The SPF Serum Trend That's Taking Over Skincare Routines - Is It Worth The Hype?
Discover the latest skincare trend of SPF serums, explored by dermatologists. Are they worth the hype? Find out how they hydrate and protect your skin.
The SPF serum skincare trend are the latest innovation in sun protection that combine the benefits of a serum and a sunscreen in one product.
They are designed to be lightweight, hydrating, and packed with antioxidants and other active ingredients that target specific skin concerns.
But are they really worth the hype? And how do they compare to traditional sunscreens?
To answer these questions, we consulted some experts and did some research on the effectiveness and advantages of SPF serums. Here’s what we found out:
What are SPF Serums?
SPF serums are hybrid products that combine sunscreen ingredients with active skincare ingredients, such as vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants.
They are designed to protect the skin from UV rays, while also addressing specific skin concerns, such as dullness, hyperpigmentation, dryness, fine lines, and breakouts.
SPF serums usually have a thin and fluid consistency, and can be applied after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizing and makeup.
A Shift in Skincare Trends
In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in skincare trends as people are becoming more conscious of the products they use on their skin. Harsh, irritating products that strip away the skin's natural moisture barrier are gradually falling out of favor.
Instead, there is a growing appreciation for the concept of skin cycling, which emphasizes giving your skin a break from aggressive treatments like dermabrasion. This new approach focuses on gentle and nurturing skincare routines that promote skin health and resilience.
By using SPF serums, you can save time and money by combining two steps in your skincare routine: serum and sunscreen. You can also avoid potential ingredient interactions or layering issues that may occur when using separate products.
However, this does not mean that you can skip your moisturizer or other skincare products that you may need. SPF serums are not meant to replace your entire skincare routine, but rather to enhance it and simplify it. Using a serum can bring so many fantastic benefits to your skin!
Depending on the type you choose, you can enjoy hydrated, moisturized skin with a youthful glow, plumpness, and overall beauty. SPF Serums are also great for boosting collagen, reducing inflammation, fading dark spots from hyperpigmentation, and minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
With all these amazing perks,we definitely think they are worth the hype!
SPF Serums can Optimize your Sun Protection
One of the main reasons to use an SPF serum is to boost your sun protection and prevent sun damage, which is the leading cause of premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer.
Studies have shown that using an antioxidant vitamin C serum prior to sunscreen can optimize your SPF, addressing damage from the sun and pollutants by neutralizing free radicals before exposure. 1
According to that same study, sunscreen only blocks 55% of the free radicals produced by UV exposure.
If you also love Retinol serums like we do, and which is a favorite among dermatologists for its skin-transforming properties, it's important to remember that it can also make your skin more sensitive to sun damage. This doesn't mean you have to bid farewell to this powerhouse ingredient, but rather to embrace some extra sun protection measures to ensure your skin stays healthy and radiant.
SPF serums can also offer a more comprehensive protection by combining different types of sun filters, such as physical (mineral) and chemical ones. Physical filters, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, work by reflecting and scattering the UV rays, while chemical filters, such as avobenzone and homosalate, work by absorbing and converting the UV rays into heat.
A mix of two filters gives SPF serums a longer-lasting and broader UV defense.
SPF serums can Address other Skin Concerns
SPF serums is that they can deliver additional skincare benefits, such as hydration, anti-aging, brightening, and soothing. They are formulated with high concentrations of active ingredients that can target specific skin issues, such as dryness, fine lines, dullness, redness, and breakouts.
For example, some SPF serums contain hyaluronic acid, which is a powerful humectant that can attract and retain moisture in the skin, making it plumper and smoother.
Some SPF serums contain niacinamide, which is a versatile ingredient that can improve the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, regulate oil production, and fade dark spots. Others contain green tea, which is a potent antioxidant that can calm irritation, fight acne, and protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Product Review
We have research the best SPF Serums for You!
