Face Serums Explained: What They Actually Do (And Which Ones Your Skin Needs)

Serums are targeted treatments. They’re designed to deliver high‑concentration active ingredients deeper into the skin than cleansers or moisturisers.

If you’re using the wrong serum — or too many — you’re not “doing more skincare”. You’re just irritating your face and wasting money.

At No.1 Urban Aesthetics, we provide professional skin consultations in Staffordshire, helping clients choose the right products and treatments for their skin — not what’s trending on social media.

What Makes Serums Different?

Serums are lightweight formulations made with smaller molecular structures, allowing active ingredients to penetrate the skin more effectively.

Unlike creams, which mainly hydrate and protect, serums are designed to:

• Target specific skin concerns

• Deliver active ingredients efficiently

• Support long‑term skin health

Think of them as the specialist clinicians of your skincare routine — focused, precise, and results‑driven.

Reality check: more serums does not equal better skin. Better choices do.

Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Best for: Dehydrated, dull, tight or sensitised skinDoes NOT: Add volume, change face shape, or replace dermal filler (sorry TikTok)

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a humectant, meaning it draws water into the skin and helps retain moisture. One molecule can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water — but only if there’s moisture available.

Benefits

• Improves hydration levels

• Plumps dehydration lines

• Supports the skin barrier

• Helps makeup sit more smoothly

How to use it properly

Apply to slightly damp skin, then seal with a moisturiser. Applied to dry skin without sealing, it can actually pull moisture out instead of in.

Blunt truth: If your skin feels tight but looks oily, this is usually what you’re missing.

Vitamin C Serum

Best for: Dull skin, pigmentation, uneven tone, early ageingAvoid if: Skin is very sensitive or barrier‑impaired

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects against environmental damage from pollution and UV exposure. It also plays a key role in collagen synthesis, making it a long‑term skin investment rather than an overnight fix.

Benefits

• Brightens dull skin

• Helps fade pigmentation

• Supports collagen production

• Protects against free radical damage

Common mistakes

• Using it only at night (it works best in the morning)

• Layering it with too many strong actives

• Expecting instant glow after a few days

  
  

Many active serums perform best when combined with a Dermalogica ProSkin facial, which professionally exfoliates the skin and enhances serum penetration.

Blunt truth: If your skin looks “meh” but feels fine, Vitamin C is probably your missing piece.

Retinol / Retinoids

Best for: Ageing skin, acne, texture, pigmentationAvoid if: Pregnant, breastfeeding, or unable to tolerate irritation

Retinol speeds up cell turnover, helping skin shed old cells and produce newer, healthier ones. It’s one of the most evidence‑based skincare ingredients available — but it demands respect.

Benefits

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles

• Improves skin texture

• Helps acne and congestion

• Fades pigmentation over time

Safe usage tips

• Start 1–2 nights per week

• Use a pea‑sized amount

• Always use SPF during the day

• Expect results after 8–12 weeks, not 8–12 days

  
  

Blunt truth: Retinol works — but only if you respect it. Overuse just gives you angry skin.

Niacinamide Serum

Best for: Oily, acne‑prone, sensitive or redness‑prone skinGood all‑rounder: Yes

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) supports the skin barrier, regulates oil production and calms inflammation. It’s one of the most versatile ingredients in skincare.

Benefits

• Reduces redness

• Helps control oil

• Minimises the appearance of pores

• Strengthens the skin barrier

It also plays nicely with most other ingredients, making it ideal for reactive or sensitised skin.

Blunt truth: If your skin throws tantrums regularly, niacinamide is your peacekeeper.

Peptide Serums

Best for: Early ageing, long‑term skin maintenanceDoes NOT: Replace injectable treatments

Peptides are signalling molecules that encourage collagen and elastin support, helping skin maintain firmness and resilience over time.

Benefits

• Improves firmness gradually

• Supports skin repair

• Helps maintain elasticity

Peptides are preventative rather than corrective.

Blunt truth: Think “maintenance gym membership”, not “instant transformation”.

Salicylic Acid (BHA) Serums

Best for: Acne‑prone, congested, oily skinAvoid if: Very dry or sensitive skin

Salicylic acid is oil‑soluble, allowing it to penetrate pores and break down congestion from the inside out.

Benefits

• Clears blackheads

• Reduces breakouts

• Improves skin clarity

Usage tips

• Use 2–3 times per week

• Don’t layer with strong retinoids initially

• Always follow with moisturiser

  
  

Blunt truth: If you have clogged pores and keep “hydrating harder”, you’re solving the wrong problem.

Do You Need Multiple Serums?

Not necessarily.

A solid routine usually includes:

• One hydration serum

• One active serumwww.no1-urbanaesthetics.co.uk/dermalogica

• A good moisturiser

• SPF every morning (non‑negotiable)

  
  

More products ≠ better skin. Better decisions = better skin.

Professional Skin Consultations in Staffordshire

If you’re unsure which serum is right for your skin, a professional skin consultation removes the guesswork completely.

At No.1 Urban Aesthetics, we offer in‑depth skin consultations and Dermalogica ProSkin treatments, tailored to your skin type, concerns and goals.

👉 Book your professional skin consultation via:https://no1urbanaesthetics.facesconsent.com/treatment-details/skin-consultation-0

Explore our Dermalogica ProSkin treatments here:https://www.no1-urbanaesthetics.co.uk/dermalogica

Frequently Asked Questions About Face Serums

What is the best serum for my skin?

There’s no universal “best” serum. The right choice depends on your skin type, concerns and barrier health. A professional consultation ensures safe, effective results.

Do I need a facial before using active serums?

Professional facials, such as Dermalogica ProSkin treatments, improve exfoliation, absorption and overall results from at‑home serums.

Can I combine multiple serums?

Some serums work well together, others don’t. Incorrect layering is one of the biggest causes of irritation. Professional advice prevents expensive mistakes.

Book Your Skin Consultation

Stop guessing what your skin needs.

At No.1 Urban Aesthetics, we offer professional skin consultations and Dermalogica ProSkin treatments from our Staffordshire clinic, helping you achieve real, evidence‑based results.

👉 Book now at www.no1-urbanaesthetics.co.uk