All your frequently asked questions (FAQs) about face serums answered

Serums are all the rage in skincare right now but what exactly is all the hype about?!

What are skin serums? What do they do for the skin and is it really necessary to include them in your skincare routine?

We took the time to answer some of your Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) when it comes to serums. Read on to learn the top things that you need to know!


At one point or another most of us have likely felt clueless about skin serums. They come in small, dainty bottles and can be pretty expensive. They all make different claims - serums are moisturizing, but somehow moisturizers are still a must. Some can be oily, but they are not necessarily face oils. Some can be watery and some claim to be essences.

What's the difference between all these products? There are a lot of questions when it comes to serums so here are the answers to some of them!

What are serums?

Face serums are highly-concentrated, lightweight formulas that have the unique ability to penetrate deeply into the cellular level of the skin. Among all skincare products, they are the best at doing what they claim to do since they are designed to absorb quickly and penetrate deeper to deliver high concentrations of active ingredients into the skin cells.

Serums are formulated to revitalize and directly repair skin cells, all the while addressing a wide range of skin health factors.

How do serums work?

Serums have smaller molecules compared to other skincare products. They also only have a few concentrated active ingredients and they don’t have additives such as thickeners, emulsifiers or oils.

Leaving out these heavier ingredients that are commonly found in traditional moisturizers lets the skin absorb serums much faster and deeper, allowing them to do exactly as they are designed to do at a cellular level.

Why use a serum?

Layering skincare products has become more popular as people have become more perceptive about their personal skincare routines.

Adding a serum fit for your skin needs will not only help intensify the strength of your skincare regimen but also round out the ingredients that you are applying to your skin. This will provide you with a more comprehensive approach to achieving your goals, whether it be anti-aging, brightening or even hydration.

How do I apply serums? How often should I apply?

Start off by cleansing your face and using a toner. We highly recommend using YEOUTH’s Balancing Facial Toner as this will prepare your skin to allow maximum absorption of your other skincare products.

While still damp, gently massage a pea-sized amount of your chosen serum to the face and neck area. Allow to absorb into skin and then follow with your favorite moisturizer and sunscreen. Apply twice daily or as the product instruction suggests for best results.

Pro Tip: Gently massage the serum into your face using one or two fingers to avoid wasting the serum on your hands.

Is serum a moisturizer?

No, serums are not the same as moisturizers and they should not be used as replacements for them.

Although a lot of serums contain moisturizing ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and ceramides, they only moisturize the skin to a certain extent. You still need to top them off with face lotions or creams to prevent skin moisture from evaporating and keeping environmental irritants out of your pores.

Serums do hydrate but they should not be used alone since they do not have the same protective properties that moisturizers do. Putting on moisturizer is basically adding a rich, protective barrier on your skin’s surface to keep all the good stuff in and all the bad stuff out.

Read more: Moisturizing 101: What Moisturizer Should I Use for My Skin Type?

Are serums and face oils the same thing?

Not all serums can be considered face oils. Although some are oil-based, other serums are water-based. It is best to know which of these two types your serum is to best maximize their benefits for your skin.

Water-based Serums
Most serums in the market are water-based. They have a lighter texture and should always be applied under your face creams or other thicker products to ensure that it can penetrate deeply.

Oil-based Serums
On the other hand, serums that are oil-based should go on top of your moisturizers. They have bigger molecules and are formulated to keep everything that you put underneath intact and moist for the enitre day.

Always make sure you know what type of serum you are using so that you can best take care of your skin.

Is essence also considered a serum?

In terms of how you should apply it and what function they serve to the skin, serums and essences are actually quite similar. Both should be applied after cleansing and before moisturizing and both are targeted to specific skincare needs.

The only difference between the two skincare products is their texture; essences are more lightweight and are fairly watered-down compared to serums which are more viscous and concentrated.

Should you choose to add both in your skincare regimen, apply the essence first and then the serum before moisturizing.

Why are serums pricier than other skincare products?

Yes, serums are more expensive than other skincare products, but they are definitely worth it since these products are super concentrated and potent. The active ingredients in our serums are more expensive than the thickeners found in other skincare products, so the ingredients soak right into your skin.

A few concentrated drops are just enough to give your skin the nutrients it needs and when applied properly, a bottle of serum should last you for at least one month.

Which serum is right for my skin?

No matter what skin problems you are trying to counter, there is definitely an enhancing skin serum that will fit your needs. Identify your skin woes and pick your serum accordingly to achieve flawless, beautiful skin all-day, every day.

For Hydration
Look For: Hyaluronic acid

Serums with Hyaluronic Acid retain moisture to make skin supple and nourished. It also preserves skin elasticity, giving the skin a softer feel and a more youthful appearance.

Yeouth Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($14.95)

For Improved Skin Tone
Look For: Antioxidants

Serums rich in antioxidant ingredients like Vitamin C prevent oxidative strain from pollution and UV radiation. This greatly helps in improving skin tone and will make skin look and feel smoother.

Yeouth Hyaluronic Acid Plus with Vitamin C and Tripeptide 31 for Night ($29.95)

For Reduced Appearance of Wrinkles and Firmer Skin
Look For: Peptides or Hyaluronic Acid

Serums with peptides help boost collagen and elastin for firmness. Those with hyaluronic acid will keep skin supple and moisturized. If you want younger, firmer skin, make sure you have serums with peptides or hyaluronic acid in them.

Yeouth Anti-Aging Super Serum, Ferulic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C & E ($29.95)

For Bright and Glowing Skin
Look For: Vitamin C and E

Serums that contain Vitamin C are also a great option because it increases collagen production, enhances the skin’s repair process and reduces inflammation. It also effectively lightens acne scars making it perfect for people who suffer from acne.

For Acne-prone Skin
Look For: Retinol

Retinol is a great ingredient for treating acne! It boosts collagen production, unclogs pores, reduces fine lines and speeds up skin cell turnover for smoother and clearer skin.

Pick which one is best for your skin needs! Have any other skincare questions you’d like answered? Comment down below! We love hearing your thoughts.

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