Why You Need A Body Serum In Your Life
We’ve long said that it’s about time the rest of our body gets the TLC our face does. First we schooled you on the importance of body exfoliation; now it’s time to talk about body serums. Their facial counterparts have skin-boosting ingredients (and capabilities) that your everyday moisturizer doesn’t, and the same is true of body serums.
“A body serum may be higher in active ingredients than a body cream or lotion,” says Dr. De Fiori, a dermatologist at the Rosacea Treatment Clinic in Melbourne, Australia. “The lighter texture of serums can better accommodate water-soluble ingredients, such as many antioxidants and vitamins, which are poorly absorbed from oil-based products. Many also include re-texturizing ingredients, such as glycolic and lactic acid, which require a lower pH for optimal efficacy than is typical of creams and lotions.”
Unlike body moisturizers that can feel heavy on the skin in warm weather, body serums have the same breathable texture as face serums. They dry almost instantly when blended into the skin, leaving your arms and legs hydrated without looking oily. This is because they employ hydration through water-based ingredients or light oils, instead of heavy moisturizers like petroleum. “Many of them contain hyaluronic acid which hydrates the skin by binding 1,000 times its weight in water,” says New York-based dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman, and the author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist. “Others have jojoba oil, grapefruit oils, juniper berry and rosemary which increase moisturization.”
So body serums are the next evolution of skincare. With warm weather on the horizon, these formulas will keep your gorgeous bod protected, soothed and rehydrated. Check out our favorite body serums below!
Clarins Renew Plus Body Serum ($64)
Makeup artist Edward Cruz is a huge fan. “It contains water lily and turns over dry skin, giving a smoother feeling. It behaves fairly consistently to how a face serum would on your face. Once applied, it absorbs and leaves a soft sheen.”
L’Occitane Almond Velvet Youthful Body Serum ($52)
The two main ingredients—almond and vitamin C—work together to reduce dark spots and brighten the skin.
Sunday Riley Juno Transformative Lipid Body Serum ($105)
Amino acids pump up parched skin while watermelon seed oil eliminates toxins and tones. It also smells beyond fantastic.
Vaseline Healing Serum ($7.99)
The best thing about serums? Their deep penetration. Vaseline’s formula prevents moisture loss (which most lotions can’t) by implementing activators that dive deep down in the skin to replenish lipids.
Mio Skin Tight Tightening Body Serum ($56)
The brand is specifically aimed towards new moms, but this formula is a must-have for any woman. Not only does it offer gentle exfoliation, but it actually plumps and brightens the skin—three things bare legs need most.
Kahina FEZ Body Serum ($32)
This 100 percent natural formula is rich with steam distilled essential oils and vitamin E to boost hydration, protect against the elements and offer a stress-relieving aroma.
One Love Organics Aromatic Body Serum ($39)
This handmade spray-on serum hydrates and soothes with a rich mix of rose, chamomile and lavender.
