Using a serum was never something I considered integral to my skincare routine. It was one of those steps that I figured was just companies trying to sell yet another somewhat useless product to get people to spend their money on.

And then to make matters even worse, one day I decided to use this super high potent Vitamin C serum and…it broke me OUT. I basically had a beard made of rash bumps. I swore against it and said I was fine without it.So here I was again, making an effort to hop back on the serum train. I started off using the Sweet Chef Kale + Vitamin B serum once a day. Once I felt comfortable enough, I started using both day and night. I didn’t suffer from any breakouts. There was no burning sensation happening. My skin just felt quenched and refreshed.

I was shocked.Because I wasn’t suffering from any breakouts, I felt comfortable enough to step it up a notch and incorporate a Vitamin C* and licorice root serum into my nighttime routine, saving the Vitamin B and kale for daytime.

*the Vitamin C serum is a new product that will be released later this week. I will update the blog post once it is live!

The first night, I applied the tiniest amount. I remembered my beard rash and knew that I did not want to be about that life again. I woke up the next day, my face was fine. I added more to my face the next night. The next morning, my face was STILL fine. 4 days later, I was using the recommended amount of product and guess what, my face was STILL FINE.

HALLELUJAH!

I felt like I had just hit skincare gold.

I now look at serum as a catalyst that penetrates my skin at a much deeper level than my other skincare products can, helping to make my skin feel firmer, more moisturized, brighter, and even-toned.

Using both the Vitamin B for daytime and Vitamin C for nighttime has been like a one two punch combo for my skin and I am SO pleased. As soon as I am done washing and toning (and masking during the night time) my face, I apply the serum in patting motions, starting at my cheeks, then making my way towards my forehead and chin.

Note: a serum is not a replacement for a moisturizer. Use a moisturizer and/or oil to seal in the serum. 

So, should you get a serum? I would say test one out if you can. Do test patches on your skin first to ensure that you don’t suffer from irritation (the mistake I made a year ago). And then, when you find one that works for you, stick with it! I personally don’t think it’s necessary to have more than two serums in rotation at a time. It’s also not recommended to pile multiple serums on top of each other, as your skin can negatively react to it.I have to say that now that I am actively using serums in my routine, I don’t see myself going back to not using them. Just as I incorporated facial oils into my day and night routine, a serum has become a staple for me in ensuring that my skin stays consistently hydrated.

There are multiple serums out there for different skin needs. My main concern was looking dull and a serum has helped in providing an overall brightness to my face. Always be sure to check the potency levels of any serum you’re getting. Not every serum is made equally and some can be top harsh for your skin if not used properly.

I am now officially #TeamSerum!

Until next time…