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Repair Serums Are the Answer to Your Latest Skin-Care Concern

Repair Serums Are the Answer to Your Latest Skin-Care Concern featured image
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Repair is a buzzy term in the beauty industry. In hair care, bonding products are the one-stop shop to bring your strands back to life. However, when it comes to your skin, repair serums are the products for the job. It’s no secret that our skin goes through the ringer of damage daily—UV rays, environmental stressors, weather changes and blue light exposure from screens are just a few examples. Aging also plays a big role in how our skin looks and feels. Having a good skin-care routine (day and night) is essential, but incorporating a repair serum could have more benefits.

But what exactly does a repair serum do, and what makes it different from the sea of other skin serums? The short answer is everything. “Repair serums target areas of concern, so there’s a lot of range, but most commonly, they are used to restore the telltale signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles,” says Miami dermatologist Roberta Del Campo, MD. Here, we explore what repair serums are to see just how they work, the ingredients you should look for, and a few expert recommendations.

  • Roberta Del Campo, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Miami
  • Dr. Brooke Jeffy, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Scottsdale, AZ

What is a repair serum?

Skin cells naturally regenerate and repair through a rejuvenation process called the skin cell cycle. At their core, repair serums help optimize that process to reveal healthy new cells and, ultimately, more radiant skin. “Repair serums contain active ingredients that restore and improve common skin conditions, such as sun damage, loss of collagen, and pigmentation,” says Dr. Del Campo. She continues, saying that since serums are typically water-based, they are easy to absorb and allow the ingredients to penetrate below the surface. “They’re usually applied at night to aid in the natural cell cycle,” she says. However, there are many options formulated for daily use.

What conditions can repair serums treat, and what skin types are they for?

Think of repair serums as target treatments. Since they are formulated to address specific issues, they can treat a range of skin conditions. The key is choosing a serum that best fits your skin’s current needs. Hyperpigmentation is a prime example. As one of the most common skin concerns, it affects many people, and according to Scottsdale, AZ dermatologist Brooke Jeffy, MD it’s also a top issue addressed by repair serums containing brightening ingredients.

“Dryness and dullness are other popular conditions that can be treated with repair serums formulated with hydrating ingredients,” says Dr. Jeffy. However, aging concerns, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and collagen depletion, remain the most popular issues that repair serums tackle. Dr. Del Campo explains that formulas containing concentrated amounts of anti-aging ingredients not only provide surface results but also work to improve the skin over time. With that in mind, she notes that “while repair serums can be used by anyone, mature skin types tend to be the target audience.”

What should you look for in a repair serum?

Shopping for a repair serum begins with determining your main concern. “Active ingredients matched to target a specific problem are the best way to begin your search,” says Dr. Del Campo. She notes that anti-aging serums with growth factors, peptides and retinol will help stimulate collagen and firm the skin while smoothing lines and wrinkles.

For dehydrated and parched skin, Dr. Jeffy suggests prioritizing hydrating formulas. “If dryness is an issue, look for serums with hyaluronic acid to hydrate without irritating the skin,” says Dr. Jeffy. On the contrary, for those with excess oil, she recommends finding a repair serum with niacinamide and salicylic acid to tighten pores and control oil production. As for improving pigmentation, both experts agree that vitamin C, antioxidants and acids, such as azelaic acid and AHAs, can be beneficial.

Repair serums to try

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Murad Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Serum ($72)

We don’t have to tell you the importance of a healthy and strong skin barrier. This serum focuses on restoring the barrier at the cellular level using a powerful peptide formula that aids in water loss and retention. It also includes bilberry seed oil, which is known for its antioxidant and protective properties. The result is hydrated skin that’s even and smooth. 

BUY ON AMAZON – $72

BUY ON NORDSTROM – $72

murad-cellular-repair-serum
Murad
2 / 13

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum ($85)

There’s a reason this super serum is beloved by so many. It’s a powerhouse against the signs of aging and provides advanced protection against environmental stressors. The peptide complexes help boost your skin’s natural cell cycle, making it great for your nighttime routine. But you can also use it in the morning, despite what the name says, to protect your skin from free radical damage.

BUY ON NORDSTROM – $85

BUY ON SEPHORA – $85

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Doctor Babor Repair Ultimate ECM Repair Serum ($130)

Designed to support the skin’s natural reparative cycle, Doctor Babor Repair Ultimate ECM Repair Serum addresses several concerns in one swoop. It strengthens, improves firmness and elasticity, and even boosts hydration, thanks to a proprietary blend of plant extracts. “The formula contains hyaluronic acid along with several botanicals that hydrate and repair the skin, but it’s extremely lightweight, making it easy to layer under other products,” says Dr. Del Campo.

