Why Moisturiser isn't enough - the importance of Serums in your Skincare Routine.

When it comes to skincare, most of us have the basics covered - Cleanser, Moisturiser, and daily SPF. But if you're looking to amplify your routine and make a real difference to your specific skin concerns, there's one product you should be using everyday. Cue serums.

Serums might seem like just another marketing ploy for brands to sell you more skincare than you actually need, however this step is one that can make a real contribution to your skin’s health and appearance. 

Still not convinced? We know you are most likely managing an already crowded skincare routine, but trust us - these concentrated formulas will deliver real results. Read on to find out how.

What is the Difference between Serums and Moisturisers?

Before we dive deeper into the world of serums, it’s important to understand the difference between your daily moisturisers and serums. Put simply, serums target skin concerns while moisturiser hydrates and protects the skin - which is why most people will benefit from daily use of both products.

What Is a Serum?

Serums are concentrated treatments designed to deliver active ingredients directly into your skin. Because of their small molecular structure, they penetrate deeper and work more intensely. Unlike your daily moisturiser, they are not diluted with carrier ingredients that can reduce their potency. Serums offer a solution to treating various skin concerns, including: 

• Fine lines & wrinkles

• Hyperpigmentation

• Acne & blemishes

• Dullness

• Dehydration

Whether you're dealing with acne, dark spots, fine lines, or dullness, there's a serum out there designed to improve the appearance and texture of your skin. Serums are formulated with potent ingredients in concentrations higher than what you'd typically find in creams or cleansers.

For example:

• Vitamin C serums brighten and even out skin tone.

• Retinol serums promote cell turnover and fight signs of aging.

• Hyaluronic acid serums deeply hydrate and plump the skin.

Serums Deliver Visible Results

Due to their high concentration of active ingredients, serums can deliver visible improvements faster than other skincare products. With consistent use, many people report changes in their skin’s texture, tone, and overall appearance within a few weeks.

Serums Help Prevent Premature Ageing

Incorporating the right serum early in your skincare journey can help prevent noticeable issues before they start. Antioxidant-rich serums, like those with Vitamin C help protect your skin from environmental damage and premature ageing. Investing in the right serum and daily SPF is an investment in the health of your complexion now while also protecting from future damage. 

What Is a Moisturiser?

While some moisturisers may contain active ingredients such as Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid, they are designed with one purpose in mind - to hydrate and protect the skin. Moisturisers are formulated to:

• Lock in moisture

• Strengthen the skin barrier

• Prevent water loss

• Keep skin soft and smooth

Although you may receive some benefits from active ingredients within a moisturiser, it won’t be as concentrated as those you will find in a targeted serum.

Do You Need Both a Serum and a Moisturiser?

Yes — for most people, using both a serum and a moisturiser is ideal. The serum delivers targeted treatment, and the moisturiser seals it in and protects your skin. Anyone with mature skin will benefit from a hydrating and plumping serum, while all skin types from the age of early 20s and beyond can benefit from the antioxidant rich properties of a daily Vitamin C Serum.

How to Use a Serum in Your Skincare Routine

Serums are usually water-based and designed to be applied before your moisturiser. Because of their light texture, they absorb quickly and won’t leave your skin feeling heavy or greasy. This makes them ideal for layering on all skin types.

A little serum goes a long way, with one pump or 2-3 drops often being enough for one application. However it’s important to read the instructions on your skincare label and make note of how your skin responds after application.

As a general rule, skincare products should be applied from lightest to heaviest consistency. Here’s the order of a standard skincare routine:

• Cleanser

• Toner

• Serum

• Moisturiser

• SPF in the AM

Apply your serum to clean, slightly damp skin, and allow it to absorb for a minute before applying your moisturiser. 

How to choose the right Serum for your skin type and concerns?

The best Serums to suit your skin type are easy to find if you know which ingredients to look out for. Follow our guide below for the best organic skin serums designed to support your skin type and concerns.

