So you've been watching those dermaplaning videos and thinking about giving it a try? Smart move! But here's what nobody talks about - what you put on your skin after dermaplaning is just as important as the treatment itself.
I've been down this rabbit hole for months, trying everything from drugstore finds to those fancy serums that cost more than my monthly coffee budget. After testing way too many products (my skin has been through it, honestly), I finally figured out which ones actually deliver that glow everyone keeps posting about.
The Serums That Actually Work
Let me cut straight to the chase. These seven serums have earned their spot in my bathroom cabinet, and more importantly, they've given me the kind of skin that makes people ask if I'm wearing a filter.
Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum - $39
This purple bottle has been all over my social media feed, and I get why. The texture is incredible - it feels like you're putting silk on your face. The plum extract sounds fancy, but it really does something magical when paired with five different types of hyaluronic acid.
What I love about it: My skin looks bouncy and healthy immediately after applying it. It photographs beautifully too, which is honestly a bonus I didn't expect to care about until I started taking more selfies.
Perfect if: You want that Korean skincare glow and don't mind spending a bit more for quality.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B - $8.90
Can we talk about this price point? Under nine dollars for something that works better than serums three times the cost. I was skeptical at first because I'm that person who thinks expensive equals better, but this little bottle proved me wrong.
The formula is straightforward - no fancy extracts or complicated ingredient lists. Just pure hyaluronic acid that does exactly what it promises. My skin drinks it up every time.
Perfect if: You're new to serums, on a budget, or have sensitive skin that freaks out with too many ingredients.
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum - $48
The pineapple thing isn't just marketing - this serum actually brightens my skin in a way that's noticeable by day two. It's become my go-to when my skin looks tired or dull, which happens more often than I'd like to admit.
The consistency is perfect for layering. Not too thick, not too watery. It plays well with everything else in my routine, which is huge for me since I like to mix and match products.
Perfect if: Your skin looks tired and needs a pick-me-up, or you love products that multitask.
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream (Serum Formula) - $68
This one's an investment, I won't lie. But sometimes you want to treat yourself to something that feels luxurious. The Japanese rice extract gives this dreamy, soft-focus effect that makes my skin look expensive.
I save this for special occasions or when I need my skin to look amazing for photos. It's like having a professional filter but for real life.
Perfect if: You're looking for anti-aging benefits or want that high-end skincare experience.
Fenty Skin Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum - $28
Rihanna knows what she's doing with skincare. This is technically a toner-serum hybrid, which I was confused about at first, but it works. The niacinamide helps with my pores, which always look more obvious after dermaplaning.
The bottle is huge compared to other serums, so it lasts forever. Great value for what you get, and it doesn't make my oily T-zone worse.
Perfect if: You have oily or combination skin, or you want to simplify your routine.
Youth to the People Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream - $48
The superfood angle caught my attention, but what kept me using it is how it makes my skin feel resilient. I work in a stressful job, and I swear my skin shows it. This formula has adaptogens that seem to help my skin handle stress better.
It's heavier than the others, so I use it mainly at night or on weekends when I'm not wearing makeup.
Perfect if: You have combination skin or live a high-stress lifestyle.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum - $15.99
Sometimes the best solutions are right at your local drugstore. This one doesn't have fancy packaging or trendy ingredients, but it gets the job done. The hyaluronic acid is pure and effective.
I recommend this to friends who are just starting with serums or anyone who wants to test if hyaluronic acid works for their skin before investing in pricier options.
Perfect if: You're a beginner, have sensitive skin, or prefer to shop at the drugstore.
Quick Comparison Guide
Here's how they stack up:
- Best Overall: Glow Recipe (great balance of everything)
- Best Value: The Ordinary (can't beat that price)
- Best for Dull Skin: Drunk Elephant (the brightening effect is real)
- Most Luxurious: Tatcha (feels like a spa treatment)
- Best for Oily Skin: Fenty (doesn't make you greasy)
- Best for Stressed Skin: Youth to the People (the adaptogens work)
- Best for Beginners: Neutrogena (simple and gentle)
How to Pick the Right One
Your skin type matters more than you think. I learned this the hard way after using the wrong products for months.
If your skin gets dry and tight easily, go for the heavier hitters like Glow Recipe or Tatcha. If you're dealing with oily skin that gets shiny by noon, Fenty or The Ordinary will work better.
Sensitive skin? Stick with simple formulas. The Ordinary and Neutrogena have minimal ingredients that won't cause reactions.
Budget is obviously a factor too. You don't need to spend a fortune to get good results. Some of my favorite skincare discoveries have been under twenty dollars.
Getting the Most Out of Your Serum
Application technique matters more than I thought it would. I used to just slap products on my face and hope for the best, but doing it right makes a huge difference.
Start with slightly damp skin - not soaking wet, just a little moist. This helps the serum absorb better. Use way less product than you think you need. Two or three drops is usually enough for your entire face.
Press the serum into your skin instead of rubbing it around. Gentle patting motions work best. Give it a minute to sink in before adding your next product.
Morning versus evening application is worth thinking about. Lighter serums work better under makeup, while you can use heavier formulas at night when you're not layering other products on top.
Don't use these immediately after dermaplaning if your skin feels sensitive. Give it hours to calm down first.
What People Always Ask Me
How often should I dermaplane?
Every three to four weeks is the sweet spot. But use your serum daily - your skin needs consistent hydration.
Can I use these with other products?
Absolutely. These all play well with vitamin C, retinol, and other skincare ingredients. Just don't pile everything on at once.
Will they clog my pores?
None of these should cause breakouts, but everyone's skin is different. If you're prone to clogged pores, start with Fenty or The Ordinary.
How long before I see results?
You'll notice immediate plumping and hydration, but real texture improvements take about a month of consistent use.
Are these okay for younger skin?
Yes! These are all gentle enough for teens. Start with simpler formulas if you're new to skincare.
My Honest Take
After trying all of these, the Glow Recipe serum wins for me. It hits that perfect balance of working really well without being crazy expensive. The texture is amazing, and the results are consistent.
But if I'm being totally honest, The Ordinary is probably the smartest choice for most people. It's affordable enough that you won't stress about using it regularly, and it delivers exactly what it promises.
For anyone with oily skin reading this, try the Fenty one. It's the only serum that actually helps with my pores instead of making them look worse.
The most important thing is picking one and sticking with it. I wasted so much time switching between products every few weeks. Your skin needs consistency to show real improvement.
Whatever you choose, give it at least a month before deciding if it's working. Good skincare takes patience, but the results are worth it when people start asking if you're using a filter on your photos.
