Introduction: Clarifying the Confusion
Face serums are often praised as essentials, but many people still don't fully understand what they do, how they work, or how to choose the right one. We have noticed that even the most skincare-conscious users often misunderstand serums. Some confuse them with moisturizers, others expect overnight miracles, and many apply them incorrectly, making the product far less effective than it could be.
Let’s set the record straight.
This guide will explain what a face serum really is, how it works, and why, when chosen and used correctly, it can be one of the most transformative steps in your skincare routine. Whether you’re just starting to build your regimen or trying to figure out why your current products aren’t delivering results, you’ll discover how to make serum work for your skin.
If there is one product that can truly transform your skin, its a serum.
What Exactly is a Face Serum?
At its core, a face serum is a lightweight, fast-absorbing liquid or gel formula designed to deliver high concentrations of active ingredients directly into the skin. Unlike heavier creams or moisturizers, serums are formulated with smaller molecular structures, allowing them to penetrate deeper into the skin’s layers – targeting concerns at a cellular level than just the surface.
Think of it this way: moisturizers sit closer to the surface, helping trap moisture and protect the outer barrier. Serums go deeper and allow for change within the skin.
Face serums are often designed to:
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Boost hydration from within.
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Increase firmness and elasticity.
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Brighten the complexion
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Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
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Soothe irritation
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Even out skin tone
But not all serums are created equal. The effectiveness of a serum depends entirely on the ingredients inside and the technology that delivers them.
Key Ingredients Commonly Found in Face Serums
The ingredients inside a face serum determine what it does and how well it works. Most reputable serums are loaded with active ingredients – substances with a biological effect on the skin. These include:
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Vitamin C – Known for brightening and evening out skin tone, while offering antioxidant protection.
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Hyaluronic Acid – A hydration powerhouse that helps the skin retain moisture, giving it a plumper, smoother look.
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Peptides – Short chains of amino acids that support collagen and elastin production and skin firmness.
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Niacinamide – Helps calm redness, minimize pores, and balance oil.
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Retinol – A form of vitamin A that speeds up cell turnover and smooths texture (though best used with caution).
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NAD⁺ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) – The hero ingredient at Intuisse, which supports energy production and cellular repair at a foundational level.
High-performance face serums are not just about adding trendy active ingredients for marketing purposes. They are carefully formulated using delivery systems (like liposomal technology) that ensure the ingredients actually reach the target layers of the skin and stay stable long enough to drive visible results.
How Does a Serum Actually Work?
This is where most people are left guessing. The truth is: a serum works by doing what other skincare products often can’t – penetrating past the outermost skin barrier to deliver targeted actives directly into the deeper layers of the epidermis.
Your skin is made up of layers. The outer layer (stratum corneum) protects you, but it’s also the main reason most ingredients never make it far. A properly formulated serum bypasses this barrier using smaller molecules and advanced delivery systems. Once absorbed, it can:
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Activate cellular repair mechanisms
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Stimulate collagen and elastin production
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Reduce inflammation or oxidative stress
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Trigger hydration from within
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Encourage natural turnover of damaged or aging cells
If your skin is struggling to look refreshed, feel firm, or respond to treatments, chances are, you need support beneath the surface. That’s what a true serum delivers.
When & How to Use a Face Serum in Your Routine
Even the most advanced serum won’t work if it’s not used correctly. Here’s a clear, easy-to-follow application guide:
When to Use:
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Apply after cleansing, on freshly cleaned skin
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Use before moisturizer or SPF
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Ideal for both morning and evening routines
How to Apply:
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Use 2–3 drops or two pumps (depending on the consistency).
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Gently press or pat into the skin – don’t rub.
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Wait 30–60 seconds before layering your next product.
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Follow with moisturizer to lock in the benefits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
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Using too much (a little goes a long way)
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Skipping it on “off days” (results come from consistency)
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Applying it after thick creams or oils (which block absorption)
At Intuisse, we advise storing our NAD⁺ skincare serum in a skincare fridge to preserve potency. The ingredients are clinical-grade and deliver optimal results with consistent use and when kept cool and stable.
Who Should Use a Face Serum?
Serums aren’t reserved for mature skin or people chasing anti-aging goals. In fact, face serums can benefit nearly everyone, as long as the formulation is right for your skin’s needs.
🔹 Teens & 20s:
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Lightweight hydration
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Oil control
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Prevention of early damage from pollution or sun
🔹 30s & 40s:
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Replenish skin’s energy (as NAD⁺ levels begin to drop)
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Support collagen production
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Prevent early fine lines and pigmentation
🔹 50+ and Beyond:
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Target deeper signs of aging (wrinkles and loss of elasticity)
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Revive dull, thin, or sagging skin
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Strengthen barrier function
The key isn’t age – it’s formulation. Choose a serum built on proven science, clean formulations, and delivery systems that truly work.
Common Questions About Serums (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a face serum every day?
Yes, most face serums – especially hydrating or repair-focused ones like Intuisse – are designed for daily use, morning and evening.
Q: Will serums make me break out?
Only if the formula isn’t suited to your skin. Intuisse serums are non-comedogenic and formulated without heavy oils or pore-blocking ingredients.
Q: How long before I see results?
Some see visible changes within 10 days; deeper results build with continued use. Clinical studies show improved firmness, elasticity, and brightness in under a month.
Q: Do I still need a moisturizer?
Yes. Serums treat deeper layers; moisturizers sit mostly on the surface and lock hydration in. Both are essential.
Q: Can I layer multiple serums?
It depends. At Intuisse, we believe in less is more. One well-formulated serum is often more effective than three as it can often overwhelm your skin.
8. Final Thoughts: Why the Right Serum Matters
If skincare is a conversation between you and your skin, then a serum is the direct message – clear, potent, and effective. It doesn’t try to do everything. It does one thing extremely well: deliver what your skin actually needs, where it needs it most.
That’s why the right serum, built on credible science, clinical precision, and thoughtful formulation, can change how your skin looks and feels over time.
At Intuisse, we don’t believe in shortcuts. Our Active NAD⁺ Face Serum is designed to work with your skin’s biology, not against it. It’s not about overnight change. It’s about sustained transformation, rooted in real science.