Hey skincare fam! 👋✨

So here's a question I get all the time — Do I really need a serum? Or people say, "I bought one but honestly have no idea what it's doing." 🙈 Been there!

I used to think serum was just "another step" influencers talked about to sell more stuff. But after trying it consistently (and doing it right), it honestly changed my skin. Here's everything I've learned and why I'm now a full-on serum believer 💧

What even is a serum?

Think of serum as the "treatment" step in your routine. It's usually lightweight and packed with a high concentration of active ingredients — like hydration, brightening, anti-aging, or acne-fighting stuff.

Unlike moisturizer, which mainly sits on the surface to seal things in, serums go deeper into your skin and actually do something. They're the overachiever of the skincare world 😎

Okay but… do I *need* it?

Short answer? Not always. But if you have a specific skin goal — like getting rid of dullness, calming redness, smoothing fine lines, or boosting hydration — serum is your bestie.

Before I started using one, I had constant dry patches and uneven tone. After using a hyaluronic acid serum for a few weeks, my skin felt bouncy and looked way more even.

When to use it?

Serums come after cleansing and toning, but before moisturizer. That way, the active ingredients can sink in properly.

🧴 Cleanser → Toner (optional) → Serum → Moisturizer → SPF (morning)

Trust me, if you put it after moisturizer, it won't do much. Moisturizer creates a barrier — serum needs to go in first to be effective.

How much do I need?

Please don't drown your skin in it 😅 Usually 2–3 drops or a pea-sized amount is plenty. I like to warm it in my palms and gently press it into my skin — it absorbs better that way!

Which serum should I choose?

Here's a quick cheat sheet:

✨ Dry skin? Go for hyaluronic acid

🌟 Dull skin? Try vitamin C

🧘‍♀️ Redness or acne? Niacinamide is a gem

🕰️ Fine lines? Peptides or retinol (PM only!)

The key is: one serum at a time when you're starting. Mixing too many can overwhelm your skin.

Final thoughts 💭

I used to skip serum because it felt "extra." But once I found the right one for my skin and used it properly, I saw results. Not overnight, but definitely within a few weeks.

So if you're asking, "Does serum actually do anything?" My answer is: 100% YES — but only if you're using the right one the right way!

Have you tried any serums you love (or didn't love)? Drop them in the comments! Let's help each other glow ✨