As cooler weather arrives, we turn to intensive moisturizing products to keep skin hydrated and supple. Serums are one of the most powerful products in our beauty arsenal since they can hydrate the skin and help reverse some of the damage (we're talking brown spots and more) that occurred during the summer. But selecting the right facial serum can be tricky, especially since there are tons of brands and formulations to choose from. We spoke to dermatologists (and a pair of cosmetic chemists) to find out which facial serums they recommend to brighten, tighten, moisturize and fight unwanted discoloration. Read on for 10 picks to add to your shopping cart pronto.
"I am in love with this serum, and I use it every morning under my makeup for a smooth finish," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Anna Guanche. "The plus side to this product is that it has Extremozyme technology, which helps against environmental damage."
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman says that this serum is great for anti-aging and brightening purposes, as it reduces the appearance of wrinkles and discoloration. In addition, she notes that this facial serum contains vitamin C, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid and grapefruit, which is rich in antioxidants and citric acid.
"This product has 15 percent pure vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) and ferulic acid," Jaliman notes. The ferulic acid in this serum also enhances the benefits of the L-Ascorbic acid and the vitamin E in this product, she says. This helps reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles while it firms and brightens your skin.
Jaliman says this facial serum is ideal for those who are dealing with inflamed skin, as it contains vitamin C, glycolic acid and other ingredients, which help with redness and the appearance of enlargened pores.