We all are aware of the basic need of a skincare routine. Cleanser, moisturiser, and sunscreen form the basic skincare regimen but serum, oil and concentrate are the stars of the skincare routine. They add powerful extra splurge to the skin and optimize skin health. They help nourish skin and boost its hydration along with correcting concerns. 

Most of us are unsure of how to choose the best pick for our skin that will suit the skin and correct the skin concern too. To choose the right pick we first need to understand how these three are different from each other. 

1. Serums 
These are lightweight solutions with a high concentration of active ingredients in them that are designed to target the specific concern. They are absorbed faster and penetrate deeper into the skin, delivering active ingredients that help to boost hydration and treat the specific concern. They have a gel-like consistency and can be applied after cleanser. 
    
2. Oil
These are a combination of essential fatty acid and lipids that restore and keep the moisture barrier of skin intact. They are derived from plant oils like jojoba oil, rosehip oil which replenish moisture and help improve skin health as they have antioxidants in them. They work well for all skin types and should be applied just before moisturiser as the final step. 
    
3. Concentrates
As their name suggests they are concentrated form of active ingredients just like serums but differ in consistency and are lightweight lotion, unlike serums. They are absorbed well into the skin and hence, can be layered with serums and moisturisers or simply used alone. 

Now when we are clear about the difference between the three let's understand what suits individual skin types. Skin type can vary from person to person as it is determined genetically. Our genes determine the amount of oil our glands secrete and hence, the texture of our skin which ultimately decides the skin type. Skin type can never be changed but it can be managed using correct active ingredients to maintain skin health and its glow. 

1. Normal Skin Type
This is the well-balanced skin type due to an even amount of sebum production and moisture content. This is neither greasy nor flaky but smooth skin type. Lightweight concentrates can be used that contain active ingredients to treat various skin concerns like pigmentation, blemishes, ageing, etc. They contain antioxidants that can fight free radicals and protect skin from drying at the same time. They are beneficial to keep skin healthy and fight damages done by pollution.
    
2. Dry Skin Type
Due to less sebum production skin becomes dry and flaky as they lack lipid which helps in retaining moisture making it tight, dry, flaky and dull. People who have dry skin often need a splurge of extra moisture to maintain hydration levels and also fight skin concerns. Hence, oils are the perfect solution for this skin type. They comprise of extra essential fatty acid and lipid which boosts skin hydration and moisture. Ingredients like rosehip oil, jojoba oil can help soothe dry skin and fight skin concerns like ageing and pigmentation. 
    
3. Oily Skin Type
Oily skin, unlike dry and normal skin, has an extra active sebaceous gland that produces an excess of oil and coats skin surface with oil making it shiny and more prone to breakouts. Serums are the best option for this skin type that sink in skin well without adding on any extra oil to skin surface meanwhile delivering potent antioxidants and active ingredients required by the skin to correct its concern. 
    
4. Combination Skin Type 
This is often the confusing state where the T zone is oily and the rest of the face is dry. Hence, such skin types can benefit from using the correct combination of oils and serums to work the skin concerns along with balancing oil content of the skin. 

Now when we are aware of the benefits of our superstars and how we can pick and choose them, it’s high time that we start layering them and incorporating them in our skin regimen properly. In case someone is choosing ore than one option as per their skin type and concern, it is recommended to layer them in order of lightest to richest consistency which is from serum to concentrate to oil. Always apply one to two pumps of the solution and gently press them into face and not rub them harshly. Consult a dermatologist to get help in choosing the best option as per individual skin type and concern. Take a step towards the healthy and glowing skin. 

Keep Healthy! Keep Glowing!