Understanding Serums & Active Ingredients in Skincare 

At Your Chester Spa, we believe healthy skin starts with understanding what your skin truly needs. 

Serums and active ingredients can play an important role in supporting skin health, but they are often misunderstood or overused within modern skincare routines. 

When chosen correctly and used appropriately, they can help support healthier, more balanced skin over time. 

What Are Serums?

Serums are lightweight skincare products designed to deliver active ingredients into the skin. 

Unlike moisturisers, serums are typically more concentrated and are formulated to target specific skin concerns more directly. 

What Are Active Ingredients?

Active ingredients are the components within skincare products intended to create a specific effect on the skin. 

Different active ingredients work in different ways depending on individual skin concerns and goals. These may include: 

• Hydration  

• Skin barrier support  

• Pigmentation  

• Breakouts and congestion  

• Fine lines and wrinkles  

Common Active Ingredients & Their Benefits: 

There are many different active ingredients used within skincare, each designed to support the skin in different ways. Examples include: 

• Hyaluronic acid to support hydration  

• Retinol to help improve visible signs of ageing  

• Vitamin C to brighten the skin and support radiance 

The effectiveness of these ingredients depends not only on the product itself, but also on whether it is suitable for your skin type and concerns.  

Why Serums & Active Ingredients Should Be Used Carefully:

Although active ingredients can be highly beneficial, using too many products together or choosing unsuitable combinations can disrupt the skin barrier and lead to: 

• Irritation and sensitivity  

• Redness or inflammation  

• Dryness or tightness  

• Increased reactivity  

• Breakouts or imbalance  

More products do not always mean better results. In many cases, a simpler and more balanced routine is far more supportive for long-term skin health. 

How To Use Serums Correctly:

Serums should generally be applied after cleansing and before moisturiser. 

Because they are more concentrated than moisturisers, only a small amount is usually required. Around 2 to 3 drops are typically enough for the entire face. 

Using excessive amounts or layering multiple strong active ingredients together can increase the risk of irritation, particularly for sensitive skin types.

Why Does A Tailored Approach To Skincare Matter?

Skincare should never be approached as one size fits all. 

The right serum and active ingredients should always be selected based on your skin type, skin condition and individual concerns. What works well for one person may not be suitable for another. 

A tailored and medically informed approach can help support healthier skin while reducing the likelihood of unnecessary irritation or imbalance. 

Why Professional Guidance Matters

At Your Chester Spa, we take a medically informed approach to skincare. 

Dr Catherine Harris, MBChB, FRCGP, can assess your skin, identify underlying concerns and guide you towards the most appropriate skincare routine and treatments for your individual needs. 

Dr Catherine Harris’ Recommended Serums:

Follow Along

You can follow the series across our social channels, where Dr Catherine Harris will be sharing guidance, insights and practical advice to support your skin at every stage. 

A more considered approach to skincare starts here.

Call Us: 📞 01244 575888
Email Us: 📧 reception@yourchesterspa.co.uk