A targeted serum is a skincare product with concentrated actives designed to treat specific skin concerns like acne, wrinkles, or dark spots.
Unlike moisturizers, it penetrates deeper for faster, visible results. Use it before moisturizer for maximum benefit.
Whether you’re battling stubborn pigmentation or seeking collagen support, the right serum can transform your results. At Karina NYC, we’ve seen time and time again how using the right targeted serum, paired with guidance, dramatically improves skin clarity and texture.
Read on to learn how to choose the right one, how to layer them, and how to get real results without the guesswork.
What Is A Targeted Serum? Unlock The Power Of Concentrated Skincare
Not all skincare products deserve a spot in your routine. But a targeted serum? That’s one of the few essentials I never skip, and I don’t say that lightly.
Targeted serums are concentrated, fast-absorbing treatments designed to tackle a specific skin concern, be it dark spots, deep lines, sensitivity, dehydration, or that dull, “I haven’t slept in a week” look.
Unlike your moisturizer, which mostly works on the surface, these serums dive deeper, sending powerful active ingredients exactly where they’re needed. That’s why they work. That’s why I use them.
Why Every Smart Routine Has A Targeted Serum At Its Core
Think of your skincare routine like training for your skin.
Cleansers, toners, and moisturizers are your warm-ups and cool-downs, but a targeted serum? That’s your high-performance workout. It’s what does the real, visible heavy lifting.
One of the biggest shifts I see in client results happens when they introduce the right serum, not just any serum, into their regimen. I’ve seen skin that looked exhausted come back to life in weeks.
But it’s not about buying the most expensive bottle. It’s about choosing the one that speaks directly to your skin’s needs. And that’s where the magic begins.
🧠 Did you know? Your serum should go on before your moisturizer. Always. The lighter texture allows those active ingredients to sink in deeply, while your moisturizer seals it in and protects the skin barrier.
Can You Use More Than One Targeted Serum?
Absolutely, and I often do. But you need to be smart about layering.
If you’re going to layer, apply from thinnest to thickest and make sure the ingredients don’t conflict (like retinol and AHA, don’t mix those without expert guidance).
For example, I might start with a calming serum like Biosensible and follow it with something more active like Serum Progeskin. That order matters.
Too much? Wrong combo? That’s when people get frustrated and say “serums don’t work.”
But trust me, they do. When used right, they change skin.
From Retinol To Vitamin C: What Each Targeted Serum Really Does
A serum should never be a mystery. If you don’t know exactly what it’s doing for your skin, it probably shouldn’t be on your shelf.
Here are four of the most effective targeted serum types I work with, and when I recommend them:
✅ Retinol Serums
Targets: Fine lines, acne, texture
Retinol is the gold standard for aging beautifully, when used wisely. It speeds up cell turnover, fades spots, clears breakouts, and smooths rough texture.
But this is a night-only product, and you must wear SPF the next morning. We often use retinol-based serums in cycles at the studio, not year-round. Skin needs time to strengthen, not get overwhelmed.
✅ Niacinamide Serums
Targets: Pore size, oil regulation, redness
This is one of my go-tos for clients with reactive or oily skin. Niacinamide balances without stripping. It calms redness, helps tighten pores, and brings skin back into equilibrium.
Think of it as a traffic cop for your face, nothing too harsh, but it keeps everything moving smoothly. Works beautifully on acne-prone or hormonal skin.
✅ Vitamin C Serums
Targets: Brightness, dark spots, collagen
My personal favorite for AM routines. A good vitamin C serum gives your skin that “I just came back from vacation” glow.
It brightens dullness, fades discoloration, and supports collagen. But don’t just grab any bottle, many are unstable or underdosed. I always recommend a properly stabilized formulation with the right pH (we test everything we sell at KarinaNYC).
✅ AHA & BHA Serums
Targets: Exfoliation, congestion, breakouts
These are chemical exfoliants that go deeper than scrubs ever could.
