Super Serums

Slowly but surely, within a decade, serums have firmly made their way into the grooming kitty. Tackle your dark spots, acne and ageing, with a sprig.

Serums are superpowers of skincare, yet dermatologists like Dr Rekha Sheth and Dr Rashmi Shetty say that they can’t be restricted by formal definitions. Broadly, they are considered to be potent concoctions with active ingredients and may or may not contain essential oils.

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1) CHANEL SUBLIMAGE L’ESSENCE ULTIMATE: This product is not just a serum, it is pure indulgence. It’s like wearing a couture gown that is exquisitely crafted. Enriched with the detoxifying properties of Golden Champa extract, it is not simply about an exotic story, it is positively effective. It glides over the skin like molten gold and gets easily absorbed to give an immediate glow. Within 10 days it shows visible improvement in skin texture.

2) SKEYNDOR CORRECTIVE EXPRESSION LINE SERUM: Packed with neural-inhibitor agents and skin-lifting peptides with pre-and post-synaptic activity, this serum is meant for mature skin. Within a week of use, it displays clarity and suppleness, and in a month, it fills in deep wrinkles and expression lines.

3) KIEHL’S MIDNIGHT RECOVERY COMPLEX: This potent 99.8 per cent naturally-derived and paraben-free botanical elixir is a night guard. Apply it before sleeping after taking off your makeup to regenerate, repair and replenish the skin barrier to reveal younger-looking skin by morning. It’s a little greasy in texture, so if you have oily skin, follow it up with a gel-based moisturiser.

4) O3+ AGELOCK VITAMIN C SERUM: Several dermatologists recommend using vitamin C-enriched serum. This one delivers an even-toned skin and is absolute value for money. Recommended by aesthetician Ruby Biswas, this serum should be applied as dots on the face and then quickly blended with swift, soft strokes.

5) CLARINS DOUBLE SERUM: The reason why it is called “Double” is because of the dual compartments – hydric and lypidic –and is therefore a combination of oil and water-based ingredients. While one is not really sure if the compartmentalisation is really required or just a fancy element, the fact is that it is a product that is loved by many. It suits all skin types, but is best for those with dry skin and works wonderfully as a super primer before applying makeup.

6) FOREST ESSENTIALS ADVANCED SOUNDARYA AGE DEFYING FACIAL SERUM WITH 24K GOLD: This rich Ayurvedic recipe, containing ashwagandha, black sesame, sweet almond oil, ghee, sandalwood, saffron, turmeric, liquorice and 24 carat gold bhasm, increases the production of collagen and improves elasticity. Just a tiny drop is enough to lend a golden glow.

7) ESTÉE LAUDER ADVANCED NIGHT REPAIR SYNCHRONIZED RECOVERY COMPLEX: This iconic brown bottle is legendary. It has undergone several renovations and has had to fight several strong contenders, yet it continues to be a bestseller. Within a couple of days it delivers clearer and softer skin. Tip: Always massage in the serum gently. It works better.

8) VICHY LIFTACTIV SERUM 10: Within 10 minutes it fills out wrinkles and leaves your skin feeling plump. The product scores even more when it gets recommended by none other than Dr Sheth. Rich in hyaluronic acid, this potion is a good hydrator and works well as a pre-base for dry, patchy skin.

9) CLINIQUE EVEN BETTER DARK SPOT CORRECTOR: Packed with hydroquinone, this serum acts on overactive melanin-producing cells and reduces pigmentation. Do keep in mind that dark spots due to sun exposure can be deep-seated and won’t disappear overnight. Use it regularly for a month or more to see a significant difference.

10) OLAY REGENERIST SERUM: It is indeed a smart product and is recommended by wellness and fitness expert Dr Mahima Bakshi. She says, “It suits my skin type and adds a glow, while my skin feels softer and more supple.” Take one look at her skin and you won’t think twice before reaching out for this bottle.

From the May 2020 issue of L’Officiel India.