5 reasons you need a new serum

There’s no denying that serums can be on the pricey side – they are potent little bottles of goodness, after all. But there comes a time when you need to let go of your investment and break it off with your serum because things just aren’t working out anymore. Here are five reasons it’s time to find yourself a new serum to love (don’t worry, there’s plenty of other serums in the sea, like these eight beauty editor approved serums).

#1 / You’re using the wrong one

Whether you’re breaking out or crinkles are creeping in, your serum should be tailored to you. “Skin care can’t be prescribed in a one-size-fits-all approach,” says cosmetic physician Dr Ilana Galgut. Post 30, check in with a dermatologist once a year to check that your skin care contains the right ingredients for your concerns and life stage.

For dry skin: EVE LOM Intense Hydration Serum
For oily skin: Kerstin Florian Clarifying Oil-Control Serum
For 20-something skin: L’Oréal Paris Skin Perfection Correcting Serum

#2 / It’s older than Blue Ivy Carter

Your serum should last 12 months, but, according to Galgut, “Longevity depends on the ingredients, whether your formulation contains preservatives and whether it’s degraded by air exposure.” So check that use-by date and always pop the lid straight back on after use.

#3 / You want better results

Think of serum as the vehicle for delivering active ingredients, says Galgut. If you want to target specific concerns (i.e., dullness, pigmentation, ageing), serums contain higher concentrations of the good stuff – meaning you get better results. As you age those top skin concerns will change, so change your serum to match.

For pigmentation: Clarins White Plus Intensive Brightening Serum
For redness: Dermalogica UltraCalming Serum Concentrate
For signs of fatigue: Estée Lauder Resilience Lift Restorative Radiance Oil

#4 / You need something suited to winter

Look for serums with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and essential fatty acids, says dermal clinician Natasha Laouta. “These protect against dryness and fine lines by replenishing naturally occurring skin lipids.” Follow with a layer of rich moisturiser. “Serums get nutrients into deeper layers of the skin that moisturiser can’t reach – moisturiser deposits hydration.”

#5 / Your makeup hates your moisturiser

The thing about serums - they sit great under makeup. If you have oily skin and don’t need a rich daytime moisturiser, try using just a serum. According to the International Dermal Institute, serums can act like primer, giving your foundation a smoother finish.

For more beauty tips from Women's Health, check out womenshealth.com.au