juicy, flash absorbing serum made with hyaluronic acid to drench skin in long-lasting moisture while plumping out creases.
Smooth Serum
A silky serum powered by vitamin C and vegan collagen to instantly illuminate skin and gradually fade away dark spots and creases. Pair it with your daily SPF for enhanced UV protection!
Glow Serum
It’s luminosity in a bottle! This carefully crafted formula is designed to gently exfoliate and rejuvenate skin for a fresh and radiant complexion. It’s made with glycolic and bakuchiol to bring you your brightest skin.
If you’ve spotted one or more warning signs on this list, don’t hesitate to upgrade your serum. With the right formula, and used correctly, serums can transform your skin. It'd be a shame to miss out on all that, don't you think?
Got a good thing going with your serum? Stick to it. If it's working, keep doing what you're doing!