A woman holding oil drop serum

The reign of serums in our beauty arsenals continues, but do we understand what they are and what they do for our skin and hair? Serums for face and hair are highly concentrated formulas that penetrate into the skin or hair strand to .

Skincare serums are usually applied on the skin after cleansing and toning, and specifically before moisturizing because the light liquid allows nutrients to be better absorbed by the skin. Serums for the hair, which have reparative and protective properties, are also lightweight and easily absorbed by the hair.

Serums for Face and Hair: What's the Difference?

Serums for the skin are formulated with active ingredients for targeted concerns such as dark spots, wrinkles, roughness, or dry skin. Common ingredients include hyaluronic acid for hydration, vitamin C for brightening, retinol for cell turnover, and AHAs to even out skin tone. Serums have a light texture made up of smaller molecules that can penetrate the skin’s deeper layers and get to work.

Although youth serums can contain intensely hydrating ingredients such as and ceramides, the recommendation is to follow it up with a moisturizer, which creates a protective barrier that locks in the serum and allows it to work undisrupted at an optimal level.

Hair serums are formulated in the same way but aims to care for our hair and add shine, softness, and vibrance, as well as control frizz and repair damage. Hair serums help by making hair more manageable and protecting it from heat. A tiny amount goes a long way and can be applied to wet or dry hair.

If you’re looking for serums to give your skin and hair a healthy boost, here are some recos!

Serum Products to Try for Different Skin and Hair Concerns

There are many types of serums in the market targeting different skin and hair issues. Choosing the right one can be a confusing, even daunting task. The best way to determine what you need is to let your skin and hair concerns guide you.

Here are the best serums to address your skin and hair concerns:

1. Target fine lines and other early signs of aging with retinol.

It’s best to start with an regimen long before the lines appear. But the truth is serums can also address lines you might already have. The key ingredient you want in an anti-aging serum is retinol, a derivative that helps increase cellular turnover. Our skin naturally exfoliates, but when the process slows down as we age, it can manifest in dull skin, lines, and more.

Retinol rejuvenates the skin and improves the appearance of acne scars, wrinkles, and fine lines. POND’S Age Miracle Youthful Glow Double Action Serum contains Retinol-C Complex, which boosts the skin’s ability to produce collagen. Try this if you want radiant, smooth, and hydrated skin.

2. Improve skin tone and texture with skincare superstars.

Skin tone describes the color of the surface of the skin, while skin texture refers to the skin’s surface condition. While it is common to have a coarse or irregular skin texture in all skin types, soft and smooth skin is a typical skin goal. Fortunately, it's achievable – and more.

POND’S Triple Glow Serum has hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin, niacinamide to refine pores, and Gluta-Boost-C to even out skin tone. It's a triple-tasking product if you want to trim down your POND's skincare steps.

3. Repair damaged hair and add smoothness and shine with keratin. 

Keratin is an ingredient in hair care products that smoothens the cells that form the hair strands. When hair cuticles absorb keratin, hair appears glossy and bouncy. It tames frizz and makes hair more manageable. Formulated for damaged hair, Dove Keratin Repair 1-Minute Serum Conditioner is infused with serum capsules rich in coconut, almond, organ, sunflower seed oils, and vitamin E.

The serum deeply penetrates the hair strand and repairs in just one minute. After shampoo, coat wet hair with the serum from the middle of the hair strands to the ends, avoiding the roots. Leave on for one minute, and rinse. 

4. Go beyond your face

Your skin is the largest organ in your body and it goes well beyond your face. Apply skin care for sensitive skin since underarm skin is thinner. Address this by using serum for your underarms, too. Dove Intensive Renew Deodorant Dry Serum Collagen + Vitamin E has the ingredients you want to and renew your underarm skin. It also gets absorbed quickly, so you don't need to go through that sticky, moist feeling. It's also the perfect moisturizer for dry underarms.

Now that you know the many benefits that the right serum can deliver to your skin and hair, it’s time to add it to your beauty routine. Share this article and help your friends find their best serum match, too!