Effective skin care at home consists of several steps, one of which is the use of serum. This cosmetic product allows you to quickly achieve the desired result: even out skin tone, cleanse it of inflammatory elements or make it fresher and more elastic. But you can only achieve the effect if you choose and use the serum correctly.
Advertising face serums can be very compelling and promising. It is easy to believe that this is truly a magical elixir. In reality, in order not to be disappointed and not to damage your skin, you need to be very critical of marketing tricks and approach your choice carefully. Spoiler Warning: Serums work. But sometimes it doesn’t work out the way you expect.
Each serum is an emulsion of oil and water bases. Depending on the amount of emulsifier and the ratio of these two phases of the emulsion, they can differ:
- liquid, homogeneous emulsions, which consist more of an aqueous phase. It is advisable to use these serums in the summer or if you will not be going out in the winter, and also as an evening care.
- emulsions consisting mainly of an oil phase. These serums aim to restore the lipid substance of the epidermis and are perfect for use in the cold season.
Why are serums needed for care and can they be used instead of creams?
Most serums are used as a cream underneath, not as a stand-alone product. Due to its chemical formula, whey provides greater bioavailability of the substances that make up their composition. In other words, by using the serum you will be able to quickly deliver the necessary substances to the skin and thus achieve the effect.
Serums cannot replace the cream, because it is the cream that "closes" the serum, allowing it to work completely. If you live where the climate is dry and there is not enough moisture in the air, be sure to apply the cream to glycerin serums. Only in this case, such a serum will really 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 exactly the product that will help you avoid many problems in the future.dermatologist, cosmetologist Anna Smolyanova. . .
"If you use a serum that has the properties of sunscreen, the likelihood of age spots on the face is much lower. And pigmentation is a very persistent defect, which is quite difficult to get rid of. And for sure - it is long and expensive, because it will require a number of serious medicalprocedure - fractional renewal, peeling, injection of special drugs. It is also a matter of preserving the water-lipid coating, optimal moisture, maintaining the elastic properties of the skin. If you create conditions in which the skin can fully synthesize collagen and elastin, receive moisture, nutrition, oxygen, do not allow the metabolism and antioxidant system of the skin to "fall asleep" - it becomes noticeable not only to you.
Regular use of the serum makes the skin nourished, removes or less obvious existing problems, compensates for the deficiencies of biologically active substances: vitamins, micro and macro elements. Serums are a simple and affordable replacement therapy that 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 special effect. "
There are serums designed to solve and prevent certain problems.
Serums that stimulate skin regeneration
Serums with a pronounced effect stimulate skin regeneration, and this is exactly what we mean by the word "rejuvenation". These are products that contain retinol, or vitamin A. The concentration is not less than 0, 2%. Note that the composition contains exactly retinol, not its derivatives. Because most retinol derivatives - or their preforms in beta - carotene format will have antioxidant activity (protect against oxidative stress), and not stimulate cell growth and division and skin regeneration.
Lifting serum for skin aging
The main biologically active components of such agents are peptides aimed at reducing mimic wrinkles, or peptides and antioxidants that stimulate collagen, which help prevent the oxidation of cellular lipids and the destruction of cell membranes. Such serums restore tone and density to older skin, which is why a lifting effect is achieved.
Botulinum serum
Serums containing a peptide complex with a botulinum-like effect: argireline, a botox-like syneic, are indicated for those who wish to prolong the effect of botulinum therapy. Or you can use this tool as an independent to reduce visits to the beautician for botulinum toxin injections. As you have already understood, such serums smooth the lines of expression.
Brightening serums
The product is used to even out skin tone. It may include peptides, retinol and antioxidants. Antioxidants act as a sunscreen. This prevents photoaging, including the appearance of pigmentation and wrinkles, and does not overload the skin with hygienic protective agents. I would like to mention that absolutely everyone should use cosmetics with the properties of sunscreen throughout the year. Especially for owners of sensitive, light skin, prone to the formation of age spots. Regular use of such serums will help to gently straighten and gently "dampen" freckles.
Serums for oily and problematic skin
They usually contain acids, substances that reduce sebum production and ingredients that have anti-inflammatory action and tighten pores. As a rule, they contain: niocinamide, seawater components, represented by trace elements - silicon, magnesium and zinc, as well as acids. For example, salicylic acid. Salicylic acid serums can be recommended to those who want to reduce the severity of blackheads on the face. Glycolic acid sera reduce the formation of miles, 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, irritated and dandruffy skin. Such serums are recommended for those who have already appeared or have just started to create a network of small wrinkles and early pigmentation. And for those who would like to delay the onset of these signs of aging as much as possible.
I would also like to mention serums that contain almond acid, which is an excellent mild keratolytic and can be used even on very dry skin, as well as on aging skin, as a rejuvenating scrub.
It is important to understand that the final effect of serum use should be assessed in a month and a half at the earliest. During this time, the skin will have time to fully regenerate.
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 an evening component of home care. If the serum contains mainly antioxidants that act as filters for ultraviolet radiation, then it is recommended to use such a serum in the morning. If you have a tendency to swell your face, you should not use moisturizing serums at night before bed. Indeed, in this case, the swelling on the face will be more pronounced. But as a morning care such products are perfect.
Errors in the use of serum
- A common mistake is to mix several incompatible serums. Very often another serum is applied to 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 problems, choose a universal serum with vitamins C and E. If you are worried about a particular problem, choose a specially designed serum.
- Another common mistake is not paying attention to the expiration date of the serum. When opening a tube or jar, many people forget about it. But serums are active three to six months after opening. Then the product loses its properties. Write down the date the serum was opened. It is convenient to do this in a diary or a special application.
- Storing whey in the wrong place is another big mistake. Do you see where your products stand? If kept on a window sill, active sunlight, or near radiators and heaters, in a bathroom where it is humid and warm, serum components will break down faster. Store cosmetics in a cool, dark place. A practical plastic container will serve you and be stored in a dark wardrobe in your bedroom. And before you do morning or evening care at home, you will get it.
- 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 open for long. But, if you see that the serum contains preservatives such as phenoxyethanol, parabens, then you better refuse to use such a product. Otherwise, the skin may become more dry and irritated after using the serum (which should have solved the problem) than before use.
- Pay attention to 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 several types listed in the composition, plus the perfume or fragrance label is a perfumed scent, then know that it is better not to use such a product.