Ask any dermatologist you know, and they’ll tell you that serums are where it’s at when it comes to your skincare routine. More lightweight than moisturizers, they contain higher amounts of active ingredients—meaning they’re legit workhorses that really deliver. Equally noteworthy is the fact that there really is a serum for any and every complexion concern you may have. Want to fade spots? There’s a serum for that. Trying to smooth fine lines? Yep, plenty of formulas for that, too. Want a do-it-all option? There are multitasking serums galore. The best way to plump up face wrinkles at home is with a serum or cream with certain key ingredients specifically formulated to smooth skin texture and restore volume loss. These ingredients, according to Dr. Sobel and Dr. Green, include: Common categories of peptides consist of signal, carrier, enzyme-inhibitor, and neurotransmitter-inhibitor depending on how they work. For example, copper peptides activate wound healing, which, in turn, stimulates collagen production. But that's a bit hard to remember, especially considering that labs and brands can and do trademark their own peptide complexes.

However, you can suffer the two skin issues at the same time, and you’ll find that many serums on the market are designed to treat both: “When your skin is dry and at a loss of oil, it’s often dehydrated too,” adds Eve. “This is because skin lipids play a huge role in maintaining the skin’s barrier and water loss. When the skin barrier is compromised, water loss increases.”Another benefit that is linked to HA is that it can help heal your wounds faster. Applying serums containing hyaluronic acid can minimize the area of damaged skin while alleviating the pain that comes with it. Dr. Green loves this serum from Paula's Choice for filling wrinkles. "It contains six peptides to promote collagen synthesis and Either is fine, but it ultimately depends on the serum. If the serum contains highly active ingredients like retinol and alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids, save it for the evening. Serums like vitamin C work well in the morning, but be sure to follow up with an SPF of at least 30. Finally, there are some that are formulated specifically as night serums, which makes it easier to determine what's right. Some products, such as retinol and vitamin C in higher concentrations, can cause mild irritation at first and should be used every other day to begin with until your skin builds up tolerance. If your skincare routine includes both vitamin C and retinol, it’s best to use vitamin C products in the morning and retinol products at night – retinol helps cells rebuild overnight but can cause sun sensitivity, whereas vitamin C helps protect from environmental damage so is a good choice for daytime. Salicylic acid can also cause mild irritation so is best used at night; hyaluronic acid can be used at any time of day What should I use after a serum?

Serums that contain higher concentrations of active ingredients are generally more expensive. That’s not to say you have to fork out an arm and a leg for a quality product, but they tend to sit higher than a cleanser or sunscreen.

Retinol is better understood and more supported in the dermatologist community when it comes to anti-aging (it even stimulates collagen)—but not everyone can use retinol.

HA can be applied topically through skincare products, ingested in supplements, or improved naturally by increasing your intake of HA-rich foods such as soy-based products (like tofu and soy milk), citrus fruits, sweet potatoes and leafy greens. How to Choose the Best Serum Containing Hyaluronic Acid This refreshing cream-to-gel formula is ultra-hydrating, providing 24-hour hydration. It can be used on its own or layered with your favourite moisturiser. Formulated with 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it helps to promote softer, smoother-looking skin and retains skin’s natural moisture. Suitable for dry to very dry skin types, it also helps to soothe the skin and maintain the skin’s protective barrier. What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866. doi:10.3390/nu9080866