Effective home skin care 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 skin tone, cleanse it of inflammatory elements or make it cleaner and more elastic. But you can get the effect only if you choose and use the serum correctly.
Advertising facial serums can be very appealing and promising. It is easy to believe that this is a truly magical 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 choices carefully. Spoof warning: Serums work. But sometimes it does not turn out the way you expect.
Any serum is an emulsion of oil and water bases. Depending on the number of emulsifiers and the ratio of these two phases of emulsion, we can distinguish:
- Liquid, homogeneous emulsions consisting mostly of an aqueous phase. It is advisable to use these serums in summer or if you are not going to go out in winter, as well as for evening care.
- Emulsions consisting mainly of an oil phase. These serums are designed to restore the lipid content of the epidermis and are perfect for use in the cold season.
Why are serums needed and can they be used instead of cream?
Most serums are used as a cream and not as a standalone product. Due to its chemical formula, serum provides the higher bioavailability of the substances that make up their composition. In other words, by using the serum, you will be able to quickly deliver the necessary substances to the skin and therefore get the effect.
Serums can not replace cream, as it is the cream that "closes" the serum, allowing it to work fully. If you live in a climate where the climate is dry and the air is not humid enough, be sure to apply the cream on top of the glycerin. Only in this case will such a serum really moisturize the skin.
What expectations will the serum meet?
The main purpose of home care, in addition to treating and correcting existing problems, is prevention. And serum is exactly the product that will help you avoid a lot of trouble in the future.Dermatologist, cosmetologist Anna Smolyanova. . .
"If you use a serum that has sunscreen properties, then the probability of age spots on the face is much lower. And pigmentation is a very permanent defect that is quite difficult to get rid of. And of course - it is long and expensive, as serious medical procedures will be needed. Course - fractional particle, peeling, injection of special preparations. Also, it is about maintaining the lipid mantle of water, optimal moisture, maintaining the elastic properties of the skin. If you create conditions for the skin in which it can fully synthesize collagen and elastin, get moisture, nourish, nourishDo not allow the skin metabolism and antioxidant system to "sleep" - it becomes noticeable not only for you.
Regular use of serums makes the skin well-groomed, removes or less obvious existing problems, fills the lack of biologically active substances: vitamins, micro and macro elements. Serums are a simple and affordable replacement therapy that gives all the effects for which we buy the product.
The most popular are serums with antioxidants, peptides and acids. Due to 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 have a pronounced effect of stimulating skin regeneration and this is exactly what we mean by the word "rejuvenation". These are products that contain retinol, or 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 of the retinol derivatives - or its preforms in beta-carotene format - 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 joints are peptides aimed at reducing mimic wrinkles, or collagen-stimulating peptides and antioxidants that prevent the oxidation of cell lipids and the destruction of the cell membrane. Such serums restore skin tone and density, thus achieving a lifting effect.
Botulinum serums
Serums containing a complex of peptides with botulinum-like effects: Argirelin, a Botox-like synech, is indicated for those who wish to continue the effect of botulinum therapy. Or you can use this tool independently to reduce your visit to a cosmetologist for botulinum toxin injections. As you can see, such serums have smooth 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 avoid photo massage, including the formation of pigmentation and wrinkles, and do not burden the skin with sanitary protection. I would like to point out that absolutely everyone needs to use cosmetics with sunscreen properties all year round. Particularly sensitive for fair skin owners, prone to age spots. Regular use of such serums will help to gently correct wrinkles and slightly "darken".
Serums for oily and problem skin
They usually contain acids, substances that reduce fat production and ingredients that have anti-inflammatory and pore-tightening action. Typically, they contain: niocinamide, seawater components, which are 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 mille formation, close comedones, and stimulate cell division.
Serums for dry skin
The serum with vitamins C and E will help to 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 started to form fine wrinkles and early pigmentation buds. And also for those who want to delay these signs of aging as much as possible.
I would also like to mention the serums containing mandelic acid, which is an excellent soft keratolytic agent and can be used on very dry skin as well as on aged 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. At this time 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 intended to stimulate and stimulate 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 ultraviolet radiation filters, then it is recommended to use such serum in the morning. If you have a tendency to facial swelling, you should not use moisturizing serums in the evening before bedtime. Indeed, in this case, the swelling on the face will appear more severe. But as a morning care, such products are perfect.
Mistakes when using serum
- A common mistake is to mix several incompatible serums. Very often, another serum is applied on top of 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 created serum.
- Another common mistake is to neglect the period of serum action. When a pipe or jar is opened, many forget about it. But the serums are active for three to six months after opening. Then the product loses its properties. Enter the serum opening date. It is convenient to do this in a blog or in a special program.
- Storing the serum in the wrong place is another big mistake. Do you see where your products stand? If they are stored on a window sill, in direct sunlight, or near radiators and heating appliances, in a bathroom where it is humid and warm, the whey components will break down more quickly. Store cosmetics in a cool, dark place. A handy plastic container will help you and you will sleep in your bedroom in a dark wardrobe. And before you have a morning or evening home care session, get it.
- If you have sensitive and irritated skin, try to avoid the abundance of alcohol and preservatives in your cosmetics. Yes, this product is not stored open for a long time. But, if you see that the serum contains preservatives such as phenoxyethanol, parabens, then it is better to refrain from using such a product. Otherwise, the skin may become drier and more irritated 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 most often marked on the CL label, which means color (color - Eng. ) And if you see several types listed in the composition, plus perfume or flavor labeling is a fragrant perfume, then know that it is better not to use such a product.