Are serum sunscreens the smart new evolution in skincare we all need?

You’ve heard everyone and their neighbour talk about the importance of sunscreen by now. But have you tried serum sunscreens yet? This is among the latest trends in the skincare world, and has captured our attention, to say the least. 

Decoding serum sunscreens 
As the name suggests, these blend lightweight serums and sunscreen into one handy product. “Serum sunscreens are a new generation of hybrid skincare products that combine sun protection with active skincare ingredients,” reveals Dr Geetika Srivastava, dermatologist and founder of Influennz Clinic. She shares that unlike conventional sunscreens that mainly provide a barrier against UV damage, serum sunscreens are infused with potent actives such as vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol, ceramides, or peptides. This dual-purpose approach aims to simplify skincare routines by offering both photoprotection and targeted skin benefits in one product. The trend reflects a growing demand for multitasking products that simplify routines without compromising on efficacy. 

So how do they differ from regular sunscreen lotions and creams? “While traditional sunscreens primarily focus on forming a physical or chemical barrier against UV ray, serum sunscreens, on the other hand, blend UV filters (both chemical and physical) with skin-loving ingredients,” she says. This reduces the need for layering multiple products—instead of applying a serum followed by sunscreen, you can potentially use a single serum sunscreen that addresses both needs. 

One does wonder if serum sunscreens are then more effective as compared to sunscreens alone. “Effectiveness depends on what you are looking for in a product. In terms of UV protection alone, regular sunscreens might have an edge because they are solely designed for that purpose without other ingredient interactions. Serum sunscreens offer multi-functional benefits—combining sun protection with treatment for pigmentation, dullness, aging, or dryness—but the inclusion of actives could potentially affect the stability and performance of the sunscreen filters or the actives themselves.” But she does feel that because serum sunscreens are lightweight and cosmetically elegant, people might be more consistent in reapplying them, which is a key factor in effective sun care.

Therefore, selecting a serum sunscreen requires understanding your skin type, sensitivity, and primary concerns.

When purchasing a serum sunscreen, consider the following:

o    Ensure the active ingredient aligns with your skin concerns.
o    Choose products with SPF 50 and broad-spectrum protection, especially for Indian skin exposed to high UV levels year-round.
o    Always patch test first, as actives can increase the likelihood of irritation.
o    Be cautious of ingredient interactions within your broader skincare routine. For example, avoid layering a retinol sunscreen with other exfoliating acids like glycolic acid.

Placement in your skincare routine

If like us, you’re wondering where do serum sunscreens fit in your existing skincare routine and whether you can use it in conjunction with your other serums, Dr Srivastava has the answers. She points out that despite their serum-like consistency, serum sunscreens are still sunscreens first, and thus, should be the final step of your morning skincare routine, applied after cleansing, toning, and any other treatment serums.

But what about your other serums? “Balance and minimalism are key when actives are already present in your sunscreen,” she advises. So as mentioned above, if your serum sunscreen already contains retinol, avoid using another exfoliating serum like glycolic acid, as it can cause dryness and irritation. Or if your serum sunscreen contains vitamin C, avoid layering it with retinol serums immediately because of pH incompatibility. “Instead, complement it with hydrating or barrier-repairing serums like hyaluronic acid or ceramides if needed,” she says.

This new-age product represents an exciting advancement in skincare and can be a game-changing addition to your skincare arsenal. Dr Srivastava says, “Remember that reapplication is crucial—no sunscreen, whether serum or cream, lasts all day without touch-ups.” She also advises that for those with sensitive or compromised skin barriers, using separate serums and sunscreens may still offer better control and safety. 

“Serum sunscreens are a smart evolution in skincare—provided they’re chosen and used thoughtfully,” she signs off.
 

Lead image: Pexels

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