Effective home skin care consists of several steps, one of which is the use of a serum. This cosmetic product makes it possible to quickly obtain the desired result: to even out the complexion, to clean it from inflammatory elements or to make it fresher and more elastic. But you can only achieve the effect if you choose and use the serum correctly.
Advertising for face serums can be very convincing and promising. It's easy to believe that this is indeed a magic elixir. In fact, in order not to be disappointed and not attack your skin, you have to be very critical of marketing tips and understand your choice. Spoiler alert: the serums are working. But sometimes it doesn't work the way you expected it to.
All serum is an emulsion of oily and aqueous bases. Depending on the amount of emulsifier and the ratio of these two phases of the emulsion, we can distinguish:
- liquid and homogeneous emulsions, which rather consist of an aqueous phase. These serums are to be used preferably in summer or if you do not go out in winter, and also as an evening care.
- emulsions consisting mainly of an oily phase. These serums aim to restore the lipid substance to the epidermis and are ideal for use in the cold season.
Why are serums in care necessary and can they be used instead of a cream?
Most serums are used as a creamer rather than a stand-alone product. Due to their chemical formula, whey offers a higher bioavailability of the substances that make up its composition. In other words, with the help of a serum, you will be able to quickly deliver the necessary substances to the skin and, as a result, achieve an effect.
Serums cannot replace cream, as it is the cream that "closes" the serum, allowing it to function fully. If you live in a dry climate and there is not enough humidity in the air, be sure to apply the cream over the glycerin serums. Only in this case, such a serum will really hydrate 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 exactly the product that will help you avoid a lot of problems in the future.dermatologist, cosmetologist Anna Smolyanova. . .
"If you use a serum that has sun protection properties, the likelihood of age spots appearing on your face is much lower. And pigmentation is a very persistent defect, which is quite difficult to get rid of. And of course - it is long and expensive, because a whole serious medical process will be required - fractional resurfacing, peeling, injection of special drugs. Also, it is about the preservation of the hydrolipidic mantle, optimal hydration, the maintenance of the 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, don't let the skin's metabolism and antioxidant system'falling asleep' - it doesn't just become noticeable to you.
Regular use of serums cleanses the skin, eliminates existing or less obvious problems, fills deficiencies in biologically active substances: vitamins, micro and macro elements. Serums are a simple and affordable replacement therapy that gives all the effects you buy a product for.
The most popular are serums containing antioxidants, peptides and acids. Depending on the combination of these components, the product has a particular effect. "
There are serums designed to solve and prevent specific problems.
Serums that stimulate skin regeneration
Serums with a pronounced effect of stimulating the regeneration of the skin, and this is exactly 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 its preforms in beta-carotene format will have an antioxidant effect (protect against oxidative stress), and will not stimulate growth and cell division and skin renewal.
Lifting serum for aging skin
The main biologically active components of these funds are peptides aimed at reducing mimic wrinkles, or peptides that stimulate collagen and antioxidants, which help prevent the oxidation of cell lipids and the destruction of cell membranes. Such serums restore tone and density to aging skin, due to which a lifting effect is obtained.
Botulinum Serums
Serums that contain a complex of peptides with a botulinum effect: argireline, botox-like sineik, are indicated for those who wish to prolong the effect of botulinum therapy. Or you can use this tool independently to minimize visits to a beautician for botulinum toxin injections. As you already understood, such serums smooth expression lines.
Brightening serums
The product is used to even out skin tone. May include peptides, retinol, and antioxidants. Antioxidants act as a photoprotective agent. Thus, we prevent photoaging, including the appearance of pigmentation and wrinkles, and do not overload the skin with hygienic protections. I want to stress that absolutely everyone should use cosmetics with sunscreen properties throughout the year. Especially for owners of sensitive and fair skin prone to the formation of age spots. Regular use of these serums will help to gently correct and slightly "fade" freckles.
Serums for oily and problematic skin
They usually contain acids, substances that reduce sebum production, and ingredients that have anti-inflammatory effects and tighten pores. As a rule, they contain: niocinamide, components of seawater, represented by trace elements - silicon, magnesium and zinc, as well as acids. For example, salicylic acid. Salicylic acid serums may be recommended for those who wish to reduce the severity of blackheads on the face. Glycolic acid sera reduce the formation of milia, closed comedones and stimulate cell division.
Serums for dry skin
The serum with vitamins C and E will help restore the damaged skin barrier. This problem is common in people with dry, itchy, scaly skin. Such serums are recommended for those who have already appeared or have just started to form a mesh of fine wrinkles and early pigmentation. And also for those who would like to delay the appearance of these signs of aging as much as possible.
I would also like to mention the serums containing mandelic acid which is an excellent mild keratolytic and can be used even on very dry skin and also on aging skin as a rejuvenating peel.
It is important to understand that the final effect of using the serum should be evaluated no earlier than a month and a half. It is during this time that the skin will have time to renew itself completely.
How to correctly use the serum?
It depends on the composition of the product. For example, if the serum contains active acids whose action is aimed at exfoliating and stimulating skin renewal, then it is recommended to use it as an evening component of home care. If the serum mainly contains antioxidants which act as filters against ultraviolet rays, then it is recommended to use such serum in the morning. If you have a tendency for puffiness on your face, you should not use moisturizing serums at night before bed. Indeed, in this case, the puffiness on the face will manifest itself more strongly. But as a morning care, such products are perfect.
Errors in the use of serum
- A common mistake is to mix several incompatible sera. Very often another serum is applied over a serum. In most cases, this leads to one or both tools not working at the same time. If you want to solve more than one problem, choose a universal serum with vitamins C and E. If you are concerned about a specific problem, choose a specially designed serum.
- Another common mistake is the lack of attention to the validity period of the serum. After opening a tube or jar, many people forget about it. But the serums are active three to six months after opening. Then the product loses its properties. Write down the date you opened the serum. It is convenient to do this in a newspaper or special application.
- Storing whey in the wrong place is another big mistake. Do you see where your products are? If placed on a window sill, in direct sunlight or near radiators and heaters, 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. A handy plastic container will work for you and fit into a dark cabinet in your bedroom. And before you do your morning or evening home care session, you'll have it.
- If you have sensitive and irritable skin, try to avoid the abundance of alcohol and preservatives in your cosmetics. Yes, this product will not be stored open for a long time. But, if you see that the serum contains preservatives like phenoxyethanol, parabens, then you had better refuse to use such product. Otherwise, the skin may become even drier and more irritated after using the serum (which should have solved the problem) than before using it.
- Pay attention to the amount of dyes in the serum. They are most often marked CL on the label, which means color (color - eng. ) And if you see more than one type listed in the composition, besides the perfume or the perfume marking is a scented perfume, then be aware thatit is better not to use such a product.