Where does a serum fit into my skincare routine?

“As a general rule, we recommend a process of cleanse, treat (with a serum) and then hydrate (with a moisturiser) to optimise results,” advises Hkeik.

How do I pick the right serum for my skin?

If you’ve stepped inside a department store or pharmacy recently, you’ll know that there are hundreds of serums to choose from. “The range of options can definitely feel overwhelming,” concedes Madeleine Mills, skincare education specialist at MECCA, which is why it’s important to have a plan of attack.

Step 1: Get clear on your skin type and concerns

Do you know what your skin type is? It might be obvious to some – if your skin is really dry, you’ll know – but less obvious to others. The most common skin types include: dry, oily, sensitive, normal and combination (oily through the t-zone).

From there, understand where your skin is at and what your main concerns or gripes are. For example: have you been experiencing more breakouts than usual? Is the texture of your skin not as smooth as you’d like? Does your face feel like an oil slick by the end of the day?

Step 2: Enlist the help of an expert

Once you know what you’re working with, it’s time to seek professional advice. Most skin clinics will offer a skin consultation service, where one of their dermal therapists will assess your skin and then recommend the best products to help you reach your skin goals. This takes out the guesswork.

Some stores, such as MECCA and Sephora, also offer a complimentary skin consultation. Mills adds: “You can get the best advice on which product would be best [for your skin] and advice on how to integrate it into your current routine.”

If you don’t have time for an in-person appointment, Mills suggests using the filter function on the MECCA website. “If you make your way to the serums landing page, you can then refine by skin type and skin concerns, and it will narrow down your options to what best will suit you.”

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Step 3: Come armed with a budget in mind

A word of warning: the price tag on serums can vary wildly. While cosmeceutical grade skincare, most often prescribed by dermal therapists, does come with added benefits to warrant the price tag, there is a serum for every budget.

Here, Mills and Hkeik share some of their go-to serums.

Budget-friendly starter serums, under $60

For a bit of everything: “kit:’s (F) A. C. E Serum ($38) is a fantastic starter serum. Vitamin A increases our skin’s cell turnover, creating healthy-looking, firmer skin while vitamins C and E create a more even skin tone and provide antioxidant protection to defend your natural collagen,” says Mills.

For brightening: “Go-To Much Brighter Serum ($59) provides the hydrating benefits of sodium hyaluronate and glycerin, the brightening properties of vitamin C and niacinamide as well as other skin soothers and antioxidants,” she adds.

Splurge-worthy serums, over $60

For smoothing: “Cosmedix Refine Plus ($101.50) is an excellent option that helps to ease fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of ageing,” says Hkeik.

For sensitive skin: “Rationale The Serum ($182) is a gentle but effective option that is hydrating and beneficial for sensitive skin,” he says.

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