BUY ON BABOR – $130

BUY ON AMAZON – $130

BABOR-SERUM
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Neocutis BIO SERUM FIRM Rejuvenating Growth Factor and Peptide Treatment ($290)

“Neocutis Bioserum Firm is a powerhouse of two important ingredients, allowing for a comprehensive treatment with just one product. Human-derived growth factors stimulate collagen, while peptides significantly improve elastin formation, thereby improving skin thickness, resilience and firmness,” says Dr. Del Campo.

BUY ON AMAZON – $290

BUY ON DERMSTORE – $290

5 / 13

True Botanicals Repair Nightly Treatment ($145)

This tiny bottle is loaded with botanical ingredients and plant extracts that pack a powerful punch. For example, fermented seaweed and green tea strengthen and support your skin’s microbiome, while natural peptides treat wrinkles and pesky fine lines. Even better? It leaves you with a healthy glow and a natural, radiant finish.

BUY ON TRUE BOTANICALS – $145

BUY ON AMAZON – $145

true-botanicals-repair-serum
6 / 13

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DermInfusions Fill + Repair Serum with Hyaluronic Acid ($75)

Developed to be an alternative to injectable fillers, it plumps and fills lines to create a firmer look. But that’s not all it’s good for. The formula also contains four weights of hyaluronic acid, peptide proteins, niacinamide and ectoin. In short, it’s basically filler in a gilded bottle.

BUY ON NORDSTROM – $75

BUY ON AMAZON – $75

dennis-gross-repair-serum
7 / 13

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum ($40)

Dr. Jeffy is a fan of this serum for a few reasons. “Hyaluronic acid is a great choice for dry skin types, but also those with sensitive skin. This serum feels a little thicker, but it’s extremely hydrating and soothing on the skin,” she says. Aside from two types of the star ingredient, it also contains vitamin B5 to pull moisture into the skin and ensure it stays put.

BUY ON LA ROCHE-POSAY – $40

BUY ON ULTA – $40

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Fresh Tea Elixir Skin Resilience Activating Serum ($80)

This serum is designed to target the signs of aging and increase the skin’s bounce. The claims are promising, and with a formula composed of antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B3 and more, it lives up to them all. While it’s good for fighting visible signs of aging, it’s also beneficial for rejuvenating the skin from daily stressors—think seasonal changes and lack of sleep.

BUY ON NORDSTROM – $80

BUY ON SEPHORA – $80

Award Photo: Tea Elixir Skin Resilience Activating Serum
Award Photo: Tea Elixir Skin Resilience Activating Serum
9 / 13

Neova DNA Total Repair Serum ($115)

Highly concentrated and potent don’t begin to describe this high-tech repair serum. Its formula combines three pure DNA repair enzymes that help intensify the skin’s ability to self-correct and repair against sun damage. Even better? It’s made for all skin types and also protects against future photodamage.

BUY ON AMAZON – $115

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Paula’s Choice Clinical Discoloration Repair Serum ($55)

If dark spots are a top concern, consider giving this repair serum a try. It’s specially formulated to target areas of discoloration using tranexamic acid, bakuchiol and niacinamide. Together, they help diminish visible spots while preventing new ones from popping up.

BUY ON PAULA’S CHOICE – $55

BUY ON AMAZON – $55

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IS Clinical Active Serum ($142)

Perfect for all skin types and ages, IS Clinical’s famed serum works hard to minimize wrinkles and blemishes and even skin tone. The formula includes unique natural ingredients like bilberry extract, arbutin and mushroom extract, which aids in brightening complexion.

BUY ON AMAZON – $142

BUY ON DERMSTORE – $142

is-clinical-active-serum
12 / 13

Vanicream Vitamin C Serum ($19)

This serum is an affordable option for brightening the skin that actually works. It has a gentle vitamin C derivative, making it ideal for all skin types, and a creamy texture that leaves the skin subtly glowing. “It’s a great option for those prone to irritation and dryness,” says Dr. Jeffy.

BUY ON AMAZON – $19

BUY ON ULTA – $25

VANICREAM-VITAMIN-C
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EltaMD Skin Recovery Serum ($66)

Not only is this serum restorative, but it’s also supremely soothing. It has an amino acid complex that repairs the skin’s natural barrier and boosts its hydration. But what makes this serum unique is the addition of cica or tigergrass extract. The powerful plant extract is revered for calming inflammation and reducing redness.

BUY ON DERMSTORE – $66

BUY ON AMAZON – $53

ELTAMD-RECOVERY

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