They may look like small bottles of wonder, but face serums come with powerful actives and strong side effects if misused, writes ABHI SINGHAL

From skincare kits to beauty influencers’ recommendations, face serums have become the new centrepiece of skincare routines. Now considered a vital step in the daily skin routines, they have made their way to the skin some way or the other damaging them. Whether it’s a hydrating boost of Hyaluronic Acid, the glow — inducing power of Vitamin C, or the pore-unclogging strength of Salicylic Acid, serums are everywhere and so are the brands marketing them heavily.s

Consumers today are spoilt for choice. Instagram reels, YouTube skincare guides, and dermatologist — endorsed ads promote multi-step routines with actives like Niacinamide, Retinol, Glycolic Acid and more. Everyone seems to be layering two, three, even four serums at once, hoping for that elusive glass skin effect. Although they are just 2 to 3 drops on your skin daily but those drops might harm you if not used in the correct way.

Veteran beauty expert Shahnaz Husain urges caution and says, “More than active ingredients, the focus should be on achieving flawlessly beautiful skin and using herbal products that help in restoring natural skin health,” she says. Flooding your skin with chemicals may bring short-term results but is not sustainable in the long run. Read labels carefully and choose products that are based on plant ingredients like cucumber extracts, aloe vera, green tea, ginseng, and sandalwood are excellent for maintaining skin health. One of the key mistake lies in layering incompatible ingredients. For example, applying a Vitamin C serum alongside a Retinol one can lead to irritation, redness, and sensitivity. “Don’t stop using moisturisers just because you are using a serum. These two serve different purposes,” explains Shahnaz. You should always perform a patch test before trying a new product and later if it suits you you should stress on the importance of consistency.

The world of serums can be categorised into three main types — hydrating, treatment, and exfoliating. Hydrating serums such as those containing Hyaluronic Acid provide moisture to the skin, while treatment serums with Niacinamide or Retinol target specific issues like fine lines, pigmentation, or dullness. Exfoliating serums, often containing Glycolic or Lactic Acid, remove dead skin cells and reveal brighter skin.

“After knowing the difference, I suggest you use each of these based on your individual skin requirement. Avoid using them in combination, or you’ll end up irritating your skin,” warns Husain. A minimalist approach, using different types on separate days if needed, especially when dealing with chemical-based actives are recommended.

Shahnaz also recommends some alternatives to such serums as “Vitamin C can be naturally sourced from fruit blends, and ingredients like cucumber or aloe vera which are even better than synthetic chemicals people expose their skin to.”

For those seeking a daily serum, one with a herbal formulation, not only boost collagen and elasticity but rejuvenates the skin without side effects. With n number of brands selling flashy serums the wisdom seems simple about understanding your skin and choosing wisely.

Right Amount of Serum

Stick to a pea-sized or penny-sized amount of serum  when applying it to your face and neck. Using more than necessary won’t enhance the benefits — in fact, it can cause more harm than good. When overused, serums can sit on the skin’s surface rather than being absorbed, leading to excess oiliness, clogged pores, breakouts, and irritation. In the case of exfoliating serums, over-application can even result in stinging or peeling. To get the best results, gently spread a small amount across clean skin, allow it to absorb fully, and follow up with the rest of your routine.

Dark Side of Skincare Trends

The current skincare culture is heavily influenced by trends and new brands promising better and beautiful skin to the youngsters. Young people are falling into the trap of influencer endorsements and external validation. Many then face chemical burns, irritation, and allergies after using what’s ‘hot’ in the market.