Effective home skin care consists of several stages, one of which is the use of serum. This cosmetic product allows you to quickly get the desired result: even out the skin tone, cleanse it of inflammatory elements or make it fresher and more elastic. But the effect can only be obtained if you choose and use the serum correctly.
Facial serum advertising can be very compelling and promising. It's easy to believe that this is truly a magic elixir. In fact, in order not to be disappointed or harm your skin, you need to be very critical of marketing gimmicks and take a careful approach to your choices. Spoiler warning: sera are working. But sometimes it doesn't work out as you expected.
Any serum is an oil-in-water emulsion. Depending on the amount of emulsifier and the ratio of these two emulsion phases, the following can be distinguished:
- liquid, homogeneous emulsions consisting mainly of an aqueous phase. These serums are preferably used in summer or, if you do not go out in winter, as well as for evening care.
- emulsions consisting essentially of an oil phase. These sera are designed to restore the lipid substance of the epidermis and are perfect for use in the cold season.
Why are serums needed for care and can they be used instead of cream?
Most serums are used as a cream rather than as a stand-alone product. Due to their chemical formula, whey provides greater bioavailability of their substances. In other words, with the serum, you will be able to quickly deliver the necessary substances to the skin and thus get the effect.
Sera cannot replace cream, because it is the cream that "closes" the serum, allowing it to work fully. If you live in a dry climate and there is not enough moisture in the air, be sure to apply the cream over the serums with glycerin. Only in this case, such a serum really moisturizes the skin.
What expectations will the serum meet?
The main goal of home care, in addition to treating and preventing existing problems, is prevention. And whey is exactly the product that will help you avoid many troubles in the future.dermatologist, cosmetologist Anna Smolyanova. . .
"If you use a serum that has tanning properties, the chances of age spots appearing on the face are much lower. And pigmentation is a very persistent defect that is quite difficult to get rid of. And definitely - it's long and expensive, because it will require a whole seriouscourse of medical procedures - partial restoration of the coating, peeling, injection of special drugs. In addition, the issue of preserving the water lipid shell, optimal moisture, maintaining the elastic properties of the skin. If you create conditions for the skin to fully synthesize collagen and elastin, you get moisture, oxygen, do not let the skin's metabolism and antioxidant system "fall asleep" - it becomes noticeable not only to you.
Regular use of serums makes the skin well-groomed, eliminates or less obvious existing problems, supplements the deficiencies of biologically active substances: vitamins, micro and macroelements. Serums are a simple and affordable replacement therapy that provides all the effects for which we buy the product.
The most popular are sera with antioxidants, peptides and acids. Depending on the combination of these ingredients, the product has a special effect. "
There are serums designed to solve and prevent special problems.
Serums that stimulate skin regeneration
Serums with a strong skin regeneration stimulating effect, and that's exactly what we mean by "regeneration". 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 retinol, not its derivatives. Because most retinol derivatives - or their preparations in beta-carotene format - will have an antioxidant effect (protect against oxidative stress) rather than stimulating cell growth and division and skin regeneration.
Lifting serum for aging skin
The main biologically active ingredients in such funds are peptides aimed at reducing mimic wrinkles, or collagen-stimulating peptides and antioxidants that help prevent cellular lipid oxidation and the destruction of cell membranes. Such serums restore the tone and density of aging skin, resulting in a lifting effect.
Botulinum sera
Sera containing a complex of peptides with a botulinum-like effect: argirelin, a botox-like syngene, are intended for those who want to prolong the effect of botulinum therapy. Or you can use this tool as an independent to minimize beautician visits for botulinum toxin injections. As you already understand, such serums smooth the lines of expression.
Shining serums
The product is used to even out skin tone. May include peptides, retinol and antioxidants. Antioxidants act as a photoprotective agent. In this way, we prevent photoaging, including the appearance of pigmentation and wrinkles, and do not overload the skin with sanitary products. I would like to point out that absolutely everyone must use cosmetics with tanning properties all year round. Especially for sensitive, light skin owners who are prone to age spots. Regular use of such serums will help to gently correct and slightly "darken" freckles.
Serums for oily and problematic skin
They usually contain acids, substances that reduce sebum formation, and ingredients that have anti-inflammatory and pore-tightening effects. They usually contain: niocinamide, the components of seawater represented by the trace elements silicon, magnesium and zinc, as well as acids. For example, salicylic acid. Salicylic acid sera can be recommended for those who want to reduce the severity of black spots on the face. Glycolic acid sera reduce 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 fine wrinkles and early pigmentation sieve. And also for those who would like to delay the emergence of these signs of aging as much as possible.
I would like to mention serums that contain almond acid, which is a great gentle keratolytic agent and can be used even for very dry skin and also for aging skin as a rejuvenating peel.
It is important to understand that the final effect of serum use should be evaluated no earlier than one and a half months later. It is at this time that the skin will have time to fully regenerate.
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 focused on peeling and stimulates skin regeneration, then it is recommended to use it as a part of home care evening. If the serum is predominantly antioxidant, which acts as a filter for ultraviolet radiation, it is recommended to use such a serum in the morning. If you have a tendency to swell your face, do not use moisturizing serums in the evening before going to bed. Indeed, in this case, the swelling on the face will be more pronounced. But as a morning care such products are perfect.
Errors in the use of serum
- A common mistake is to mix several incompatible sera. Very often another serum is applied to the surface of one serum. In most cases, this results in one or both tools not working at once. If you want to solve several problems, choose a universal serum with vitamins C and E. If you are worried about a specific problem, choose a specially designed serum.
- Another common mistake is neglect of the expiration date of the serum. When people open a tube or jar, many people forget about it. But the sera are active three to six months after opening. Then the product loses its properties. Make a note of the opening date of the serum. This is easy to do 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 they are kept on a windowsill, in the presence of active sunlight or radiators and heating appliances, the serum components will break down more quickly in a bathroom that is humid and warm. Store cosmetics in a cool, dark place. A convenient plastic container will come in handy and will be placed in a dark wardrobe in your bedroom. And before the morning or evening home care session, you will receive it.
- If you have sensitive and irritated skin, try to avoid an abundance of alcohol and preservatives in cosmetics. Yes, this product will not be stored open for a long time. But if you see that the serum contains preservatives such as phenoxyethanol, parabens, then it is better to abandon the use of such a product. Otherwise, the skin may become even drier and more irritated after using the serum (which should have solved the problem) than before use.
- Pay attention to the amount of dye in the serum. On the label, they are most often marked with CL, which means color.