Should I use a Serum?
Should I use a Serum?
Skin care Serums are sooo in right now! Everyone is talking about them, all the beauty magazines, celebrities, friends, social media, ads, etc… Seems everyone wants to get in on the Serum explosion. And there’s a good reason for this. Serums usually pack a real punch and are the heart and soul of a good skin care regimen.
Sure, it can all seem a bit confusing at first. I mean, what is a Serum exactly? When do I use it? How do Serums differ from my regular cream moisturizer? Do I put it before or after my creams? But don’t worry, after you read this article your Serum I.Q. will be off the charts!
WHAT IS A SERUM?
A Serum is usually a water based skin care preparation that often contains higher concentration of active ingredients, penetrates deeper into the skin, is lighter and less oily on the skin, tend to contain fewer fillers and can often be used by all skin types. They can be formulated as gels or lotions and are usually packaged in small bottles dispensed by pump or dropper.
TOP 5 SERUM FACTS:
1- Serums are usually formulated with smaller molecules that often penetrate the skin’s barrier better. Whereas a moisturizer works on the top layer of the skin as a film forming shield that prevents water loss.
2- These smaller molecules in Serums are usually of active ingredients (hyaluronic acid, anti-oxidants, vitamins, acids, oxygen, hydroquinone, co-enzymes, peptides, etc.) and are often present in very high concentrations, as high as 70%, versus 2% -10% for a regular moisturizer.
3- Serums are designed to treat specific skin concerns such as anti-aging (hyaluronic acid, vitamins, peptides, and collagen), eye area (soothing botanicals), dark spots (vitamin C), and acne (salicylic acid). Determine what skin concern you want to treat and find the serum for it.
4- Serums can be used on all areas of the face (eye contour, cheeks, forehead, chin) neck, and chest.
5- No, you’re not too young (25+) or too old (100+) to use a Serum. There’s one for you.
HOW TO USE SERUMS:
1- First and always, cleanse your skin well with a quality cleanser. Pat dry skin.
2- Apply a few drops of the Serum on your fingertips and apply on your face. Use gentle circular motions to ensure proper distribution and penetration. Massage for about 30 seconds or until absorbed.
3- If you’re applying multiple Serums (no more than two per session recommended) make sure that they do not counteract each other. Also, wait 5 minutes between layers to allow for absorption.
4- For oily skin, oil free moisturizing Serum may be all you need. For dryer complexions, you may want to use a Serum(s) followed by a cream moisturizer.
5- Good rule to follow: Serums ALWAYS before creams. Nourishing Serums ALWAYS before hydrating Serums. From lighter to heavier.
Well, how does it feel to be among the top 1% Serum I.Q. persons in the world?! Pretty amazing, right? Go explore and have fun with this amazing category of anti-aging products. You will start seeing your own skin glow in around 4 weeks. Let your light shine brightly!
Wilma Schumann