Maintaining radiant and healthy-looking skin is something pretty much everyone aspires to. It is, after all, one of the key aspects of ourselves we present to the wider world and something we can be unfairly judged on. Ensuring it passes such intrusive inspection requires diligence and adherence to a strict self-care regime, one that serums are playing ever more of a lead role within.

A well-chosen salicylic acid serum applied up to twice a week, for example, is a positive boon when it comes to banishing acne. By contrast, it’s a hyaluronic acid serum you should be calling on to help counter any dry skin problems, while a morning application of Vitamin C serum is all but sure to revive dull and weary skin. Intriguingly, all of these life-enhancing potions come packaged in miniature bottles, complete with droppers to ensure micro accurate deployment. As to which to opt for, well here are some of our tried and tested favourites…

Eadem Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum

For the many blessed with a darker skin tone, reducing hyperpigmentation has always been something of a particular challenge. Thankfully, here to help is this fragrance-free serum which has been specially formulated for use on darker-coloured skin. In addition, its unique composition is also said to help reduce post-acne scarring without bleaching the skin’s natural tone, largely on account of its delicate infusion of niacinamide, liquorice root and amber algae.

Valmont V-Firm Eye Gel

Specifically engineered to help protect the sensitive area around the eyes, this hydrating optical serum contains collagen-enhancing peptides said to both keep your skin exceptionally tight and to ensure your eyes appear bright and maintain their twinkle. With its gel-like eye contour having thicker viscosity than comparable serums, it’s ideal for use in any environment likely to leech moisture from your skin.

Dr. Dennis Gross retinol ferulic serum

Containing such potent hydration as hyaluronic acid and squalane, as well as being rich in antioxidant ferulic acid, this new renewing serum also has a healthy level of both retinol and bakuchiol, its herbal, skin-smoothing counterpart. Apply it immediately before bedtime and you’ll supposedly awaken with a singularly smooth, taut and radiant complexion.

Dermalogica calming serum for sensitive skin

Favouring oats, botanical extracts, primrose oil, hyaluronic acid, collagen and peptides, this is the serum you need if you’re looking to accelerate the healing time of any recently damaged skin. It’s particularly recommended for use when you’ve maybe over-exposed your epidermis, possibly when that day in the sun dragged on just a little too long.

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum

With a staying power that would be the envy of many, this legendary brand remains very much at the cutting edge when it comes to complexion care products. Proof – if proof was needed – comes courtesy of its seven-in-one Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronised MultiRecovery Complex Serum, which is said to both eliminate the giveaway signs of aging and deliver a younger, more radiant, even-toned look.

(Text: Joseff Musa)

Read the full article in the March 2023 issue (pg: 44). Available on the Gafencu app on Android and Apple.