Effective home skin care consists of several steps, one of which is the use of a serum. This cosmetic product allows you to quickly achieve the desired result: even skin tone, purify it of inflammatory elements or make it fresher and more elastic. But you can get the effect only if you choose and use the serum correctly.
Advertising for face serums can be very convincing and promising. It is easy to believe that this is indeed a magical elixir. In fact, in order not to be disappointed and not harm your skin, you have to be very critical of marketing tricks and carefully approach your choice. Spoiler alert: serums work. But sometimes it doesn't work as you expect.
Any serum is an emulsion of oily and aqueous bases. Depending on the amount of emulsifier and the ratio of these two phases of the emulsion, we can distinguish:
- liquid emulsions, homogeneous, more constituted by 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 cure.
- emulsions consisting mainly of an oily phase. These serums are intended to restore the lipid substance of the epidermis and are perfect for use in the cold season.
Why are serums necessary for care and can they be used in place of a cream?
Most serums are used as an under cream rather than as a standalone product. Thanks to their chemical formula, whey provides greater bioavailability of the substances that make up their composition. In other words, using a serum, you will be able to quickly deliver the necessary substances to the skin and, thus, achieve an effect.
Serums cannot replace cream, as it is the cream that "closes" the serum, allowing it to function completely. If you live where the weather is dry and there is not enough humidity in the air, be sure to apply the cream on top of the serums with glycerin. Only in this case such a serum will really moisturize the skin.
What expectations will the serum fulfill?
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 a lot of problems in the future.dermatologist, cosmetologist Anna Smolyanova. . .
"If you use a serum that has sun protection properties, the likelihood of age spots appearing on the face is much lower. And the pigmentation is a very persistent defect, which is quite difficult to get rid of. And for sure - it's long and hard. expensive, since a full course of serious medical procedures will be required: fractional resurfacing, peeling, injection of special drugs. In addition, the issue is about the preservation of the hydrolipidic mantle, optimal hydration, maintaining the elastic properties of the skin. If you create conditions. for the skin in which it can fully synthesize collagen and elastin, receive moisture, nourishment, oxygen, do not allow the metabolism and antioxidant system of the skin to "fall asleep" - this becomes evident not only to you.
Regular use of serums makes the skin well cared for, removes or less evident existing problems, replenishes the deficiencies of biologically active substances: vitamins, micro and macro elements. Serums are a simple and inexpensive replacement therapy, which gives 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 particular effect. "
There are serums designed to solve and prevent specific problems.
Serums that stimulate skin regeneration
Serums with a pronounced stimulating effect on skin regeneration, and that's exactly 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%. Pay attention to the fact that the composition contains exactly retinol, and not its derivatives. Because most retinol derivatives - or its preforms in the beta-carotene format will have an antioxidant effect (protect against oxidative stress) and will not stimulate cell growth and division and skin renewal.
Lifting serum for skin aging
The main biologically active components of such funds are peptides aimed at reducing mimic wrinkles, or collagen-stimulating and antioxidant peptides, which help prevent the oxidation of cellular lipids and the destruction of cell membranes. These serums restore tone and density to aged skin, thanks to which a lifting effect is obtained.
Botulinum serums
The serums that contain a complex of peptides with a botulinum effect: argireline, sineik botox-like, are indicated for those who want to prolong the effect of botulinum therapy. Or you can use this tool as a standalone tool to minimize visits to a beautician for botulinum toxin injections. As you already understood, such serums smooth expression lines.
Brightening serums
The product is used to even out the skin tone. It can include peptides, retinol, and antioxidants. Antioxidants act as a photoprotective agent. Therefore, we prevent photoaging, including the appearance of pigmentation and wrinkles, and do not overload the skin with health protectors. I would like to emphasize that absolutely everyone needs to use cosmetics with sun protection properties all year round. Especially for owners of sensitive, fair skin, prone to the formation of age spots. Regular use of such serums will help to gently and slightly "blur" freckles.
Serums for oily and problematic 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 wish to reduce the severity of blackheads on the face. Glycolic acid sera reduce the formation of milia, closed comedones and stimulate cell division.
Serums for dry skin
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 premature pigmentation. And also for those who would like to postpone the appearance of these signs of aging as much as possible.
I would also like to mention the serums containing mandelic acid, which is an excellent mild keratolytic and can also be used on very dry skin and also on aged skin as a regenerating peeling.
It is important to understand that the final effect of using the serum should be evaluated no earlier than one and a half months. It is during this period that the skin will have time to completely renew itself.
How to use the serum correctly?
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, it is recommended to use it as an evening component of home care. If the serum mainly contains antioxidants that act as filters for ultraviolet radiation, it is recommended to use this serum in the morning. If you have a tendency to face swelling, you shouldn't use moisturizing serums in the evening before going to bed. Indeed, in this case, the swelling on the face will manifest itself more strongly. But as a morning cure, these products are perfect.
Errors in the use of the serum
- A common mistake is to mix several incompatible sera. Most often, another serum is applied on top of a 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 concerned about a specific problem, choose a specially designed serum.
- Another common mistake is carelessness about the shelf life of the serum. After opening a tube or jar, many people forget about it. But the serums are active 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. Do you see where your products are located? If they are kept on a windowsill, in active sunlight or near radiators and heating devices, in a bathroom, where it is humid and hot, the components of the serum decompose faster. Store your cosmetics in a cool, dark place. A handy plastic storage box will work for you and can be stored in a dark closet in your bedroom. And before you do your morning or evening home care session, you will 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 kept open for a long time. But if you see that the serum contains preservatives such as phenoxyethanol, parabens, then it is better that you refuse to use such a product. If not, your skin may become even drier and more irritated after using the serum (which should have fixed the problem) than before.
- Pay attention to the amount of dyes in the serum. They are most often marked CL on the label, which means color (color - ing. ) And if you see several types listed in the composition, besides the perfume or fragrance marking is a fragrant fragrance, then know that it is better not to use such a product .