Effective skin care at home consists of several steps, one of which is the use of serum. This cosmetic product allows you to quickly get the desired result: even out the skin tone, clean it of inflammatory elements or make it fresher and more elastic. But you can only get the effect if you choose and use the serum correctly.
Advertising for face serums can be very compelling and promising. It's easy to believe that this is really 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 carefully approach your choice. Spoiler alert: Serums work. But sometimes it doesn't turn out the way you expect.
Each serum is an oil-in-water emulsion. Depending on the amount of emulsifier and the ratio of these two phases of the emulsion, it can be distinguished:
- liquid, homogeneous emulsions that consist more of an aqueous phase. These serums are preferable to use in the summer or if you are not going out in the winter, and also as an evening care.
- emulsions consisting mainly of an oil phase. These serums are aimed at restoring the lipid substance of the epidermis and are ideal for use during the cold season.
Why are serums needed in care and can they be used instead of cream?
Most serums are used under a cream rather than as a stand-alone product. Due to its chemical formula, whey provides higher bioavailability of the substances that make up their composition. In other words, by using a serum, you will be able to quickly deliver the necessary substances to the skin and therefore get the effect.
Serums cannot replace cream, as the cream "closes" the serum, allowing it to work properly. If you live where the climate is dry and there is not enough moisture in the air, be sure to apply the cream on 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 with sunscreen properties, the likelihood of age spots on your face is much lower. And pigmentation is a very persistent defect that is quite difficult to get rid of. And for sure - it is long and expensive, as it will require a whole course of serious medical procedures - fractional surface, peeling, injection of special drugs. Also, the question is with the preservation of the water-lipid mantle, the optimal moisture, the maintenance of the elastic properties of the skin. If you create conditions for the skin in which it can fully synthesize collagen and elastin, receive moisture, nutrition, oxygen, prevent the metabolism and the antioxidant system of the skin to "fall asleep" - this becomes noticeable not only for you.
Regular use of serums makes the skin well maintained, eliminates or less obvious existing problems, fills the deficiency of biologically active substances: vitamins, micro and macronutrients. Serums are a simple and affordable replacement therapy that gives all the effects for which we buy a 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 specific problems.
Serums that stimulate skin regeneration
Serums with a pronounced effect of stimulating skin regeneration and this is exactly what we mean by the word "rejuvenation". These are products that contain retinol, ie vitamin A. The concentration is not less than 0, 2%. Note the factthat the composition contains exactly retinol, not its derivatives, as most of the retinol derivatives - or its preparations in beta-carotene format will have an antioxidant effect (protect against oxidative stress) and do not stimulate cell growth and division and skin renewal.
Lifting serum for aging skin
The main biologically active components of such agents are peptides aimed at reducing facial wrinkles, or collagen-stimulating peptides and antioxidants that help prevent the oxidation of cell lipids and the destruction of cell membranes. Such serums restore the tone and density of aging skin, which achieves a lifting effect.
Botulinum serums
Serums that contain a complex of peptides with a botulinum-like effect: argireline, similar to Botox syneic, are indicated for those who want to prolong the effect of botulinum therapy. Or you can use this tool as an independent to minimize visits to a beautician for botulinum toxin injections. As you already know, such serums smooth the lines of expression.
Brightening serums
The product is used to even out the skin tone. May include peptides, retinol and antioxidants. Antioxidants act as a sunscreen. In this way we prevent photoaging, including the appearance of pigmentation and wrinkles, and do not overload the skin with sanitary protectors. I want to note that absolutely everyone should use cosmetics with sunscreen properties 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 slightly correct and slightly "darken" freckles.
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. As a rule, they contain: niocinamide, components of sea water, 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 on the face. Glycolic acid serums reduce the formation of milia, 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 flaky skin. Such serums are recommended for those who have already appeared or have just begun to form a network of fine wrinkles and early pigmentation. And also for those who would like to delay the appearance of these signs of aging as much as possible.
I would also like to mention serums containing mandelic 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 peel.
It is important to understand that the final effect of the use of the serum should be assessed no earlier than a month and a half. It is during this time that the skin will have time to fully renew itself.
How to use the serum properly?
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. In fact, in this case, the puffiness of the face will be more pronounced. But as a morning care such products are perfect.
Errors when using serum
- It is a common mistake 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 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 specific problem, choose a specially developed serum.
- Another common mistake is inattention to the period of validity of the serum. Once they open a pipe or jar, many people forget about it. But 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 a special application.
- Storing whey in the wrong place is another big mistake. Do you see where your products are? If kept on a window sill, active sunlight or near radiators and heaters, in a bathroom where it is humid and warm, the serum components will disintegrate faster. Store cosmetics in a cool, dark place. A convenient plastic container will work for you and will be stored in a dark wardrobe in your bedroom. And before you do your morning or evening home care session, you will receive 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 kept open for a long time. But if you see that the serum contains such preservatives as phenoxyethanol, parabens, then it is better to refuse to use such a product. Otherwise, the skin may become even drier and more irritated after using the serum (which should solve the problem) than before using it.
- Pay attention to the amount of dye in the serum. Most often they are marked with CL on the label, which means color (color - eng. ) And if you see several species listed in the composition, plus the perfume or the marking of the fragrance is a perfumed fragrance, then know that it is better not touse such a product.