When it comes to creating an effective skincare routine, we cannot overlook the importance of targeted treatments. For more context, treatments come between the cleansing stage (with cleansers, cleansing oils, waters and balms) and the protecting stage (with moisturizers and SPFs), aiding with particular skin concerns like acne, dryness, dullness, inflammation, signs of ageing, etc. However, they are also one such part of skincare that brings about the maximum questions and confusion.
Now for the majority, the most widely known form of targeted care is a serum. But in recent times, ampoules have certainly made a name for themselves in the skincare community, making it even harder for the common man to choose between that and the ever-popular serums.
We understand the confusion, though. In theory, the benefits of ampoules seem very similar to those of serums. But are ampoules and serums one and the same thing? And if they aren't, which one is better and what should you choose?
Let us help you figure it out.
What are serums?
The ultimate goal for this liquid-based treatment is delivering powerful ingredients straight into the skin. Possessing smaller molecules that can penetrate deeply into the skin, serums contain large concentrations of active ingredients, which makes them very beneficial for specific skincare concerns such as dullness, dryness, acne and inflammation, pigmentation, signs of ageing, etc. And while exceptionally powerful, most serums can safely be a part of your everyday skincare as they are designed to bring change in the skin with regular use and thus formulated as such.
Some commonly used serums include actives like vitamin C, retinoids, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, exfoliating acids like Alpha Hydroxy Acids or AHAs (eg. lactic acid and glycolic acid) and Beta Hydroxy Acids or BHAs (eg. salicylic acid), and various other chemically and naturally synthesised ingredients.
What are ampoules?
Ampoules are highly potent, hyper-concentrated versions of regular serums. For the most part, they include higher numbers of active ingredients and significantly higher concentrations as well. Meant for sparing and infrequent use (maybe a couple of days a week), you can often find these ampoules housed in tiny vials or dropper bottles that go a long way despite their quantity.
However, it’s important to realise that there are no specific guidelines to differentiate ampoules from serums. So in that case, a basic deciding factor can be that if the main active ingredient is on the higher end of the concentration spectrum, the product probably falls under the category of ampoules, and if not, then it can be considered a serum.
Serums vs Ampoules: Which one should you choose?
Here's the key takeaway - You can and should incorporate both serums and ampoules into your skincare.
They both are concentrated formulas that aid specific phases of your skin.
Serums can be used daily as they give your skin the right dose of powerful nutrition, helping it make clear progress. If your skin needs multiple actives, you can also layer your serums, but you have to be a little careful about factors like timing, the right order and quantity. Rest assured, serums certainly help you make the best out of your skincare routine as they exhibit visible results with regular use.
On the other hand, ampoules, while super-effective, are also highly potent. Your skin definitely doesn't require that every single day. Instead, you can save these little superstars for special occasions when your skin needs a quick but significant boost to look and feel better.
At Lisen, we acknowledge the benefits of both these treatment types and so our product range includes effective serums and ampoules so that you can create a truly holistic skincare journey for yourself.
Our ampoule range includes Lisén Supercharge++, a potent vitamin C ampoule, Lisén Timeless Elegance, a powerful skin fortifying ampoule, and Lisén Blue Powerhouse,a skin-boosting hyaluronic acid ampoule. You can also try out Lisén Rising Charm, a daily illuminating serum for even brighter, more even-toned skin.
Skincare is never black and white, so don't stress yourself too much thinking about all the gazillion things going on in the skincare world. Be kind, patient and compassionate with yourself. Your skin journey is yours and your only, so go out there, figure out what works best for you and what makes you and your skin feel best. Who knows, you might fall in love with the journey itself?