AHAs (like glycolic or lactic acid) help with surface texture and radiance, while BHAs (like salicylic acid) dive into pores and break up oil. Perfect for dull or acne-prone skin, but they must be used with caution. Overuse is one of the top mistakes I correct with new clients.
More acid does not mean better skin.
Targeted Serums: Small Bottles, Big Results
The right serum can make the difference between nice skin and remarkable skin. When clients ask me why their routine isn’t working, it’s usually because they’re missing this step, or they’re using the wrong one.
Here’s what makes targeted serums so essential:
Faster, Visible Results
Serums go where moisturizers can’t. They’re formulated to penetrate deeply into the skin, which means actives don’t just sit on the surface, they work below it.
That’s why you’ll often see real improvement faster when you use the right serum consistently.
Precision Treatment
This is where targeted serums shine. You can choose one that’s laser-focused on your top concern, whether that’s sun spots, redness, breakouts, or fine lines.
Lightweight & Layerable
I always tell my clients: serums should feel like nothing on your skin, but deliver everything your skin needs. They’re perfect for layering and won’t clog or feel greasy.
You get power without the weight.
Boosts Other Products
Serums actually help your other products work better. By prepping and treating the deeper layers, they allow your moisturizer or cream to seal everything in more effectively.
Think of it like priming a canvas before painting, your whole routine performs better.
The Smart Guide To Selecting And Applying Targeted Serums
If you’ve ever stood in front of your mirror holding three different serums, wondering what to use first, or if any of them even work, you’re not alone. I’ve had hundreds of clients walk into the studio confused, overwhelmed, and disappointed.
It’s not about buying more, it’s about choosing right. Here’s how I walk clients through it, step by step:
✅ Step 1: Know Your Skin Type And Concerns
Start here. Always.
Are you oily, dry, sensitive, or combination?
Are you trying to brighten pigmentation, control breakouts, calm redness, or firm up slack skin?
Name the issue before reaching for the solution.
When I see someone using five different serums that all “seem helpful,” it’s usually a case of product confusion. Clarity creates results.
✅ Step 2: Read Ingredients
Don’t let marketing distract you. Look for proven, science-backed actives:
Niacinamide for pores and oil control
Vitamin C for dullness and uneven tone
Retinol for wrinkles and breakouts
Peptides for firmness and collagen
Hyaluronic Acid for hydration
One good ingredient, well-formulated, can outperform a dozen trendy ones.
✅ Step 3: Apply After Cleansing And Before Moisturizing
This order matters. After you cleanse (and tone, if that’s part of your routine), your skin is perfectly primed.
While it’s still slightly damp, apply 2 to 3 drops of serum using your fingertips, not your palms, which absorb too much product.
Pat it in gently. Don’t rub. Give it 30–60 seconds to absorb, then move to your moisturizer.
✅ Step 4: Don’t Mix Without Guidance
Some ingredients are fantastic on their own, but can be irritating when combined.
For example, retinol and AHA/BHA acids are powerful, but together? They can trigger inflammation or sensitivity fast.
That’s why so many clients come to us with red, reactive skin, they’re unknowingly mixing products that cancel each other out or overwork the barrier.
When in doubt, ask. It’s what I’m here for.
Choosing the right serum isn’t just a skincare step, it’s a strategy. And the better your strategy, the better your skin. Ready to meet the serums I trust most? Let’s talk Biologique Recherche.
Biologique Recherche: The Gold Standard In Targeted Serums
Biologique Recherche serums are not mass-market serums.
They’re meticulously engineered formulations developed to treat what BR calls your “skin instant,” the idea that your skin is constantly evolving and needs to be treated based on its current state, not some generic skin type quiz.
Their targeted serums are precise, potent, and effective. Period.
I’ve been working with this line for over two decades, and I’ve watched it transform skin again and again, including my own. If your skin is feeling unpredictable, reactive, or just not improving, this is where I start.
