Face Serum: How To Know If You Need It? And what is it anyway?

Effective home skin care consists of several stages, one of which is the use of a serum. This cosmetic product allows you to quickly achieve the desired result: even out the skin tone, making it non-inflammatory. Cleanse from the elements or make it fresher and more elastic. But you can achieve the effect only if you choose and use the serum correctly.

face rejuvenation serum

Advertisements for face serums can be very compelling and promising. It's easy to believe that this is actually a magical elixir. In fact, in order not to be discouraged and not harm your skin, you need to be very critical of marketing tricks. And one needs to think carefully about your choice. Spoiler alert: Serums are working. But sometimes it doesn't work as you expect.

Any serum is an emulsion of an oil and water base. Based on the amount of emulsifier and the ratio of these two phases of the emulsion, one can distinguish:

  • Liquid, homogeneous emulsions, which have more of an aqueous phase. These serums are better to use in summer or if you are not going out in winter, and also as an evening care.
  • Emulsions are mostly of an oil phase. These serums are aimed at restoring the lipid content of the epidermis and are perfect for use in cold weather.

Why are serums needed in care and can they be used instead of creams?

Most serums are used as an under cream rather than as a standalone product. Due to its chemical formula, whey provides high bioavailability of the substances that make up their composition. In other words, by using a serum, youWill be able to quickly deliver the necessary substances to the skin and, therefore, get the effect.

Serum cannot replace cream, as it is the cream that "locks" the serum, allowing it to function completely. If you live where the climate is dry and there is not enough moisture in the air, glycerinBe sure to apply the cream on top of the serum with. Only in this case such a serum will really moisturize the skin.

What expectations will the serum meet?

The main goal of home care, apart from the treatment and improvement of existing problems, is prevention. And whey is exactly the product that will help you avoid a lot of troubles in the future.Dermatologist, cosmetologist Anna Smolyanova. . .

"If you use a serum that has sunscreen properties, your chances of showing age spots on your face are much less. And pigmentation is a very permanent blemish, which is quite difficult to get rid of. And of course- it is long and expensive, as will require a whole course of serious medical procedures - partial resurfacing, peeling, injection of special drugs. Also, the matter is of preservation of the water-lipid mantle, optimum moisture, maintenance of elastic properties of the skin. If you create conditions for the skin in which it can fully synthesize collagen and elastin, receive moisture, nutrition, oxygen, do not allow the skin's metabolic and antioxidant systems to "sleep" -It becomes noticeable not only to you.

Regular use of the serum prepares the skin well, eliminates or less pronounced existing problems, compensates for the lack of biologically active substances: vitamins, micro and macro elements. Serum is a simple andAffordable replacement therapy, which gives all the effects we buy the product for.

The most popular are serums containing antioxidants, peptides and acids. Depending on the combination of these components, the product has a specific effect. "

There are serums designed to solve and prevent specific problems.

Serums That Stimulate Skin Regeneration

Serum with a pronounced effect of stimulating skin regeneration, and this is what we mean by the word "rejuvenation". These are products that contain retinol, that is, vitamin A. The concentration is not less than 0. 2%. Pay attention to the fact that the composition contains exactly retinol, and not its derivatives. Because most retinol derivatives - or beta-carotene in its preform form an antioxidant effect (protection against oxidative stress), and will not stimulate cell growth and division and skin renewal.

Lifting Serum for Aging Skin

The main biologically active components of such funds are peptides aimed at reducing fake wrinkles, or collagen-stimulating peptides and antioxidants, which help prevent the oxidation of cell lipids and the destruction of cell membranes. Such serumsRestore tone and density to aging skin, due to which a lifting effect is achieved.

lifting serum

botulinum serum

Serum that contains a complex of peptides with botulinum-like effects: Argireline, Botox-like cyanic, is indicated for those who wish to prolong the effect of botulinum therapy. Or you can use this tool as an independentcan in order to reduce visits to the beautician for botulinum toxin injections. As you already understood, such serums smooth out the expression lines.

Brightening Serum

The product is used to even out skin tone. It may contain peptides, retinol and antioxidants. Antioxidants act as a photoprotective agent. Thus, we can prevent photoaging including pigmentation and the appearance of wrinklesclog, and do not overload the skin with sanitary protectors. I would like to note that absolutely everyone needs to use cosmetics with sunscreen properties throughout the year. Especially for owners of sensitive, fair skin. For freckles, there is a risk of the formation of age spots. Regular use of such a serum will help to gently heal freckles and slightly "dim" freckles.

Serum for oily and problem skin

They usually contain acids, substances that reduce sebum production, and ingredients that have anti-inflammatory and pore-tightening effects. As a rule, they include: niacinamide, a component of seawater, 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. GlycolicAcids reduce the formation of serum milia, closed comedones and stimulate cell division.

serum for dry skin

Serums with vitamins C and E will help restore the damaged skin barrier. This problem is common in people with dry, irritated and flaky skin. Such serums are recommended for those who have already visible or fine wrinkles. And have begun to form a web of early pigmentation. And also for those who want to postpone the appearance of these signs of aging as much as possible.

I would also like to mention a serum containing mandelic acid, which is an excellent mild keratolytic and can be used on very dry skin as well as a rejuvenating peel on aging skin.

It is important to understand that the final effect of the use of the serum should be assessed no earlier than a month and a half. It is during this time that the skin will have time to completely renew itself.

How to use serum correctly?

It depends on the composition of the product. For example, if the serum contains active acids, the action of which is intended to stimulate and stimulate skin renewal, it may be recommended to use it as an evening ingredient of home care. It is recommended. If the serum mostly contains antioxidants that act as a filter for ultraviolet radiation, it is recommended to use such serums in the morning. should not use moisturizing serums before bedtime. Actually, in this case, the swelling on the face will manifest itself more strongly. But as a morning care, such products are perfect.

How to use serum correctly

Errors in using the serum

  • A common mistake is to mix several incompatible serums. Too often, another serum is applied on top of one serum. In most cases, this leads to the fact that one or both tools do not work together. If you want to solve multiple problems, choose a universal serum with vitamins C and E. If you're concerned about a specific problem, choose a specially designed serum.
  • Another common mistake is inattention to the validity period of serums. After opening a tube or jar, many people forget about it. But serums remain active for three to six months after opening. Loses. Write down the date you opened the serum. It is convenient to do this in a diary or a special application.
  • Misplacing whey is another big mistake. See where your products stand? If they are placed on a windowsill, in active sunlight, or near radiators and heating appliances, in a bathroom, where it is humid and hot, the components of the serum will break down faster. Store cosmetics in a cool, dark place. Do it. A handy plastic container will do the job for you and keep it in a dark cupboard in your bedroom. And you'll have it before you do your morning or evening home care session.
  • If you have sensitive and irritated skin, try to avoid the abundance of alcohol and preservatives in your cosmetics. Yes, this product will not be stored in the open for a long time. But, if you notice that the serum contains Phenoxyethanol, ParabensAs it contains preservatives, it is better that you refuse to use such a product. Otherwise, the skin after using the serum (which should have solved the problem) will be more even than it was before using the serum. May become dry and more irritated.
  • Pay attention to the amount of dyes in the serum. They are often marked CL on the label, which means color (color - eng. ) and if you see several types listed in the composition, plus the parfum or fragrance marking is a scented fragrance, So know that it is better not to use such a product.