There are several steps in effective home skin care, one of which is to use a serum. This cosmetic product allows you to quickly get the desired result: even clean the skin tone, cleanse inflammatory elements or make it fresher and more elastic. But you can only get the effect if you choose and use the serum properly.
Advertising for face services can be very strong and promising. It is easy to believe that this is indeed a magic elixir. In fact, 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 alert: Serum is working. But sometimes it doesn’t work out as you expected.
An emulsion is one oil base and one serum water. Depending on the amount of emulsifier and the ratio between these two phases of the emulsion, it is possible to distinguish:
- liquid, homogeneous emulsions, comprising more aqueous phase. These serums are best used in the summer or if you are not going out in the winter, and also for evening care.
- emulsions consisting mainly of oil phase. These serums are aimed at restoring the lipid substance of the epidermis and are perfect for use in the cold season.
Why are serums needed in care and can they be used instead of cream?
Most serums are used as a sub-cream rather than as a standalone product. Due to their chemical formula, whey provides a higher bioavailability of the substances in their composition. That is to say, using a serum, you will be able to quickly deliver the necessary substances to the skin and, therefore, get an effect.
A serum cannot replace cream, since it is the cream that "closes" the serum, allowing it to function fully. If you live in a place where the climate is dry and there is not enough moisture in the air, be sure to apply the cream on top of the serum with glycerin. Only in this case will such a serum really moisturize the skin.
What expectations will the serum meet?
The main goal of home care, as well as the treatment and correction of existing problems. And whey is exactly the product that will help you avoid a lot of troubles in the future.dermatologist, cosmetologist Anna Smolyanova. . .
"If you use a serum that has sunscreen properties, then the likelihood of age spots on your face is much lower. And pigmentation is a very persistent defect, which is quite difficult to get rid of. And sure -it is long and expensive, since it will require a full course of serious medical procedures - fractional resurfacing, peeling, injection of special drugs. Also, the material is related to the preservation of the water-lipid mantle, moistureoptimally maintain the elastic properties of the skin. If you create conditions for the skin in which it can fully synthesize collagen and elastin, get moisture, nutrition, oxygen, do not let the metabolism and antioxidant system of the skin "fall intosleep "- this only affects you.
By using serum on a regular basis, the skin is well grouped, getting rid of existing or less obvious problems, replenishing deficiencies of biologically active substances: vitamins, micro-elements and macro-elements. Serums are a simple and affordable replacement therapy, which gives them all the effects we buy a product for.
The most popular are serums with antioxidants, peptides and acids. Depending on the combination of these components, the product has a specific effect. "
It is a serum designed to solve and prevent specific problems.
Serums that stimulate skin regeneration
Serums that have a pronounced effect stimulate skin regeneration, and this is exactly what we mean by the word "renewal". These are products containing retinol, that is, vitamin A. The concentration is not less than 0. 2%. Pay attention to the fact that retinol is just in the composition, and not its derivatives. Because most retinol derivatives - or their preforms in the beta-carotene format (protection against oxidative stress) - will have an antioxidant effect, and will not stimulate cell growth and skin division and renewal.
Elevated serum for aging skin
The main biologically active components of such funds are peptides aimed at reducing mimic wrinkles, or peptides and collagen-stimulating antioxidants, which help prevent the oxidation of cell lipids and the destruction of cell membranes. Such a serum restores tone and density to aging skin, resulting in a lifting effect.
Botulinum Serum
Serums containing a peptide complex with botulinum-like effect: argireline, a botox-like sineik, are indicated for those who wish to prolong the effect of botulinum therapy. Or you can use this tool as a standalone tool in order to minimize visits to a beautician for botulinum toxin injections. As you already understood, these serums make smooth expression lines.
Bright serums
The product is used to achieve skin tone. These may include peptides, retinol and antioxidants. Antioxidants act as a photoprotective agent. Therefore, we prevent photography, including the appearance of pigment and wrinkles, and do not overload the skin with sanitary protectors. I would like to note that everyone must use cosmetics with sunscreen properties throughout the year. Especially for owners of sensitive, fair skin, prone to age spots. Regular use of such a serum will help to correct freckles and a little "dim".
Serums for oily and problem skin
They usually contain acids, substances that reduce sebum production, and ingredients that have anti-inflammatory and pore tightening effects. They usually contain: niocinamide, components of seawater, expressed by 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 blackheads on the face. Glycolic acid serum reduces milia formation, closed comedones and stimulates cell division.
Serums for dry skin
Serum with vitamins C and E will help restore the damaged skin barrier. This problem is common among people with dry, irritated and flaky skin. Such a serum is recommended for those who have already seen or have just started to form a mesh of smooth wrinkles and early pigmentation. And for those who want to postpone the appearance of these signs of aging as much as possible.
I would also like to mention a serum that contains 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 the use of the serum should be considered no earlier than in a month and a half. It is during this period that the skin will have time to completely renew itself.
How to use the serum properly?
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 contains mainly antioxidants that act as filters for ultraviolet radiation, it is recommended to use such a serum in the morning. If you tend to have puffiness on your face, you should not use a moisturizing serum in the evening before bed. In fact, in this case, the puffiness on the face will manifest itself more strongly. But as a morning care, such products are perfect.
Errors while using serum
- Mixing some incompatible serums is a common mistake. Often, another serum is applied on top of one serum. In most cases, this results in 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 worried about a particular problem, choose a specially designed serum.
- Another common mistake is to ignore the period of validity of the serum. After opening a tube or jar, many people forget about it. But serums are active from 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 diary or in a special application.
- Storing whey in the wrong place is another big mistake. See where your products stand? If they are kept on a window sill, active sunlight, or near radiators and heating appliances, in a bathroom, where it is damp and warm, the components of the serum will break down more quickly. Store cosmetics in a cool dark place. A convenient plastic container will work for you and keep it in a dark wardrobe in your bedroom. And before you do your morning or afternoon home care session, you get 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 long. But, if you see that there are preservatives like phenoxyethanol, parabens in the serum, then you better refuse to use such a product. Otherwise, the skin may become drier and smoother after using the serum (which should solve the problem) than before using it.
- Pay attention to the amount of dyes in the serum. They are often marked CL on the label, which means color (color - eng. ) And if you see different types listed in the composition, plus the parfum or fragrance mark is a fragrant perfume, then know thatbest not to use such a product.