Celebrity Dermatologist Dr. David Colbert On The One Skincare Item You Need

If there’s one skincare product that every dermatologist endorses and that everybody (regardless of gender, age, and skin type) will absolutely benefit from, it’s a serum.

But what is a serum, exactly? Famed dermatologist Dr. David Colbert of New York Dermatology Group – he tends to some of Hollywood’s most photographed faces, including Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams, and Sienna Miller – explains: “A serum is usually a water-based delivery system, in which potent active ingredients such as antioxidants, peptides, and acids are introduced into the skin for anti-aging effects.”

As for why to use them, the reasons are countless. For starters, they’re typically packed with potent ingredients – so you only need to use a small amount of these concentrated formulas. (Colbert recommends looking for serums with “active ingredients such as retinol, peptides, and antioxidants.”) Jet setters will flip for serums since most of them are packaged in small, travel-friendly pump bottles. And more often than not, they’re lightweight in nature. They’ll penetrate the skin quickly, and are ideal for layering under sunscreens during the day, and more importantly, under moisturizers at night.

While Colbert was working as a dermatological scientist in the Chanel skincare labs, he learned about TEWL (Trans Epidermal Water Loss). Because serums are usually water-based, they have a tendency to dehydrate the skin. That’s why layering a moisturizer or oil on top of your serum at night is so important. (But if you’re oily or acneic, you can skip this step.)

Here, I share ten potent serums that will deliver beautiful results, all the way from your hair down to your finger tips.

La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Pearl Infusion

The latest launch from the beloved Swiss beauty brand is certainly beautiful to behold. But looks aside, the luminescent pearls pack a powerful two-way punch against environmental stressors and unsightly discoloration. The formula is light as water, absorbs in a flash, and feels refreshing upon application. While it comes with a hefty price tag, be rest assured that even the dullest, most lackluster complexions will be visibly transformed in four weeks. 

Colbert MD Stimulate Serum

Colbert’s favorite serum hails from his own collection of skincare, and features hyaluronic acid and cafe arabica. “I made small batches originally for a few actor clients to brighten their skin and make them photograph better,” says Colbert. Word of the collagen-boosting, skin-plumping formula grew so quickly he made it available to the public. Today, it's among the the brand's best sellers.

bareMinerals Blemish Remedy Acne Clearing Treatment Serum

Proof positive that there’s a serum for every skin type, this oil-free fluid uses salicylic acid and zinc to banish blemishes, while licorice root and meadowsweet extracts soothe inflamed skin and reduce redness and inflammation. Algae extract prevents skin from getting too dry or flaky.

Grown Alchemist Age-Repair Serum

The reality is that all of us spend far too much time squinting and making faces of all sorts at screens of all types (televisions, laptops, and mobile devices). And that’s when this genius product comes to the rescue. With Exo-polysaccorides E-2 and E-14 and a unique Protec-3 complex, a single pump visibly minimize the appearance of unsightly creases, lines, and wrinkles.

SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier

This new launch from the beloved skincare brand harnesses the power of hyaluronic acid. Though the name might sound a bit scary, it’s actually one of the best humectants – ingredients that bind moisture to the skin – available out there. In addition to featuring a high concentration of HA, proxylane and purple rice extract support skin’s natural moisture levels, leaving even the driest complexions feeling comfortable and soft for hours on end.

Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum

The name says it all. In order to bridge the gap between clean beauty and truly effective beauty, April Gargiulo spent two years whipping up this oil-based serum. Loaded with sustainably-sourced botanicals that address all sorts of skincare woes, ranging from acne to loss of elasticity, the golden liquid is gently pushed and pressed into the skin. This action not only activates the ingredients, but encourages them to fully absorb.

Julien Farel Magnifique Fortifying Serum

Because your locks and scalp – with all the heat, stress, and styling they have to endure on a regular basis – deserve some love, too. This serum from the first anti-aging haircare line in the world promotes healthy hair renewal with echinacea and Edelweiss stem cell extracts, and deeply hydrates with hyaluronic acid. Faithful usage will slow down the graying process, to maintain a more youthful, healthy appearance.

Verso Skincare Hand Serum

Truth: if you want to be able to tell the real age of someone, look at his or her hands. Because for some reason or another, even the most religious sunblock wearers often neglect this body part. To combat unsightly dark spots and fine lines, and protect against future sun damage, this serum packs Retinol 8, tumeric, and a UV filter.

Beauty Rx Triple Vitamin C Serum

It’s well-documented that vitamin C is one of the most effective anti-aging ingredients out there, and this winning serum stars not one, but three forms (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, and Methylsilanol Ascorbate). In addition to helping fight free radicals, it also gradually evens out and brighten skin tone.

Thank You Farmer Miracle Age Repair Serum

Korea continues to impress even the most diehard beauty junkies all over the globe, as evidenced by this silky, naturally-based serum that helps plump even the slackest skin with a powerhouse combination of meadowfoam seed oil, squalane, and Dioscorea Japonica root extract.