Smiling Asian applying serum on her face with a dropper.

Although it’s new to the mainstream beauty scene, serums have become a popular addition to many skincare routines in recent years. But what you may not know is that serum benefits can extend to the body – not just the face.

From hydrating dry patches to improving skin elasticity and even reducing the appearance of , serums can deliver a wide range of benefits when applied to the body. Find out why you should be adding it to your for that head-to-toe glow.

What Is a Serum?

A serum is a highly concentrated active ingredient that targets a specific concern. It has large active molecules that quickly penetrate the skin or hair at a deeper level and can deliver more visible results due to its higher potency.

Facial serums are thin and viscous and can be applied topically under your moisturizer. Hair serums are thicker and are often . Finally, body serums can be infused into a lotion or cream to make them fast-absorbing and less sticky, while delivering more active ingredients into the skin.

Serum Benefits for the Hair

It adds shine to hair.

A is an excellent addition to your styling products, as it provides your locks with a boost of nourishment. They can address different concerns, ranging from heat protection to deep conditioning, so you can choose one based on your hair's specific needs.

It prevents dryness and frizz.

If dryness and frizz are the common culprits behind your bad hair days, a serum can help. Aside from boosting shine, many serums are formulated to tame frizz and revive dry and damaged locks. Instead of hiding out-of-control hair by using hairspray, use hair serum as your first defense against .

Look for products like Dove Restorative Oil Nourishing Care Conditioner. It helps repair and restore each strand with every use.

It detangles hair.

Hair is most fragile when wet, so working your way through your tangles after showering may damage your hair. Apply a few drops of hair serum to so your can glide through your tresses without damaging them.

Serum Benefits for the Skin

Why limit your skincare routine to just your face? One of the most salient serum benefits is their ability to amplify the effectiveness of other products in your skincare regimen. Whether you use a facial serum or a body lotion infused with serum, your skin can benefit from its nourishing and revitalizing properties. By penetrating deep into the skin, serums deliver their more efficiently compared to occlusives that mostly sit on top of the skin.

It helps seal in hydration.

One of the most popular ingredients in hydrating serums is , which helps the skin retain moisture, making it smoother and plumper. Another hydration hero is , which tighten skin, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

When used together, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide can boost hydration levels and quench dry skin. POND'S Triple Glow Serum is a product that has both, plus brightening GlutaBoost-C to give you smooth, glowing, and hydrated skin. Use it on a clean face before applying moisturizer.

It zeroes in on your specific skin concerns.

Face and body serums can treat a myriad of skin issues. Depending on its active ingredient, your serum can target concerns such as acne pigmentation, dull skin, fine lines, and . Some can also contain anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe sensitive skin. Talk to your dermatologist about your skin concerns to find out which ingredients can give you maximum serum benefits.

It evens out skin tone.

Everyone wants , but sometimes applying lotion alone doesn’t cut it. A serum lotion with antioxidant actives can help even out your skin tone and fade discoloration. Choose a product that’s hydrating and brightening, such as Vaseline Gluta-Hya Serum Burst Lotion Flawless Glow. It has Hyaluron and GlutaGlow technology that is 10x more powerful than Vitamin C to give your skin a dewy glow.

Your hair, face, and body can enjoy all these serum benefits with the right products and a consistent routine. It all begins with understanding your skin’s needs so you can choose the right ingredients to address them.