Mature Skin

Mature Skin will benefit from serums that contain natural plumping bio-actives to promote collagen and elastin production. Commiphora and Wakame are two of nature’s best anti-ageing ingredients that are proven to deliver real results. Commiphora helps to maintain skin tone while Wakame has impressive scientific studies that show the following results:

• Reduced wrinkle depth by 9% and skin roughness by 8%

• Increased skin elasticity by 17%

• Inhibition of collagenase and elastase by up to 99%

• Protected against free radical producing enzymes and glycation by 50%

• Increased the expression of the SIRT1 anti-ageing protein by 28%

Reach for: LAMAV’s Commiphora Plumping serum for the skin plumping benefits of Commiphora, Wakame and Paracress, along with the added support of antioxidant rich Native Extracts.

Acne Prone Skin

Acne prone skin will benefit from natural serums that support cellular turnover while reducing inflammation. Look for natural retinol alternatives such as Bakuchiol to soothe inflamed acne while encouraging gentle exfoliation to promote collagen production and support skin repair. 

Reach for: LAMAV’s Bakuchiol 4% Natural Retinol Alternative Booster Serum is a potent yet gentle serum designed to fight acne, wrinkles, dull skin. It combines the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda with Australian native bio-actives for impressive results. Formulated to supercharge your routine by improving skin structure and reducing the appearance of textured skin, it is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin and is safe for those who are pregnant and breastfeeding.

Dry and Sensitive Skin

If you have dry skin, it’s likely you’ve heard of Hyaluronic Acid. Naturally produced by the body, this hydration booster declines as we age. Dry skin will enjoy the topical benefits of Hyaluronic Acid in a serum to boost and lock in hydration.

Reach for: LAMAV’s Hyaluronic Hydra Max Serum to lock in moisture and restore a glowing complexion. Sensitive skin types will also enjoy the instant comfort that Hyaluronic Acid, CoEnzyme Q10 and Quandong Extract deliver to support healthy skin barrier function.

Uneven Skin Tone

If you’re looking for a natural pigmentation fighter, it’s hard to go past Vitamin C. This powerful antioxidant is available via Australian Native ingredients such as Kakadu Plum, and is often included in its pure form - sometimes listed as Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate or L-ascorbic acid on ingredients labels. 

Apart from the obvious skin brightening and antioxidant benefits of Vitamin C, there are also a few other natural ingredients to look out for that have some serious brightening abilities:

Turmeric Root Extract - Used traditionally in Ayurveda, turmeric root is a potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant. When used topically, it may provide therapeutic benefits—reducing scarring and improving wound healing, while also soothing inflammatory skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis.

Seaweed (Fucoidan Extract) - Clinically proven to be highly effective at brightening skin and visibly reducing age spots and pigmentation:

• Reduces pigment and age spots by 20% in just 60 days

• Inhibits tyrosinase (the enzyme that produces melanin) by 97% 

• Brightens skin in just 60 days

Rumex Extract - Derived from Field Dock, Rumex is used to treat hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the enzyme which causes the development of pigmentation in skin. The result is a more even skin tone and clearer complexion.

Reach for: LAMAV’s Daily Vitamin C Serum. Containing all of nature’s best brighteners listed above, along with soothing Aloe and antioxidant rich Native Extracts, it’s the perfect addition to your morning skincare routine for brightening and protection.

Precautions when introducing new Face Serums into your skin ritual

As mentioned earlier, serums are concentrated skincare treatments that often contain high levels of active ingredients. Even natural ingredients that are generally considered a low irritation risk (such as Vitamin C) can cause redness if used in higher doses that your skin may not be familiar with. It’s always best to patch test any new serum by first applying to your forearm and moving to the jawline area before assessing how your skin reacts. If there is no reaction, start with one pump every few days and build up to daily use while also taking the product instructions into consideration.

Final Thoughts on Serums 

Adding a serum to your skincare routine might seem like an extra step, but we can guarantee the benefits are well worth it if you choose wisely. Whether you're looking to hydrate, brighten, smooth, or protect your skin, a serum can transform your skin concerns and deserves a place on your bathroom shelf.