Here’s a quick breakdown of a few Biologique Recherche Targeted Serums:
🔹 Sérum Matriciel Visage
Concern: Loss of firmness, sagging, lack of volume
Skin Type: Mature, aging, or hormonally shifting skin
When: AM or PM, before your moisturizer
Why I love it: This serum is like scaffolding for the face. It lifts, firms, and restores facial volume, especially around the cheeks and jawline. I use it when clients feel their face is “melting” or losing structure. The difference is visible, and it builds beautifully over time.
🔹 Serum Biosensible
Concern: Redness, sensitivity, rosacea
Skin Type: Sensitive, reactive, or over-exfoliated skin
When: AM or PM, as your first layer
Why I love it: This is one of my all-time must-haves. I use this on everyone after peels, lasers, or if their skin barrier is compromised. It’s like a soft cashmere blanket for your face, it instantly calms, hydrates, and strengthens.
🔹 Serum Erythros
Concern: Persistent redness, inflammation, rosacea
Skin Type: Rosacea-prone or vascular-reactive skin
When: Before any other serum, especially before your Quintessential
Why I love it: This one’s for more chronic redness versus occasional flare-ups. It works on the microcirculation to reduce the appearance of flushed skin over time. Not flashy, but so effective.
🔹 Serum VG Tensil
Concern: Sagging, loss of tone or firmness
Skin Type: Aging or dehydrated skin that’s starting to “fall”
When: AM for a subtle firming effect throughout the day
Why I love it: Think of this as a natural lift in a bottle. It tightens and firms, especially around the jawline and cheeks. This is one I often apply under makeup for clients who want a more sculpted look, without fillers.
🧠 Layering tip from Karina:
If you're using multiple serums, start with calming or balancing formulas (like Biosensible), then follow with your more active ones (like Serum 3R or VG Tensil).
That order not only soothes the skin, it prepares it to absorb the next layer more effectively.
Targeted Serums Explained: Clearing Up The Confusion
Skincare today is overwhelming, and expensive. I hear the same questions from clients all the time, so let’s clear a few things up right here:
Do I Really Need Both An Eye And Face Serum?
Not necessarily. Many “eye serums” are just lighter versions of face formulas.
If you're using a gentle, targeted serum like Biosensible, it’s absolutely fine to bring it around the eyes, just be careful and pat, don’t rub.
That said, some eye areas do need specialized care, especially if you're dealing with puffiness or chronic darkness.
What If It Doesn’t Work Or Irritates My Skin?
Most skincare doesn’t work, but ours does.
Why? Because we don’t guess. If a product isn’t working for you, it’s either the wrong product, the wrong combination, or you’re using it the wrong way.
And that’s exactly why our consultations exist, to help you get it right.
Is This Just Expensive Marketing?
No. When done right, a high-quality targeted serum can replace multiple other steps. You save time, money, and counter space.
What you're paying for is not just the formula, it's the science, the stability, and the results. At Karina NYC, we don’t sell fluff. We sell function.
The KarinaNYC Solution: Stop Guessing. Start Seeing Results.
If you’ve ever spent hundreds on skincare only to feel like your skin looks... the same, you’re not alone. The problem isn’t you. It’s the confusion the industry creates. And I’m here to help you cut through it.
🎯 This is for you if...
You’re someone who’s done the trial and error, the Sephora hauls, the YouTube routines, and you’re still not seeing progress. If you’re ready for a smarter, personalized approach that respects your skin’s biology and gives real, visible results… welcome.
✨ Karina Nyc’s Targeted Serum Solutions
🔬 Free Skincare Consultation
Let us analyze your skin and guide you to the exact serum you need. No more guessing. No more wasting.
🧴 Shop Biologique Recherche Serums Online
Every bottle is fresh, authentic, and stored correctly, no shady resellers or heat-damaged formulas.
🧖♀️ In-Studio Treatments with Personalized Product Pairing
Experience serums the way they were designed to be used, paired with advanced modalities and hands-on technique for next-level results.
Your skin deserves better than one-size-fits-all advice. Let’s find what actually works for you. Because at Karina NYC, skincare isn’t just what we sell, it’s what we live.
