Premature ageing,
dehydration, dullness, redness, lack of firmness, fine lines & wrinkles,
discoloration & spots, uneven skin tone, acne, they are all facts of life,
but these powerful skincare products called “serums” can combat the enemies of your skin and halt the ageing
process to keep your complexion looking younger for longer.
What is a serum?
Face serums are a
fairly new addition to our skin care routines. They are thick liquid-like
products with active ingredients like vitamins and anti-oxidants that are
formulated with smaller molecules so they can penetrate deep into the skin.
A facial serum or a facial moisturizer?
Because of their
concentrated ingredients, serums tend to be pricier that a moisturizer, so it
is natural to ask: a serum, a moisturizer, or both? What is the best option for
us?
People are often
confused about the differences between a moisturizer and a facial serum, and
may be unsure if they should use one or both products. While facial serums can
give you added moisture, the main reason you’d want to use a facial serum is to
get added nutrients into deeper layers of your skin that a regular moisturizer
is not able to reach.
The beauty of serums
is that they are more concentrated and they are designed for penetration to the
skin which is that makes them powerful corrective products. They tend to have a
thinner consistency than a moisturizer and that is because serums are all about
action and correction.
Due to their large
molecules, moisturizers can only penetrate the first layer of the skin,
allowing them to hydrate and seal in moisture. A facial serum is able to
penetrate into all three layers of the skin because it is made of smaller
molecules. The serums ability to go deeper into the skin is what allows it to
help combat many common beauty complaints.
Of course skin care
companies would like to make you believe that you need both, but that is not
always true. If you have a problem with your skin that you'd like to improve,
such as dark spots or early aging signs, a serum can help. Also, if your skin
is very oily, a serum can give you enough hydration. But, if your skin is happy
with your regular moisturizer alone, there is no need to rush off to buy a
serum.
How to choose the right serum?
Serum can treat a wide
area of concerns whether is acne, photo-damage, premature aging, there is a
serum up there that is right for you.
When choosing a facial
serum, keep in mind your skin type, whether it is oily, dry, combination or
sensitive. Then, determine what issues you are trying to prevent or correct,
and find products that contain ingredients to combat these issues, such as
antioxidants to prevent aging, retinol (commonly referred to as vitamin A) to
reverse aging, or hyaluronic acid to keep your skin nourished.
Some skin serum
ingredients are useful in fading dark spots on the face, while others give a
healthy glow to dull, grayish complexions.
Using a serum that’s
just right for you will go a long way toward improving the appearance of your
skin.
For dry skin: Layering a serum under your moisturizer can help boost your skin. Look
for serums that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, or you could also opt for a face essential oil for added nourishment and
vitamins.
For fine lines and wrinkles: Look for serums that contain ingredients like
hyaluronic acid, vitamins that help cell regeneration
and removes the formed “free radicals”, ceramides,
essential oils or collagen.
For Oily Skin: Using a serum is an excellent choice for oily skin types, because the
lighter consistency won't leave you feeling greasy. Look for products
formulated with glycolic acid or retinol to help smooth your skin's
texture, accelerate cellular turnover, and prevent clogged pores. Vitamin C is also an excellent
ingredient; it provides antioxidant protection while also reducing redness and
inflammation often associated with acne-prone skin.
For Combination Skin: Look for a serum that targets your specific
skin concerns. There are plenty of formulas on the market that help reduce dark
spots and scarring, add antioxidant protection, smooth skin, reduce redness,
and more. Serums are your secret weapon to targeting your skin imperfections.
For Acne or Prone to Blemishing Complexions: Look for an ingredient like salicylic acid, that will penetrate
deep into your pores and help clean up those blemishes that are forming
How to properly apply a serum?
Keep in mind the right
order: toner, serum moisturizer
First start with your toner.
Then apply the serum. Pour about 4 drops into your fingers
and press it into the skin, making sure that is absorbed.
Use a serum once a
day, in the morning, after you cleansed your skin. It’s important to remember
that serum is so active, that you need to apply your serum to clean, dry skin
(but if your skin is very dry, you can apply the serum right away, when skin is
still damp to seal in as much moisture as possible).
Wait a few minutes
until the serum is fully absorbed, and then apply your moisturizer. That will allow you to lock and increase the benefits
of the serum.
Tips and Tricks:
- You can use more than one serum to give
your complexion a well-rounded approach to skin care and protection.
- Apply anti-wrinkle serum twice a day to
receive the full benefits of its nutrients.
- Pair your serum with a sunscreen for best
daily protection
Whatever your main
concern - be it wrinkles, skin brightening or instant rehydration, we've
rounded up a selection of our favorite tried and tested anti-ageing serums all
available on markastore.com
An innovative fluid
gel, specially designed for areas most fragile around eyes, around lips and
forehead.
Active ingredients:
- Gatuline Expression
- Natural Clay
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Vitamin E
Perfect Anti-Aging Serum,
$24.99,
by Gerovital H3 Evolution
A best selling that dramatically counteracts all signs of aging, restoring vitality and radiance to the skin.
- Active ingredients:
- Gatuline Expression
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) - Also called “The Anti-Aging Super-Enzyme
- Trylagen
- GP4G
Intensive Firming Serum,
$29.99,
by Elmiplant Skin Repair
An intensive firming serum with a light and non-sticky texture that penetrates easily the skin making it smooth, soft and radiant.
Active ingredients:
- Caviar
- Ceramides
- Liftintense
Snail Extract Repair Serum,
$59.99, by Herbagen
Contains 99% garden snail extract, a powerful active natural and ecologic ingredient with miraculous regenerative properties for the skin.
Active ingredients:
- Glycolic acid:
- Allantoin
- Collagen and Elastin
- Proteins
- Vitamins A, C, and E
- Proteolytic Enzymes
Source:
• skinceuticals.com
• skincare.about.com
• www.webdm.com
• totalbeauty.com
• www.ehow.com
