Effective home skin care consists of several steps, one of which is the use of serums. This cosmetic product allows you to get the desired result quickly: evens out the skin tone, cleanses it of inflammatory elements or makes it fresher and more elastic. But you can only get the effect if you choose and use the serum properly.
Ads for facial serums can be very attractive and promising. It is very easy to believe that this is indeed a panacea. In fact, in order not to get frustrated and not harm your skin, you need to be very critical of intrigue and approach your choices carefully. Spoiler alert: Serum works. But sometimes it doesn’t work as you expect.
Any serum is an oil emulsion and a water base. Depending on the amount of emulsifier and the ratio of the two phases of this emulsion, one can distinguish:
- liquid, homogeneous emulsion, consisting of an aqueous phase. This serum is best used in the summer or if you are not going out in the winter, and also as a night care.
- emulsions which are mostly composed of oil phase. This serum aims to restore epidermal lipids and is very suitable for use in winter.
Why is serum in treatment needed and can it be used instead of cream?
A large number of serums are used as bottom creams and not as standalone products. Due to its chemical formula, whey provides a higher bioavailability of the ingredients that make up its composition. In other words, by using a serum, you will be able to quickly deliver the necessary ingredients to the skin and, therefore, have an effect.
Serum cannot replace cream, because the cream "covers" the serum, allowing it to function fully. If you live where the climate is dry and the humidity in the air is not enough, be sure to apply a cream over the serum with glycerin. Only in this case, such a serum will completely moisturize the skin.
What expectations will the serum meet?
The main goal of home care, in addition to treating and correcting existing problems, is prevention. And whey is the right product that will help you avoid many problems in the future.dermatologist, cosmetic specialist Anna Smolyanova. . .
"If you use a serum that has sunscreen properties, then the chances of the appearance of age spots on your face are much lower. And pigmentation is a very persistent defect, which is quite difficult to get rid of. And for sure - it's long and expensive, because it takesmany serious medical procedures - surface breakdown, exfoliation, injection of special drugs. The problem is with the preservation of the water lipid mantle, optimal moisture, preservation of the elastic properties of the skin. If you create conditions for the skin where it can fully synthesize collagen and elastin, receive moisture, nutrition, oxygen, do not let the skin's metabolic and antioxidant system "fall asleep" - this becomes noticeable not only for you.
Regular use of serum makes the skin tidy, eliminates or existing problems that are less obvious, fills the lack of biologically active substances: vitamins, micro and macro elements. Serum is a simple and affordable replacement therapy, which gives all the effects for which we buy the product.
The most popular are serums with antioxidants, peptides and acids. Depending on the combination of these components, the product has a certain effect. "
There are serums designed to solve and prevent certain problems.
Serum that stimulates skin regeneration
Serums with a clear effect stimulate skin regeneration, and this is exactly what we mean by the word "rejuvenation". This is a product that contains retinol, which is vitamin A. Its concentration is not less than 0. 2%. Note the fact that the composition contains retinol, and not its derivatives. Because most retinol derivatives - or the initial form in the format of beta -carotene will have an antioxidant effect (protect against oxidative stress), and do not stimulate cell growth and division and renewal of the skin.
Lifting serum for skin aging
The main biologically active components of the fund are peptides aimed at reducing artificial wrinkles, or collagen -stimulating peptides and antioxidants, which help prevent cell lipid oxidation and cell membrane destruction. Such a serum restores tone and density to aging skin, as the lifting effect is achieved.
Botulinum Serum
Serums containing peptide complexes with botulinum -like effects: argireline, sotox -like botox, are indicated for those wishing to prolong the effects of botulinum therapy. Or you can use this tool as an independent tool to minimize visits to a beautician for botulinum toxin injections. As you have already understood, such a serum smoothes the lines of expression.
Brightening serum
This product is used to even out skin tone. May include peptides, retinol and antioxidants. Antioxidants act as photoprotective agents. Therefore, we prevent photoshoot, including the appearance of pigmentation and wrinkles, and do not burden the skin with hygiene protectors. I would like to state that of course everyone should use cosmetics with sunscreen properties throughout the year. Especially for owners of sensitive and soft skin, prone to the formation of age spots. Regular use of such a serum will help to repair the spots gently and slightly "dimly".
Serum for oily and problematic skin
They usually contain acids, substances that reduce sebum production, and substances that have anti-inflammatory and pore-tightening effects. As a rule, they contain: niocinamide, a component of seawater, which is represented by trace elements - silicon, magnesium and zinc, as well as acids. For example, salicylic acid. Salicylic acid serum can be recommended for those who want to reduce the severity of blackheads on the face. Serum glycolic acid reduces the formation of milia, closed comedones and stimulates cell division.
Serum for dry skin
Serum with vitamins C and E will help restore the damaged skin barrier. This problem is common in people who have dry, irritated and flaky skin. Serums like these are recommended for those who have appeared or are just beginning to form fine wrinkles and early pigmentation. And also for those who want to delay the appearance of these signs of aging as much as possible.
I would also like to mention a serum that contains mandelic acid, which is an excellent mild keratolytic and can be used even on very dry skin and also on aging skin as a refreshing exfoliator.
It is important to understand that the final effect of serum use should be assessed no earlier than one and a half months. It is during this time that the skin will have time to completely renew itself.
How to use the serum properly?
It depends on the composition of the product. For example, if the serum contains active acids, the action of which is aimed at exfoliating and stimulating skin renewal, then it is recommended to use it as a component of home care at night. If the serum contains most of the antioxidants that act as a filter for ultraviolet radiation, then it is recommended to use such a serum in the morning. If you tend to have swelling on the face, you should not use a moisturizing serum at night before bed. Indeed, in this case, the swelling on the face will stand out more strongly. But as a morning care, such a product is perfect.
Errors in the use of serum
- A common mistake is to mix several incompatible serums. Often, another serum is used on top of one serum. In most cases, this leads to the fact that one or both tools do not work at once. If you want to solve more than one problem, choose a universal serum with vitamins C and E. If you are concerned with a particular problem, choose a specially designed serum.
- Another common mistake is not paying attention to the validity period of the serum. After opening a tube or jar, many people forget about it. But the serum is active from three to six months after opening. Then the product loses its properties. Write the date you opened the serum. It is easier to do this in a diary or a special application.
- Storing whey in the wrong place is another big mistake. See where your product ranks? If it is stored on a window sill, active sunlight, or near radiators and heaters, in the bathroom, where it is damp and warm, the serum components will quickly break down. Store cosmetics in a cool, dark place. A handy plastic container will work for you and be stored in a dark closet in your bedroom. And before you do a morning or evening home care session, you’ll get it.
- If you have sensitive and irritable skin, try to avoid a lot of alcohol and preservatives in your cosmetics. Yes, this product will not be stored for long. But, if you see that the serum contains preservatives such as phenoxyethanol, parabens, then you better refuse the use of such products. Otherwise, the skin may become drier and more irritated after using the serum (which should be able to solve the problem) than before using it.
- Note the amount of dye in the serum. They are most often marked CL on the label, which means color (color - eng. ) And if you see some types listed in the composition, plus perfume or fragrance mark is a fragrant fragrance, then know that it is better not to use such products.