If you are interested in trying some SPF serums, here are some of our favorites for your to consider:
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La Roche-Posay Anthelios AOX Daily Antioxidant Serum with Sunscreen SPF 50
This SPF serum is a bestseller that combines a powerful antioxidant complex with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. It helps prevent sun damage, premature aging, and oxidative stress, while also hydrating and smoothing the skin.
Ava Isa Sun Serum Drops SPF 35
This SPF serum is a lightweight and transparent formula that blends both physical and chemical sun filters. It protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays, as well as blue light and infrared radiation. It also contains microalgae and licorice root extract, which help brighten and even out the skin tone.
Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer SPF 25
This SPF serum is a moisturizing and anti-aging product that uses chemical sun filters and niacinamide. It helps improve the skin’s elasticity, firmness, and texture, while also reducing the appearance of pores, wrinkles, and dark spots. It has a whipped and airy texture that absorbs quickly and leaves a matte finish.
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Face Moisturizer with SPF 30 Sunscreen
Neutrogena Visible Repair Retinol Face & Neck Cream Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 30, retinol & hyaluronic acid. Enjoy the same results with a fresh new look from your Rapid Wrinkle Repair anti-aging moisturizer. This face & neck moisturizer with retinol is dermatologist-tested and ideal for beginners. It smooths skin and enhances clarity in one week, and reduces fine lines and dark spots in four weeks. This anti-aging cream contains pure retinol, a form of vitamin A that dermatologists recommend for fighting fine lines, dullness, wrinkles, and dark spots. It also has hyaluronic acid, which hydrates and plumps the skin.
Supergoop! Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF 40
This SPF serum from Supergoop! combines 10% vitamin C with SPF 40 to brighten, protect, and even out the skin tone. Apart from loving the cheerful, bright packaging, it also contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and Kakadu plum, which are rich in antioxidants and hydrating agents. The formula is waterless, vegan, cruelty-free, and reef-safe, and has a lightweight and non-sticky texture that absorbs quickly into the skin. Customers love the glowy and smooth finish of this serum, and how it makes their skin look more radiant and healthy. Some negatives the product price, it makes darker skin look ashy, and it can cause some skin types to feel irritated or tingly.
ILIA C Beyond Triple Serum SPF 40
This SPF serum from ILIA is a tinted serum that offers SPF 40, vitamin C, and light coverage in one product. It also contains squalane, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, which moisturize, calm, and plump the skin. The formula is vegan, cruelty-free, and reef-safe, and has a fluid and silky texture that blends easily with the skin. Customers like the natural and dewy finish of this serum, and how it evens out the skin tone and blurs imperfections. It can be greasy, lose its color, and clump or peel with other products, which are some limitations.
Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25
This SPF serum from Clinique is a serum foundation that provides SPF 25, medium to full coverage, and skincare benefits in one product. It also contains vitamin C, salicylic acid, and hyaluronic acid, which brighten, exfoliate, and hydrate the skin. The formula is oil-free, fragrance-free, and allergy-tested, and has a creamy and smooth texture that glides on the skin. Customers appreciate the flawless and natural finish of this serum, and how it covers and improves the appearance of dark spots, pores, and fine lines. Some drawbacks are that can dry out the skin, accentuate wrinkles, and lose color or smear during the day.
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Face Serum SPF 60+
This SPF serum from Neutrogena is a sunscreen serum that offers SPF 60+, antioxidant protection, and hydration in one product. It also contains vitamin E, glycerin, and feverfew, which nourish, moisturize, and soothe the skin. The formula is non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and dermatologist-tested, and has a thin and clear texture that sinks into the skin. Customers enjoy the lightweight and invisible finish of this serum, and how it protects the skin from sun damage and blue light. Some negatives are that it is greasy, it hurts the eyes, and the fragrance-free odor may be unappealing to some.
How to Choose and Use SPF Serums
When choosing an SPF serum, there are some things to consider, such as your skin type, your skin goals, and the SPF level.
