Winter Skincare: 3 Hydrating Serums To Rescue Your Skin

Move over thick and greasy face creams - if you're serious about keeping your skin hydrated this Winter, a high-quality serum is your BFF and there's one out there to suit every skin type.

Serums are an integral part of my skincare routine all year round, not just in the Winter months. I may skip using a spritzing toner, or I might forget to double cleanse one evening, but I will absolutely, without a doubt, apply some kind of serum. Why? Serums are the products that I see the most skincare benefits from, usually because they have more innovative formulas with ingredients that are able to penetrate the skin better than moisturisers or face oils, which can often just sit on the surface. I also love serums because they feel lighter and generally absorb quickly, yet can provide just as much hydration as a thick and heavy face cream, if not more so. 

You can buy a serum for any kind of skin concern, but I thought I'd focus on a couple of my favourite hydrating ones which are perfect to add to your Winter skincare routine. I'll chop and change between these depending on how my skin is feeling on the day, but if you're on a budget, you'll still see great results with just the one. After all, one is better than none!

Best for All Skin Types: REN Flash Hydro-Boost* (40ml, £34, link) 

Described as an 'instant plumping emulsion', REN Flash Hydro-Boost is an innovative little skincare gem that can be used by all skin types. It uses Hyaluronic Acid and Xylitol to draw extra moisture into the skin and lock it all down, so everything is kept happily hydrated for longer. Although most other serum products are runny in their consistency, this one feels like a light cream and has to be 'water charged' to work its magic e.g after applying it to your face, you add a few drops of water to your fingertips and then massage it in. At first, this sounded like an enormous faff, but trust me - it works! I tend to use this in the morning as I feel it protects my skin throughout the day, and I love how plumped up and smooth my face feels afterwards (no need to use a makeup primer!).

Best for Dry, Very Dehydrated and Sensitive Skin Types: Madara SOS Hydra Repair Intensive Serum* (30ml, £37, link)

If your skin is very dry or dehydrated, you'll get on well with this serum from Madara's specialised SOS range which has been scientifically proven to rehydrate skin and protect it from free radical damage, so it's great for anti-ageing benefits as well. Formulated with a moisturising complex that includes Hyaluronic Acid, Linseed and Rose Water, it penetrates deep down into the skin to fully restore moisture levels and increase dermal absorption. As it's very hydrating, I tend to only use this once or twice a week during cold weather to give my skin a boost in the evenings as I have combination skin, but if yours is mature, very dry, or very dehydrated, you could happily use this every day as your main serum.

Best for Oily, Acne, Combination & Normal Skin Types: Antipodes Hosanna Intensive Hydrating Serum* (25ml, £27.99, link)

Every skin type needs some level of moisture to keep it balanced, including oilier and acne-prone complexions. In fact, you may find your skin becomes even oilier if you skip things like serum or moisturiser, as it'll try to compensate for the lack of hydration by producing excess sebum, but choose a serum that's too rich and you can risk clogging pores. This is why this organic, bio-active Antipodes serum comes in handy because it's oil-free, so it feels wonderfully lightweight on the skin and absorbs within seconds. It features a whole host of plant-based extracts such as Mamaku Fern and Vinanza Gold, which are packed full of antioxidants to boost cell renewal and up the skin's collagen production by up to 72%. It's the one that I've repurchased the most often!

Skincare Tip! Where Should I Use a Serum in My Skincare Routine? Apply your chosen serum after cleansing, but before your usual moisturiser or face oil, and don't forget - a little goes a long way!

What are your favourite serums for Winter?

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