What is a Face Serum and How to Choose One? A Serum Guide Based on Skin Concerns
The Dermokil face serum collection offers concentrated care for the most common skin problems such as blemishes, acne, moisture deficiency, clogged pores, and uneven skin tone, with 5 different formulas containing hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, AHA+BHA acids, activated carbon, and tea tree oil. Serums are highly active ingredient-dense products applied between a cleanser and a moisturizer; thanks to their fine molecular structure, they penetrate the skin barrier to act in deeper layers of the skin. Choosing the right serum significantly strengthens the existing skincare routine.
Difference Between Serum and Moisturizer
A moisturizer creates a protective barrier on the skin's surface layer to prevent moisture loss. A serum, on the other hand, has a much finer and more concentrated formula; its smaller molecules penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, providing targeted active care. For this reason, serum should always be applied before moisturizer, to clean and toned skin. Serum does not make moisturizer unnecessary; the two complement each other.
Active Ingredients in Serums and Their Effects
Hyaluronic Acid: A powerful moisture reservoir that can hold up to a thousand times its weight in water. It strengthens the skin barrier, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and soothes sensitive and irritated skin. Suitable for daily morning and evening use for all skin types.
Vitamin C: One of the most effective brightening and anti-blemish active ingredients in skincare. It helps to reduce pigment irregularities and sun spots, and to even out skin tone. When combined with Niacinamide, its effect on acne scars is strengthened. It is recommended to use with sunscreen in the morning routine.
AHA + BHA (Glycolic Acid + Lactic Acid): The most effective acid combination for chemical exfoliation. AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) dissolves dead cells on the skin surface, while BHA (beta hydroxy acid) penetrates pores to clear blockages. The formula, supported by Niacinamide, strengthens the skin barrier after exfoliation. Should be used twice a week, leaving at least 3 days between applications.
Activated Carbon (Charcoal): A powerful adsorbent substance that deeply cleanses pores. The activated carbon serum, supported by glycolic acid and lactic acid, provides a multifaceted effect against blemishes, imperfections, and clogged pores. Recommended for use twice a week.
Tea Tree Oil: Provides antibacterial and balancing effects for acne-prone skin. Its formula, combined with Niacinamide, helps reduce active acne, maintain sebum balance, and fade acne scars. Suitable for daily morning and evening use.
How to Incorporate Serum into Your Routine?
The correct application order is: cleanser → toner → serum → moisturizer → sunscreen (morning). A small amount of serum is applied to the face and neck area with gentle massaging motions using fingertips. After waiting 1-2 minutes for absorption, moisturizer is applied. Serums containing AHA+BHA and activated carbon should be used twice a week; other serums are suitable for daily use.
Which Serum is Suitable for Which Skin Concern?
For moisture deficiency and fine lines, a hyaluronic serum is recommended; for blemishes and uneven tone, a vitamin C serum; for acne and acne scars, a tea tree oil serum; for pore cleansing and skin renewal, an AHA+BHA serum; for deep pore blockages and surface blemishes, an activated carbon serum. For skin with multiple concerns, it is possible to alternate different serums in morning and evening routines.