Ideally, you want to look for an SPF serum that suits your skin type, whether it’s oily, dry, sensitive, or combination.
You also want to look for an SPF serum that addresses your skin goals, whether it’s hydration, anti-aging, brightening, or soothing.
An SPF serum with a minimum of SPF 30 is essential, as this is the lowest level that dermatologists recommend for daily protection.
To use an SPF serum, you should apply it as the last step of your skincare routine, before your makeup.
Use enough product to cover your entire face and neck, which is about a quarter-sized amount. Also, be sure to reapply it every two hours or more frequently if you sweat, swim, or towel off.
Do not rely on SPF serums alone for sun protection, but also use other sun-safe measures, such as wearing a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours.
What are the Benefits of SPF Serums?
SPF serums have several advantages over regular sunscreens and serums, since they are:
Simplify your skincare routine, as you only need to apply one product instead of layering multiple products.
More cosmetically elegant, as they tend to have a more transparent, lightweight, and non-greasy formula that blends well with the skin and other products.
Suitable for sensitive skin, as they often use mineral filters, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions than chemical filters.
More effective, as they offer both sun protection and skincare benefits, which can enhance each other’s performance. For example, vitamin C can boost the efficacy of sunscreen, while sunscreen can prevent vitamin C from oxidizing and losing its potency.
What are the Common Drawbacks of SPF Serums?
SPF serums also have some drawbacks, such as:
They may not be durable or water-resistant, as they are not designed to cope with heat, humidity, and water. You may need to reapply them more frequently than sunscreens, especially outdoors, or when exercising or swimming.
They may not work well with your skin type or other products, as they may contain ingredients that can cause breakouts, dryness, or sensitivity. For example, some SPF serums have alcohol, fragrance, or essential oils, which can irritate your skin or clash with other products. You should test them before using them, and avoid mixing them with ingredients like retinoids or acids.
You may also need to patch test them before using them, and avoid mixing them with incompatible ingredients, such as retinoids or acids.
To get the best results from SPF serums, you should also use a moisturizer, a cleanser, and an exfoliator that suit your skin type and goals. You should hydrate your skin with hyaluronic acid, which can plump and smooth your skin.
You should also use active ingredients that can address your skin concerns, such as retinoids for wrinkles, ceramides for hydration, or niacinamide for dark spots. You should also practice skin cycling, which means changing your skincare products according to your skin’s needs and the season.
And if you have any doubts or questions, you should consult a board-certified dermatologist.
Takeaways
Sunscreen is a non-negotiable step in any skincare routine, but applying it every day can be a hassle, especially if you don’t like the texture, scent, or white cast of traditional sunscreens.
That’s why SPF serums are becoming more popular, as they promise to deliver sun protection and skincare benefits in one lightweight and easy-to-use product.
SPF serums are a great way to incorporate sun protection into your skincare routine, while also enjoying the benefits of a serum. They can optimize your SPF, address other skin concerns, and simplify your skincare routine.
However, they are not a substitute for your entire skincare routine, nor for other sun-safe practices. To get the most out of SPF serums, you should choose one that matches your skin type, your skin goals, and the SPF level, and use it correctly and consistently.
FAQs
We answer all your questions
1. Do SPF Serums help with concerns like fine lines and wrinkles?
Some SPF Serums contain ingredients like peptides that can help stimulate collagen production texture and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
2. How do SPF Serums work for skincare?
SPF Serums provide sun protection by using specific active ingredients that create a protective barrier on the skin, shielding it from harmful UV rays.
3. Are SPF Serums clinically approved?
Yes, SPF Serums that claim sun protection benefits are typically formulated based on clinical research to ensure their effectiveness.
Resources
1. https://www.gloskinbeauty.com/blog/power-couple-the-benefits-of-vitamin-c-serum-paired-with-spf
- American Academy of Dermatology. SUNSCREEN FAQS . 10/19/23 https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen. Accessed 19/2/2024