Why you need to add face serum to your skincare routine: 8 affordable face serums in the Philippines

2020 was one of the most unpredictable years to date. There were a few good things that happened. We learned to value what matters most. We were able to reconnect with our families and ourselves. We figured out what motivates us, and how to keep motivated. We learned that taking care of ourselves is as important as taking care of others.

In learning to take care of ourselves, we learned that sometimes sleeping in is exactly what you need. Dressing up for no one else makes us feel like we rule the world. Being fresh and bare-faced after constantly feeling the need to put on makeup is a weight lifted off our shoulders. In line with this less makeup epiphany, a lot of us have ventured into skincare! And while we most likely have found the best face washes, toners, and moisturizers for our individual needs, one of the things you may have been more cautious of adding into your routine is serums.

Serums can be intimidating but they’re actually just more potent and concentrated versions of your favorite ingredients so that you see results over a shorter period of time! Serums are basically the secret weapon to combat and treat things like acne, discoloration, fine lines, and dullness. It targets your skin concerns and addresses them without feeling heavy and thick on your skin. Now to make the most out of your serum, remember to apply it to clean skin before you apply your moisturizer. Now that you know why you should incorporate face serums in your skincare routine, which one do you use? You have to know what skin issues you want to address and choose accordingly!

Here are some of our top face serum picks for different skin concerns. Don’t worry, we kept them affordable and available in the Philippines.

For skin that doesn’t have any extreme issues, but could still be better, serums that showcase hyaluronic acid could be what you’ve been missing. Hyaluronic acid increases the water attraction to the skin and can increase hydration and helps firm and revitalize. SkinLab’s Hydrate & Replenish Hydra Facial Serum is a good option because you can use it both day and night.

An alternative to that would be One Earth Organics’ Beauty Blends Purity Serum E - another great formulation to help revive the glow and youthfulness of your skin! You can never get enough of a good plumping formula.

Acne is a common issue nowadays, especially with our face constantly being covered in a mask. If this is an issue you’d like your serum to address, things like a combination of niacinamide and zinc might help zap those zits away. Bye Bye Blemish’s Skin Rescue Niacinamide Serum is one you can use every day in the morning or the evening.

If you want something a little stronger, the Skin Resurfacing AHA + BHA Peeling Serum chemically exfoliates and gets rid of your clogged pores. It can reach a little deeper into the pores than a cleanser can. You only need to apply it after your evening cleanse, so you can stick to your basic skincare routine and catch some more z’s before heading into the office.

If you wanna get rid of discoloration and acne scars, Vitamin C is the key. It’s great to help clear up your skin and help depigment those stubborn spots. The Inkey List Vitamin C and EGF Serum also helps get rid of those tiny white bumps that occur right under the skin.

Another great product I use is the Ecococo Morning Sun Skin O’lixir, this formulation lightens dark spots and smoothes out skin texture. It’s easy to layer right under your moisturizer, and lightweight enough that you’ll forget you even put it on.

If you want to prevent aging and maybe get ahead of all the skin issues that come with getting older, retinol is what you want. Retinol is an amazing ingredient and retinol serums can range in price and concentration! A great introduction to retinol (at a price that won’t have you emptying your pockets) is the Retinol by Robanda® Advanced Renewal Serum. Retinol serums can cost a bit more than the other serums we’ve mentioned, but you use it 3-4 times a week, and only in the evenings so that’ll keep your product on the vanity for longer and you won’t have to repurchase as often.

Also, while all the other serums we mentioned can be used by everyone, there is a Men’s Anti-Wrinkle Face Serum available if you maybe wanted one made specifically for a mister.

That wraps up our list, we just provided you with 8 great serums that you can try and hope you find one that suits your skin and your lifestyle!