The 14 Best Serums for Men, From Wrinkle Smoothers to Acne Busters
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Serums can do it all, from hydrating skin to reducing dark spots. They can exfoliate, they can smooth, they can soothe, and they can firm. And that’s not all. No two serums are alike, though, which means the best serum for you might boil down to your skin type and your skin goals.
Because serums are such a broad category of products with numerous benefits, it’s important to consider your specific needs against the ingredients that each brand has included in its serum recipe. For more insight on how to find the best serum, we spoke with board-certified dermatologist Rina Weimann, M.D., of Schweiger Dermatology in North Wales, PA. Here is her expertise, followed by our favorite serum picks across a variety of needs.
The Best Men’s Serum Ingredients to Look for
Here’s a quick guide to finding a serum based on your needs and its key ingredients, according to Weimann.
Hydrating and Firming Serums
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For hydration, the key ingredients you need to look for are a familiar bunch. First, there’s hyaluronic acid, which attracts and retains moisture. Ceramides are also helpful, says Weimann. “They improve the elasticity and cohesion of the skin barrier.” She adds niacinamide to the roster, too, for its ability to hydrate the skin, improve dull skin complexion, and counter signs of aging.
Exfoliating Serums
People with dry, oily, and acne-prone skin will find exfoliating serums especially useful for smoothing and clearing up their complexion. Look for alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic and lactic acid, which Weimann says will help exfoliate skin cells at the surface. Then consider salicylic acid, the primary beta hydroxy acid (BHA), as it seeps further into the skin to clear up any trapped oil and skin cells inside the pores. You may also find retinol/Vitamin A in some serums. “Retinol helps promote and hasten skin turnover, thus evening out skin tone and dyspigmentation, while non-invasively smoothing fine lines and wrinkles over time,” Weimann explains.
Brightening and Smoothing Serums
If dull skin or hyperpigmentation is something you’re trying to address, then look for a Vitamin C serum, says Weimann. “Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is quintessential in one’s skincare regimen as it prevents sun damage, increases collagen production, and brightens the skin.” But it also comes with a big warning: “Be mindful of your Vitamin C’s packaging,” says Weimann of the volatile ingredient. “Make sure it comes in an air-tight bottle to prevent oxidation and exposure to UV light.” Otherwise, you’re probably just applying snake oil.
You’ll notice a couple of repeat ingredients from the hydrating and exfoliating options above, like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, and retinol. That’s because many ingredients provide a host of benefits, and many factors contribute to having a smoother, clearer, firmer, and overall youthful complexion. Add to this list peptides, especially for the area around the eyes, which require highly concentrated products in order to maintain their firmness and resilience.
The Best Serums for Men
With all of the above in mind, some people may choose to have multiple serums in order to round out their regimen, while others may want to rely on a singular one for as many benefits as possible. Regardless, have a look at our favorite serums below, which cover every skin type and skin goal.
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