If you practice a regular skincare routine, chances are you’ve debated adding a serum. Despite the rise in popularity of serums, however, many people still find themselves unsure of what they are and how they work.
As we see it, ‘serum’ is a tiny word for big results.
Serums contain high concentrations of specific active ingredients. These ingredients can range from Hyaluronic Acid (to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles) to Vitamin C (to brighten the skin and help reduce the appearance of pigmentation and Rosacea) to Matrixyl (an anti-aging peptide that boosts the production of collagen).
Often confused with moisturizers, both play an important role in maintaining healthy skin. Moisturizers are formulated to create a protective barrier between your skin and the drying elements outside. Serums are created with smaller molecules and are able to penetrate deeply into the skin, delivering targeted ingredients to troubled areas. Some serums can give you added moisture, but the main reason serums can combat so many beauty complaints is their nutrient delivery. Serums are like same-day shipping for your face!
If you feel like your skincare routine is no longer getting the results it once did, it might be time to consider adding a serum.
Choose a facial serum with your skin type in mind (whether it is oily, dry, combination or sensitive) and then determine which issues you want to correct. Read the labels to figure out which serum contains the right active ingredients for you: antioxidants to prevent aging, Vitamin A to reverse aging or Hyaluronic Acid to keep your skin soft and supple. Some serums target hyperpigmentation, while others can restore a youthful glow to dull complexions. The options are endless.
Apply the serum to your face, neck and décolletage after cleansing and toning, but before you moisturize. Be sure to apply the serum while your skin is still damp to seal in as much moisturize as possible.
With such a high concentration of ingredients, serums can sometimes come with a steeper price tag. Do not let this discourage you, though, as serums last longer due to only needing a couple drops at a time. In fact, while the impulse is often that more is better, your skin will only absorb as much serum as it needs. Two to three drops are often enough. And for oily skin, most serums are water based, making them a light alternative to heavy creams.
With serums, improvements are often immediate. With consistent use, visible results should appear within four weeks. After that, all your friends will be wanting to know your secret. You can tell them the secret’s in the serum.