Serums: The Essence of Targeted Skincare
While cleansing and lotion are essential for preparing the skin, serums refine the routine by addressing more specific needs. In the Japanese routine, serums hold a precious place: more concentrated than a lotion, more specific than a cream, they adapt to the skin's current needs, whether for hydration, radiance, firmness, comfort, or texture.
Why aqueous and oil serums?
Aqueous serums are distinguished by their light, fresh, and quickly absorbed texture. They are particularly interesting when the skin seeks hydration, bounce, radiance, or comfortable daily care, without a rich finish.
Oil serums, on the other hand, provide a more nourishing dimension. Their enveloping texture helps preserve skin comfort and reinforce a feeling of suppleness, especially when the skin barrier seems weakened or the skin lacks nutrition.
What are bi-phase serums?
Bi-phase serums combine an aqueous phase and an oil phase. This dual texture allows for freshness, hydration, and nourishment in a single step. Before application, simply shake the bottle to mix the two phases.
They are particularly suitable for skin that seeks both lightness and comfort, or for minimalist routines that want to combine several benefits in a balanced texture.
Why are they sometimes used as boosters?
Some serums can also be used as true boosters, even before the lotion. This might seem counterintuitive, as lighter textures are generally applied first. However, in the Japanese routine, the order of application also follows a logic of effectiveness.
This is notably the case for the Liposome serum, which is applied to clean skin, before the lotion. It prepares the skin and allows it to better receive subsequent treatments, particularly by enhancing the moisturizing effect of the lotion. The skin is thus more receptive, and the routine gains coherence and comfort.
What is the No. 1 serum in Japan?
Among the most iconic serums in Japan, DECORTÉ's Liposome Advanced Repair Serum holds a special place. Its fluid and comfortable texture makes it a highly appreciated daily treatment to support hydration, suppleness, and skin quality.
Its liposome technology allows for a gradual diffusion of moisturizing active ingredients, helping the skin to stay comfortable and better prepared to receive subsequent treatments. It is an iconic serum, which has become a benchmark in Japanese skincare.
What's the difference with essences?
Essences are generally more fluid and are used after lotion to prepare the skin for subsequent treatments. They provide a first layer of care, often focused on hydration, radiance, or skin balance.
Serums, on the other hand, are more concentrated and address a more precise need. They are integrated after the lotion or essence, before the cream, to complete the routine with a more targeted action.
How to use them properly?
Serums are generally applied morning and/or evening, to clean skin, after the lotion or essence. A few drops are enough: spread them gently over the face, then press lightly with the palms to aid absorption.
The key is to adapt the texture and type of serum to the skin's needs. Dehydrated skin may prefer an aqueous serum, skin lacking comfort an oil serum, and skin seeking a balance between the two may opt for a bi-phase formula.
Recommended serum selection
Aqueous serums
FOREVER YOUNG — IREN
Peptide serum, ideal for supporting skin lacking firmness and bounce.
STAR LIGHT — IREN
Niacinamide serum, designed for uneven complexions and skin seeking radiance.
Deep Fitter 30ml — COREFIT
New generation lifting serum, designed to support firmness routines and beauty tools.
Regena Serum — Waphyto
Botanical concentrate to support mature skin or skin lacking vitality.
Liposome Advanced — DECORTÉ
Iconic ultra-hydrating serum, appreciated for skin comfort and quality.
Bi-phase serums
Antioxidant Booster — Ipsum Alii
A bi-phase formula combining rice oil and hyaluronic acid.
Dual-energy — Rey Tokyo
Bi-phase serum with camellia oil and aloe vera, for supple and comfortable skin.
Oil serums and targeted treatments
Skin Jewel Oil Serum — MAKANAI
Oil-serum with gold leaf, to nourish the skin and provide a luminous finish.
Repairing Night Serum — RUHAKU
Night serum with gettou and tamanu, ideal for nourishing evening routines.
IP Shot 20ml — DECORTÉ
Targeted serum for correcting wrinkles and fine lines, to be applied locally as needed.
Choosing your serum is primarily about listening to your skin
There isn't one single ideal serum, but rather a texture and formula adapted to each moment. Aqueous, bi-phase, oil-based, or targeted, serums allow for precise personalization of the routine, while maintaining the spirit of Japanese skincare: simple, regular, and carefully chosen gestures.
