You’ve got your skin care routine down. But, you may wonder if it’s time for something more… like a serum, for example! Finding the best serums can feel overwhelming when there are so many options in the market, but we’ve got you covered.
Skin care has been extremely popular for the last decade, thanks largely to an increase in social media conversation around all things skin. For a while, it seemed like everyone was showing off their 10-step routine, then attempting to achieve “glass skin,” then stripping things way down to restore a stressed-out barrier. So if you’re feeling a little confused about what you actually need for your skin and wondering if a serum has the answers, here’s what to know.
Meet the experts:
- Dr. Caren Campbell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Francisco, California
- Dr. Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana
For the most part, dermatologists recommend sticking to a super-simple, basic skin care routine, like a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. “I do not think a teenager is in need of a serum,” says Caren Campbell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Francisco, California. “For teenage skin, simple is best. The most active ingredients you introduce into your routine, the more likely you are to get dryness and irritation or develop allergies over time.”
There are occasions when a serum can be a welcome addition to your routine, like if you’re dealing with dryness or struggling with consistent breakouts. It’s tempting to try all sorts of different serums because your friends are using them or you’re seeing them on TikTok, but a slow and steady approach is best. And beware of retinol serums! “The trend toward teenagers using active ingredients on the skin is doing more harm than good,” says Dr. Campbell. “Teenagers should not be using anti-aging serums like antioxidants or retinol serums. The best treatment for anti-aging is sunscreen.” Using sunscreen, she says, “is your best option to prevent aging, treat hyperpigmentation and redness post-breakout, and get yourself into the habit of taking good care of yourself.”
Ahead, learn more about the best serums for teenagers and shop dermatologist and editor picks for dry skin, acne-prone skin, sensitive skin, and redness.
What’s in this article?
What’s the role of a serum in a skin care routine?
“A serum can deliver high concentrations of active ingredients directly into the skin,” says Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana. “They’re generally formulated for specific concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, and dryness.” According to Dr. Spearman, serums typically contain ingredients like vitamin C, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and retinol in higher concentrations.
When should a teenager use a serum in their routine? How often?
Because serum isn’t a must-have, Dr. Spearman says she’d skip it unless you’re extra dry or dealing with acne. Then, go slowly. Gentle serums, such as those containing hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, can be used daily.” She adds that serums with stronger active ingredients, like salicylic acid or vitamin C, should be used just three or four times a week.
Where does a serum fit in your routine?
Dr. Campbell advises applying skincare from “lightest to heaviest,” so serums should be applied first (after cleansing). In general, she says a typical morning skin care routine for a teenager would be cleanser, any medicated topicals, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. At night, you’d cleanse, apply any medicated topicals, serum, and moisturizer.
