Grooming

You Should Be Using a Serum. Here's Why ...

Serums. They sound serious—like the mysterious antidote the spy in a movie might be after. And you may already be familiar with them when it comes to skincare. They're usually in tiny vials or bottles with dainty eye droppers attached. Which can seem too fussy for most guys. Thankfully, there are a handful of formidable face serums that come in gel form, making it easier than ever to use. And you do want to use them. Here's why: like high-proof liquor, serums pack a ton of potency into every drop. For example, most facial lotions typically contain about 5 to 10 percent of active ingredients. By contrast, serums can pack up to 70 percent.

"Serums certainly provide your skin with additional moisture, but the main reason a man would want to use one is to add nourishing ingredients into the deeper layers of the skin that a regular moisturizer isn't able to deliver," says Anthony Sosnick, founder of Anthony skincare. "A moisturizer has larger molecules than a serum, so it typically cannot penetrate the skin as far as a serum." And you want those benefits. For guys over 30, your body's natural skin-cell renewal process is slowing. And for younger guys, a serum can ensure your skin stays in peak condition. Since they're lightweight and quick-absorbing, they're ideal for the warmer weather, when thicker lotions can feel heavy and greasy. Herewith, four of the best gel serums for men's most pressing skin concerns:

Even Out a Blotchy Complexion

A high-performance gel packed with stabilized vitamin C to stimulate collagen production, smoothing skin from the inside. Alpha hydroxy acids and natural licorice root brighten and even skin tone.

Vitamin C facial serum,
$46 by Anthony

Firm Up
Skin

An all-in-one type of serum, this citrus-scented gel hydrates and conditions skin while firming it up, even helping define and strengthen the jawline by firming up your face's natural contours.

Power Lifting serum,
$68 by Lab Series

Combat Signs
of Aging

This broad range serum protects your skin from environmental damage while accelerating cell turnover, which reverses skin dullness and minimizes the appearance of fine lines.

Phloretin CF Gel,
$162 by SkinCeuticals

Smooth Roughness
and Dryness

Potent plant-based glycerin and shiso leaf extract hydrates and conditions skin, smoothing rough patches and calming irritation. Plus, it's gentle enough for sensitive skin.

Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate,
$58 by Kiehl's

How to Apply

We asked Anthony Sosnick for the best way to apply serums:

"In the morning, after you've washed your face and shaved, apply the serum with one or two fingers (so as to avoid wasting the serum on your hands) and massage thoroughly into the skin."