What Is the Difference Between a Serum and Cream – And Which Is Right for Me?
Facial serums are the latest rage in the beauty industry. These lightweight moisturizing skincare formulas penetrate deep to deliver active ingredients into the skin. Creams on the other hand, have been around for a long time and provide similar skin benefits. While both are designed to hydrate and nourish the skin, serums and creams have some distinct differences. If both products are advantageous for the skin, which one is right for you? Learn more about the differences between a serum and cream.
A Closer Look at Serums
A serum is a type of topical skincare product with a lotion or gel consistency. Most serums are designed to be used under a moisturizer or treatment mask and contain a high concentration of active ingredients designed to heal, soothe, and repair damaged skin. A face serum is typically water-based especially when it’s made especially for oily or combination skin. However, some serums are silicone-based which help create a stronger moisture barrier on the skin. The type of serum you need will depend on your skin type and on what you’re trying to achieve. Dry Skin: Use a serum containing vitamin E to protect against oxidative damage, hyaluronic acid to retain moisture, and glycolic acid to exfoliate rough skin.- Acne-Prone Skin: Opt for a serum with ingredients like salicylic acid, beta glucans, tea tree, and aloe vera which are used to calm redness and control bacteria.
- Sun-Damaged Skin: To repair sun-damaged skin, choose a serum with retinol, a type of stable vitamin A which is effective in rejuvenating aging skin.
- Mature Skin: The best anti-aging serum for mature skin is one with ingredients that target age-related degradation and reduce the depth of wrinkle formation, like the Fibroblast Growth Factor Serum and Needles No More Serum.
- Discolored Skin: Pick a serum with vitamin C which helps to suppress melanin activity to even out skin tone such as Vitamin C, B, E with Ferulic Acid.