The Benefits of Face Serums and How to Use Them

What are face serums and why are they important?

Our skin is made up of four layers – the subcutaneous tissue being the deepest, with the skin moisture barrier sitting on the surface. Each layer works together to keep moisture, collagen, sebum and elastin in skin – but sometimes stress can impact this balance.

Breakouts, redness in skin, dryness and signs of premature ageing (like fine lines and wrinkles) all result from internal and environmental triggers. To address this, face serums include high concentrations of potent ingredients that penetrate the deep layers of skin.

So, what is a face serum? Unlike face creams and moisturisers, serums are a lightweight skincare step that can be easily layered with other products. But don’t let this lightness fool you! A serum's molecular structure is designed to melt into skin, ensuring that powerful ingredients are delivered to the skin’s deeper layers for optimum and targeted results.

Think of face serum as your skin's personal trainer – homing in on your skin’s challenges and concerns and delivering a concentrated solution for it.

What are the benefits of face serums?

So, what does serum do for your face and skin concerns?

It depends entirely on what high concentration ingredients they’re formulated with. Many face serums help the skin fight signs of ageing and lock in moisture to boost hydration; or support the skin in maintaining its elasticity and firmness.

The best serum for glowing skin depends on your current stressors and overarching skin type. To achieve the most from a skin serum, consider your skin’s natural state and the environmental stressors (such as UV radiation, dry weather conditions or pollution) it is exposed to, and then tailor each of your steps around that. Now, read on as we unpack some of the leading serum benefits you can expect from this invaluable skincare step.

Boosts hydration

Dry or dehydrated skin is a significant concern for many individuals. The benefit of a face serum is that it can support hydration in the skin, reduce water loss and fortify the skin moisture barrier – which also prevents harmful external aggressors from penetrating the skin, and is particularly crucial for sensitive skin types.

Many serums contain hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or other hydrating ingredients that help to bind moisture to the skin and increase suppleness. Well-hydrated skin appears plumper and brighter, which can also diminish the appearance of fine lines and discolouration.

Protects against oxidative stress

Oxidative stress occurs through repeated exposure to UV radiation. This stress can contribute to visible signs of ageing, such as fine lines and hyperpigmentation.

Alongside daily sunscreen application, potent facial serums benefit the skin by protecting against oxidisation. What’s more, some serums are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, which help combat free radicals, protect against environmental aggressors, and combat premature signs of aging.

Improves skin texture

If you were to ask a skincare specialist, ‘what is a face serum for?’, textural concerns would rank high on the list. There are many factors that can impact your skin texture, including:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Blemishes
• Rough, dry patches
• Enlarged pores
• A buildup of dead skin cells

Regular use of a suitable serum can refine your skin’s texture, making it feel smoother and reducing the appearance of pores. The key is to seek out serum formulations that include ingredients adept at targeting your specific concerns. Glycolic acid, for instance – a chief ingredient in YSL Pure Shots Night Reboot Serum – is perfect for gently exfoliating dull, rough skin with enlarged pores.

When should you use face serums?

Facial serums impart support and strength to your skin’s deeper layers – but they need help from other products to do so. While serums in skincare are the main event for specific goals, then, the benefits of a face serum rely on the overall routine.

Skin regimes can vary depending on skin type, but their order will always start with a cleanser, to clear away impurities like excess oil, sweat and dirt. Exfoliators remove dead skin and bring fresh skin to the surface, and toners prepare the skin to absorb products.

After this is when you should use serum products, as your skin will be at its most absorbent and fresh. After applying your serum, use a moisturiser and facial oil such as Or Rouge L'Huile Face Oil to seal in the ingredients and effects of your serum.

Which serum is right for me?

We’ve delved into the key properties and benefits of face serums; but, to get the most from this powerhouse skincare step, you’ll need to consider which skincare concerns you want to target alongside your unique skin type.

YSL’s Pure Shots skincare range is designed with precision to offer tailored solutions for modern skin needs. Below, we’ll walk you through how to choose the right YSL Pure Shots serum for you based on your specific skin concern – and how our serums can help.

For discolouration and signs of fatigue

Battling discolouration or signs of fatigue? The YSL Pure Shots Night Reboot Serum works diligently overnight to give your complexion the reset it truly deserves.

Its star ingredient, the moonlight cactus flower, is a fascinating botanical from Morocco, hand-harvested in a single night to capture its peak potency. Combined with a 3.4% glycolic acid, a gentle exfoliating agent, this serum refines your skin texture and brings your natural glow to life, leaving you feeling as if your skin has enjoyed the full benefits of an eight-hour sleep – even if you didn’t catch that many winks.

For fine lines and wrinkles

Early signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles, will affect all of us at some point. Ageing skin is beautiful, but as external stress accumulates, we can look to certain ingredients to protect the complexion and increase suppleness.

Enter: YSL Pure Shots Lines Away Serum.

This elixir contains rye seed extract – a potent ingredient recognised for its firming properties – while hyaluronic acid, nature's moisture magnet, ensures your skin is able to retain its youthful elasticity. The lightweight formula penetrates deeply, delivering active ingredients to smooth and visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

For brightening the under-eye

If the eyes are the window to the soul, the under-eyes are the window to fatigue. Dark under eye circles are common in this delicate area, and signs of dehydration and fine lines tend to crop up here before any other areas of the face.

Thankfully, you can enjoy the benefits of a face serum with the YSL Pure Shots Eye Reboot Concentrate. This cream-to-serum acts as an eye shot of hydration and illumination, boosting radiance and diminishing eye bags and the appearance of fine lines.

How to apply serum on your face

Now that you’ve uncovered some of the key benefits of face serums, let’s walk through how to apply serum on your face to maximise its full potential. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:

1. Begin by gently cleansing your face to remove any dirt, oil and other impurities from your skin. Our New Pure Shots Clean Reboot Mousse perfectly complements the YSL Pure Shots serum collection. This cream-to-foam cleanser instantly purifies the skin while supporting hydration and luminosity.
2. Next, use a toner to hydrate and prepare your skin to absorb the products to come.
3. Apply your chosen YSL Pure Shots serum by dispensing a small amount onto your fingertips and gently massaging it into your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Allow time to settle and absorb.
4. Finally, follow up with your preferred moisturiser to lock in the serum’s benefits and give your skin that extra bit of hydration.