Face Serum 101: a Beginner’s Guide

Treating your skin is an essential step toward a healthy, balanced complexion. That’s why we’ve put together an extensive guide to face serums with everything you need to know. Whether you’re beginning your skincare journey, or just need a refresher course, let us help. Learn what a face serum is, its skin benefits, where to find the best serum for your face, and much more below.


What is a face serum?

Face serums are topical products that contain concentrated amounts of active ingredients — like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and niacinamide. They provide important nutrients to the skin while targeting specific skin concerns or conditions. Serums are typically clear, gel-based, or liquid, and they’re more lightweight and thinner in texture than a moisturizer. It’s this unique consistency that allows serums to penetrate the deeper levels of the epidermis for optimum effectiveness. 


What are the benefits of a face serum?

There are many benefits to using a face serum. For starters, a serum easily and quickly absorbs into the skin thanks to its lightweight formula. This helps maximize the benefits received from the serum’s active ingredients. It also allows the skin to better absorb any product or moisturizer applied afterward. Serums are generally non-clogging, which makes them great for those who have acne-prone or oily skin types. By helping to keep pores clear and prevent future breakouts, serums may improve the skin’s texture.

Another benefit is that they protect the skin from free radical damage. Since serums are often rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and E, they help to prevent any signs of premature aging or skin damage from free radicals, like UV rays and pollution. Serums also hydrate the skin. They lock in moisture while strengthening the skin barrier — or skin microbiome — for a replenished, healthy-looking complexion. Many serums, including the glowoasis glowshot supercharged hydrating serum, are formulated with hyaluronic acid which is an ingredient well-known for its hydrating effects.

Face serums can boost collagen production, too, which helps firm and plump the skin. This diminishes dullness and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for much smoother, brighter skin. And, last but certainly not least, serums may provide more visible results compared to other skincare products due to their highly-concentrated formulas and fast absorption.


How do I apply a face serum?

Face serums are applied after cleansing, exfoliating, and toning, but before moisturizing. The moisturizer helps seal in the serum to enhance its benefits. Serums can often hydrate more effectively than heavy creams. That’s because the serum’s molecules penetrate the skin on the deepest level, whereas many heavy creams may just sit on top of those layers. Of course, a hydrating serum does not replace your moisturizer, but it certainly can boost its hydrating effects.

A serum’s texture is great for layering, and it can even be used as a primer underneath makeup. For how to apply face serum, start by placing 1-2 drops of serum evenly onto clean, dry skin. Next, gently pat your face until it’s fully absorbed. If you have trouble with the dropper during the application, we recommend making sure the pipette — or glass part of the dropper — is emptied first. Then, squeeze the dropper as you place it back into the bottle. Release the dropper once it’s fully inserted so that it can refill.


Who should use a face serum?

Everyone! Today, there are even serums available that specifically address concerns — from healthy skin aging to hydration boosting and skin brightening. Serums are especially recommended for those with dry or oily skin, as they lock in moisture and don’t leave a sticky residue behind that can clog pores. 


Where can I shop for the best face serum?

Here at glowoasis, we offer a lightweight yet supercharged serum called glowshot. It features a blend of rejuvenating ingredients like blue agave leaf extract and adenosine to help brighten skin tone and minimize signs of aging. Each drop delivers an instant dose of deep hydration to boost the skin’s radiance and revive dull, tired skin.

You can shop our glowshot supercharged hydrating serum here. Or, if you want to double up on hydration, grab our glowshot duo here.


We hope with this guide you can see that face serums really are a necessary step in any skincare routine. They nourish, protect, and hydrate your skin — amongst other incredible benefits — for positively radiant skin.

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