Effective skin care at home consists of several stages, one of which is the use of serum. This cosmetic product allows you to achieve the desired result quickly: even out skin tone, remove inflammatory elements or make it fresher and more elastic. However, the effect can be achieved only if you choose and use the serum correctly.
Advertising facial serums can be very attractive and promising. It's easy to believe that this is really a magic potion. In fact, in order not to be disappointed and not to damage your skin, you should be very critical of marketing tricks and carefully consider your choice. Spoiler warning: Serums work. But sometimes things don't go your way.
Any 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 can be distinguished:
- liquid, homogeneous emulsions consisting of a more aqueous phase. If you do not intend to go out in the summer or winter, it is better to use these serums as an evening care.
- emulsions consisting mainly of the oil phase. These serums aim to restore the lipid content of the epidermis and are ideal for use in the cold season.
Why do serums need care and can they be used instead of creams?
Most serums are used as a base cream, not as an independent product. According to the chemical formula, whey provides higher bioavailability of the constituents. In other words, using a serum, you will be able to quickly deliver the necessary ingredients to the skin, and therefore get an effect.
Serums can not replace the cream, because it is a cream that "binds" the serum, allowing it to work fully. If you live in a place where the climate is dry and the air is not humid enough, be sure to apply the cream with glycerin on top of the serums. Only in this case, such a serum will really moisturize the skin.
What expectations will the serum meet?
The main purpose of home care is to treat and correct existing problems while preventing them. Whey is a product that will help you avoid many problems in the future.dermatologist, cosmetologist Anna Smolyanova. . .
"If you use a serum with sun protection properties, you are less likely to see wet spots on your face. Pigmentation is a very persistent defect and it is very difficult to get rid of. And it is certainly long and expensive, because it will require a whole course of serious medical procedures - fractional, peeling, injection of special drugs. The issue is also the protection of the water-lipid mantle, optimal moisture, protection of the elastic properties of the skin. "If you create conditions that do not allow the skin - it's not just for you.
Regular use of serums nourishes the skin, eliminates or eliminates existing problems, compensates for the lack of biologically active substances: vitamins, micro and macro elements. Serums are a simple and affordable replacement therapy that gives all the effects we get from a product.
The most popular are serums containing 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 specific problems.
Serums that stimulate skin regeneration
This is exactly what we mean by serums and the word "rejuvenation", which have a clear effect on stimulating skin regeneration. These are products that contain retinol, ie vitamin A. The concentration is not less than 0. 2%. Make sure that the composition contains exactly retinol, not derivatives. This is because most retinol derivatives - or beta-carotene preforms - will have antioxidant effects (protect against oxidative stress) and will not stimulate cell growth, division, and skin renewal.
Lifting serum for aging skin
The main biologically active components of such funds are peptides aimed at reducing facial wrinkles or collagen-stimulating peptides and antioxidants that prevent the oxidation of cell lipids and the breakdown of cell membranes. These serums restore tone and density to aging skin, resulting in a lifting effect.
Botulinum Serums
Serums with a peptide complex with botulinum effect: argirin, botox-like syneic, indicated for those who want to prolong the effect of botulinum therapy. Or you can use this tool as a stand-alone tool to minimize visits to a cosmetologist for botulinum toxin injections. As you already understand, such serums smooth the lines of expression.
Brightening serums
The product is used to even out skin tone. May contain peptides, retinol and antioxidants. Antioxidants act as a photoprotective agent. Thus, we prevent photography, including the appearance of pigmentation and wrinkles, and do not load the skin with sanitary pads. I would like to note that everyone should use cosmetics with sun protection properties every year. Especially for sensitive, fair skin who are prone to age spots. Regular use of such serums will help to gently correct freckles and "turn off" a little.
Serums for oily and problem skin
They generally contain acids, substances that reduce sebum production, and substances that have anti-inflammatory and anti-porous effects. As a rule, it contains: 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 want to reduce the severity of blackheads. Glycolic acid serums reduce the formation of milia, closed comedones and stimulate cell division.
Serums for dry skin
The serum, which contains vitamins C and E, will help restore the damaged skin barrier. This problem is common in people with dry, irritated and scaly skin. Such serums are recommended for those who are already visible or are starting to create 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 also like to mention serums that contain mandelic acid, which is a perfectly mild keratolytic and can be used as a rejuvenating peel even on very dry skin, as well as on aging skin.
It is important to understand that the final effect of serum use should be evaluated no later than one and a half months. During this time, the skin will have time to completely renew itself.
How to use the serum properly?
Depends on the composition of the product. For example, if the serum contains active acids that stimulate skin renewal and peeling, then it is recommended to use it as an evening component for home care. If the serum contains antioxidants that act mainly as a filter for ultraviolet radiation, it is recommended to use such a serum in the morning. If you have a tendency to puffiness on your face, you should not use moisturizing serums before going to bed. Indeed, in this case, the swelling on the face will manifest itself more strongly. But as a morning care, such products are perfect.
Errors when using serum
- A common mistake is to mix several incompatible serums. Often another serum is applied on top of one serum. In most cases, this causes one or both vehicles to not work at the same time. If you want to solve more than one problem, choose a universal serum with vitamins C and E. If a particular problem worries you, choose a specially formulated serum.
- Another common mistake is to neglect the shelf life of the serum. By opening a tube or jar, many people forget about it. Serums are active for three to six months after opening. Then the product loses its properties. Write the date you opened the serum. It is convenient to do this on a daily basis or in a special application.
- Storing whey in the wrong place is another big mistake. Do you see where your products are? If stored in a window, in active sunlight, or near radiators and heating devices, in a humid and hot bath, the components of the serum will break down faster. Keep cosmetics in a dark and cool place. A handy plastic container will work for you and will be hidden in a dark closet in your bedroom. You will get it in the morning or evening before your home care session.
- If you have sensitive and irritated skin, try to avoid large amounts of alcohol and preservatives in your cosmetics. Yes, this product will not be stored open for long. However, if you see that the serum contains preservatives such as phenoxyethanol, parabens, you should refrain from using such a product. Otherwise, the skin becomes even drier and more irritated after using the serum (this should have solved the problem).
- Pay attention to the amount of dyes in the serum. In most cases, the label is marked CL, which means color (color - ing. ) And if you see several types listed in the composition, plus if the perfume or perfume sign is a fragrant perfume, know that it is better not to use. such a product.