Facial serum: how do you know if you need it or not? And what is it anyway?

Effective home skin care consists of several stages, one of which is the use of serum. This cosmetic product allows you to quickly achieve the desired result: even out the color of the skin and clean it from inflammatory elements, or make it fresh and supple. However, the effect can only be achieved if you choose and use the right serum.

Serum to rejuvenate the face

Facial serum advertising can be very convincing and promising. It’s easy to believe that this is truly a magical elixir. In fact, you need to be very critical of your marketing tricks and be careful about your choices so that you don't get frustrated and damage your skin. Spoiler warning: serums are working. But sometimes things don't turn out as you expected.

Any serum is an emulsion of oil and water bases. Depending on the size of the emulsifier and the ratio of these two phases of the emulsion can be distinguished:

  • In liquid, homogeneous emulsions, they consist of a more aqueous phase. These serums can be used in the summer, or if you do not want to go out in the winter, as well as evening care.
  • emulsions consisting mainly of the oil phase. These serums are aimed at restoring the lipid content of the epidermis and are ideal for use in cold weather.

Why do serums need care and can they be used instead of creams?

Most serums are used as a base cream, not as a stand-alone product. Due to their chemical formula, whey provides high bioavailability of their constituent substances. In other words, by using the serum, you can quickly deliver the necessary substances to the skin and get the desired effect.

Serums do not replace the cream, because this cream "covers" it, allowing it to work completely. If you live in a dry climate and lack of moisture in the air, remember that glycerin is added to the cream serum. Only in this case, such a serum really moisturizes the skin.

What expectations does garlic meet?

The main purpose of home care is not only to treat and correct existing problems, but also to prevent them. And whey is a product that will help you avoid many problems in the future.dermatologist, cosmetologist Anna Smolyanova. . .

"If you use a sunscreen, the chances of age spots on your face are much lower. And pigmentation is a very permanent defect, which is very difficult to get rid of. And definitely - it is long and expensive, because it requires a whole course of serious medical procedures - fractional surface cleaning, peeling, injections of special drugs. It also preserves the water-lipid mantle, optimal moisture and elastic properties of the skin. If you create the conditions for the skin to fully synthesize collagen and elastin, get moisture, nutrition, oxygen, and prevent the skin from "falling asleep" to the metabolism and antioxidant system - it will be noticeable not only for you.

Regular use of serum takes good care of the skin, eliminates existing problems or makes it less visible, compensates for the lack of biologically active substances: vitamins, micro and macro elements. Serums are a simple and affordable replacement therapy that will give you all the effects of buying this product.

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

There are serums designed to solve and prevent certain problems.

Serums that stimulate skin regeneration

Serums that have a clear effect on 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%. Note that the composition contains exactly retinol, not its derivatives. Most retinol derivatives - or beta-carotene preforms - have antioxidant effects (protect against oxidative stress) and do not stimulate cell growth, division and skin renewal.

Lifting serum for skin aging

The main biologically active components of such drugs are peptides aimed at reducing facial wrinkles, or collagen-stimulating peptides and antioxidants, which help prevent the oxidation of cell lipids and the destruction of cell membranes. Such serums restore the tone and density of aging skin, thereby achieving a lifting effect.

lifting serum

Botulinum serum

Serums containing a complex of peptides with a botulinum-like effect: argyreline, Botox syneic, are indicated for those who want to prolong the effect of botulinum therapy. Or you can use this tool as an independent tool and reduce your visits to a cosmetologist for botulinum toxin injections. As you already know, such serums smooth the lines of lines.

Bleaching serums

This product is used to even out skin tone. May contain peptides, retinol and antioxidants. Antioxidants act as photoprotectors. Thus, we do not allow photo aging, including the formation of pigmentation and wrinkles, and do not overload the skin with sanitary products. I would like to emphasize that everyone should use cosmetics with sunscreen throughout the year. Especially for owners of sensitive, exposed skin, prone to the appearance of age spots. Regular use of such serums helps to gently correct freckles and make them a little "darker".

Serums for oily and problem skin

They usually contain acids, fat-reducing substances, and anti-inflammatory and anti-pore ingredients. Typically, they include: niocinamide, components of seawater, 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 dark spots on the face. Glycolic acid serums reduce the formation of milia, closed comedones, and stimulate cell division.

Serums for dry skin

Serum with vitamins C and E helps to restore the damaged skin barrier. This problem is more common in people with dry, irritated and fluffy skin. Such serums are recommended for those who have already formed or are beginning to form a network of new wrinkles and early pigmentation. Also for those who want to delay the appearance of these signs of aging as much as possible.

I would like to mention serums that contain mandelic acid, it is an excellent mild keratolyte and can even be used as a rejuvenating peel for very dry skin as well as aging skin.

It should be understood that the final effect of using this serum should be evaluated no earlier than one and a half months. During this time, the skin takes time to fully regenerate.

How to use 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 the renewal and stimulation of the skin, it is recommended to use it as an evening component of home care. If the serum contains antioxidants that often filter out ultraviolet radiation, it is recommended to use such a serum in the morning. If you have puffiness on your face, do not use moisturizing serum at night before going to bed. Indeed, in this case, the tumor on the face shows itself strongly. But such products are ideal as a morning care.

How to use serum properly

Errors in the use of serum

  • A common mistake is to mix several incompatible serums. Often, one serum is applied over another serum. In most cases, this will cause one or two weapons to fail 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 particular problem, choose a specially formulated serum.
  • Another common mistake is not paying attention to the expiration date of the serum. When you open a tube or a jar, many people forget it. However, the serums are active for three to six months after opening. Then the product loses its properties. Record the date you opened the serum. It is convenient to do this in a diary or in a special application.
  • Storing whey in the wrong place is another big mistake. Do you see where your products are? If they are stored in a window sill, in active sunlight, or near radiators and heaters, in a wet and warm bath, the components of the serum will break down quickly. Store cosmetics in a cool, dark place. A convenient plastic container works for you and is stored in a dark wardrobe in your bedroom. And you get it before you do a home care session in the morning or evening.
  • If your skin is sensitive and irritated, try to avoid too much alcohol and preservatives in your cosmetics. Yes, this product will not be kept open for long. However, if you find that the serum contains preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and parabens, you should refrain from using such a drug. Otherwise, the skin may become dry and irritated after using the serum (this should have solved the problem).
  • Note the amount of dye in the serum. Usually they are marked on the label as CL, which means color (color - English. ) If you see several types in the composition, be aware that perfume or perfume is a perfume, it is better not to use it. such a product.