HEALTH
How Do Hydrating Serums Work?
Moisturizing is a critical part of any skincare routine. Even naturally oily skin needs a light moisturizer and hydration, especially as the skin ages or endures repeated sun exposures. Hydrating serums provide one way to boost skin moisture and can prevent or reverse some mild to moderate signs of aging. But, the way hydrating serums work depends on a combination of core and added ingredients. Let’s review some of the ways these serums can benefit the user’s skin.
Hyaluronic Acid Plumps and Moisturizes Skin
Humans produce hyaluronic acid as part of their biological processes. However, the amount someone’s body makes decreases with age. That’s why people often notice their skin gets drier and thinner as they get older. Many people find they need stronger or more moisturizer to keep their skin from drying out, flaking, or peeling too much.
Those who want a hydrating serum should look for hyaluronic acid as one of the main ingredients. Using serums with hyaluronic acid will boost the skin’s moisture content and give it a plumper look. In other words, hydrating serums will help make up for decreasing levels of the body’s natural amounts of hyaluronic acid. The skin won’t look as tired, dull, or dry and will take on a more youthful appearance.
Added Ingredients Can Stimulate Collagen and Fade Dark Spots
Additional ingredients like collagen and vitamin C in hydrating serums benefit the skin in various ways. Similar to hyaluronic acid, the body makes collagen naturally, but it decreases with age. Less collagen can make the skin more vulnerable to wrinkles and fine lines. Applying hydrating serums with collagen helps maintain the skin’s elasticity and prevents or delays the development of fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen can also smooth out shallow acne scars.
When added to hydrating serums, vitamin C can brighten the skin, reduce signs of inflammation, and fade dark spots. Hyperpigmentation and dark spots can develop because of acne or UV light exposure. Vitamin C won’t necessarily prevent hyperpigmentation or sun spots, but it may help improve the skin’s appearance. With repeated use, vitamin C will make hyperpigmentation and dark spots less visible.
Hydrating Serums May Target Different Skin Areas or Problems
Many hydrating serums work on most areas of the face or neck. Some serums target the eye area. Specifically, these hydrating serums help reduce the appearance of dark circles. The ingredient of vitamin C is responsible for targeting and diminishing the appearance of raccoon eyes.
For people who want to focus on specific problem areas like this, being more selective with their hydrating serums will help. Research the list of added ingredients and what those serums specifically alleviate. There are also hydrating serums that give the skin added firmness, reducing the sagging that often comes with age. This frequently happens underneath the chin and in the upper neck areas.
Hydrating serums can have multiple benefits for aging or sun-damaged skin. However, younger individuals may want to use hydrating serums to increase the skin’s natural moisture levels and get a head start on preventing signs of aging. For the most part, hydrating serums work by boosting the skin’s levels of hyaluronic acid. Nonetheless, added ingredients like collagen and vitamin C can work on other skin problems and concerns. Some of those include sagging, dark circles, redness, and hyperpigmentation.
Kenneth is a proud native of sydney, born and raised there. However, he pursued his education abroad and studied in Australia. Kenneth has worked as a journalist for almost a decade, making valuable contributions to prominent publications such as Yahoo News and The Verge. Currently, he serves as a journalist for The Hear Up, where he focuses on covering climate and science news. You can reach Kenneth at [email protected].
