Effective skin care at home consists of several steps, one of which is the use of a serum. This cosmetic product allows you to quickly obtain the desired result: even the skin tone, clean the 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 attractive and promising. It's easy to believe that this really is a magical elixir. In fact, in order not to be disappointed and harm your skin, you need to be very critical of marketing tricks and carefully approach your choice. Spoiler alert: the serums are working. But sometimes it doesn't work the way you expect.
Any serum is an emulsion of oil and water bases. Depending on the amount of emulsifier and the proportion of these two phases of the emulsion, it can be distinguished:
- homogeneous liquid emulsions, which consist of more than one aqueous phase. These serums are preferable to use in summer or if you are not going out in winter, and also as a night care.
- emulsions consisting primarily of an oil phase. These serums aim to restore the lipid substance of the epidermis and are perfect for use in the cold season.
Why are serums under the necessary care and can they be used instead of a cream?
Most serums are used as a cream rather than a standalone product. Due to its chemical formula, the serum provides greater bioavailability of the substances that make up its composition. That is, using a serum, you will be able to quickly deliver the necessary substances to the skin and thus obtain an effect.
The serum cannot replace the cream, as it is the cream that "closes" the serum, allowing it to act fully. If you live in a place where the climate is dry and there is not enough moisture in the air, apply the cream over the top of the glycerin serums. Only in this case will this serum really hydrate the skin.
What are the serum expectations?
The main objective 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 sun protection properties, the chances of getting age spots on the face are much lower. And pigmentation is a very persistent blemish, which is very difficult to get rid of. And sure enough - it's long and expensive. , since a whole course of serious medical procedures will be necessary - fractional recapping, peeling, injection of special medications. Furthermore, the issue is with the preservation of the water-lipid mantle, optimal hydration, maintenance of the skin's elastic properties. creating conditions for the skin in which it can fully synthesize collagen and elastin, taking in moisture, nutrition, oxygen, not allowing the skin's metabolism and antioxidant system to "sleep" - this becomes noticeable not only for you.
The regular use of serums leaves the skin well cared for, eliminates existing or less obvious problems, replenishes the lack of biologically active substances: vitamins, micro and macro elements. Serums are a simple and affordable replacement therapy that provides 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 effect of stimulating skin regeneration, and that's what we mean by the word "rejuvenating". 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, not its derivatives. Because most retinol derivatives - or their beta-carotene-format preforms 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 these funds are peptides designed to reduce mimetic wrinkles, or collagen-stimulating peptides and antioxidants, which help prevent the oxidation of cell lipids and the destruction of cell membranes. These serums restore the tone and density of aged skin, due to which a lifting effect is achieved.
Botulinum Serums
Serums containing a complex of peptides with botulinum effect: argirelin, sineik type botox, are indicated for those who want 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 understand, these serums smooth expression lines.
Illuminating serums
The product is used to even out skin tone. May include peptides, retinol and antioxidants. Antioxidants act as a photoprotective agent. Thus, we avoid photoaging, including the appearance of pigmentation and wrinkles, and we do not overload the skin with hygienic protectors. I would like to note that absolutely everyone needs to use cosmetics with sun protection properties all year round. Especially for owners with sensitive and fair skin, prone to the formation of age spots. Regular use of these serums will help to gently correct and "small down" the freckles.
Serums for oily and problematic skin
They often contain acids, substances that reduce sebum production, and ingredients that have anti-inflammatory and pore-closing effects. As a rule, they contain: niocinamide, components of seawater, represented by trace elements - silicon, magnesium and zinc, in addition to acids. For example salicylic acid. Salicylic acid serums can be recommended for those who wish 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
Serum with vitamins C and E will help restore the damaged skin barrier. This problem is common in people with dry, irritated, flaky skin. These serums are recommended for those who have already appeared or have begun to form a mesh 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 that contain 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 using the serum should not be evaluated before 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 correctly?
It depends on the composition of the product. For example, if the serum contains active acids, whose action aims to exfoliate and stimulate skin renewal, it is recommended to use it as a nighttime 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 swell on your face, you should not use moisturizing serums at night before bed. In fact, in this case, the swelling in the face will manifest itself more strongly. But as a morning care, these products are perfect.
Errors in using serum
- A common mistake is mixing several incompatible sera. Often, another serum is applied on top of a serum. In most cases, this leads to the fact that one or both tools don't 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 serum that is specially developed.
- Another common mistake is the lack of attention to the expiration date of the serum. After opening a tube or bottle, many people forget about it. But the serums are active for three to six months after opening. Then the product loses its properties. Write down the date you opened the serum. It's convenient to do this in a diary or in a special app.
- Storing whey in the wrong place is another big mistake. See where your products are? If kept on a window sill, active sunlight or near radiators and heating appliances, in a bathroom where it is humid and warm, the whey components will decompose more quickly. Store cosmetics in a cool, dark place. A handy plastic container will work for you and can be stored in a dark wardrobe in your bedroom. And before you do your morning or evening home care session, you'll make it.
- If you have sensitive and irritable skin, avoid lots of alcohol and preservatives in your cosmetics. Yes, this product will not be stored open for a long time. But if you see that the whey contains preservatives like phenoxyethanol, parabens, then you had better refuse to use 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 using it.
- Pay attention to the amount of dyes in the serum. They are most often marked with CL on the label, which means color (color - eng. ) And if you see several types listed in the composition, besides the perfume or fragrance marking it is a fragrant fragrance, then know that it is better not to use that product.