What is a serum?
A serum is a concentration of active ingredients. Serums are made up of smaller molecules which allows them to get absorbed faster and work deeper in the skin.
What is a serum supposed to do?
Serum’s can help with specific skin concerns like acne, ageing, dehydration, pigmentation, dullness etc
How to apply a serum?
Serums should be applied after the toner and before the moisturiser. There are so many steps within a skin care regime it can get confusing to know the order of things, but the most water like in texture comes first, to the thickest which come last. The serum should be used sparingly and stroked into the skin using circular motions, or tapped into the face.
Which serum to use for what skin type?
This is a list of the four main concerns that serums are designed to improve, and the ingredients that they will most likely contain:
Acne
- Vitamin C helps with the skin’s repair process and increases collagen production.
- Retinol contains anti oxidants and reduces inflammation.
- Zinc helps to regulate and smooth the skin.
- Salicylic acid eats away at dead skin cells which help to unclog the pores.
Brightening
- Vitamin C helps to brighten and lift the skin.
- Glycolic acid gently exfoliates the skin to remove dead skin cells and it can lighten discolouration.
- Antioxidants like green tea extract or ferric acid fight free radicals
Anti ageing
- Vitamin C brighten’s the complexion
- Vitamin E repairs the skin
- Hyaluronic acid retains moisture in the skin
- Niacinamide improves the skin elasticity and also increases the level of Ceramide’s (new skin cell’s) that are produced.
Hydration
- Hyaluronic acid retains moisture.
- Niacinamide improves elasticity.
- Sodium Hyaluronate gives the skin volume
Something to be aware of is products with vitamin C have a shorter life than most, as when vitamin C oxidises it starts to deactivate. As serums are full of active ingredients you may find sensitive skin becomes quite irritated. If this is the case stop using it, or use the serum less until you find a routine that works for your skin.
Should I use a serum?
If you have a skin concern, you would see a big difference using a serum.
What am I using
I am currently using the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair. Before bed, I apply 5 drops to a clean face by patting it into my skin. It helps to optimise the skins natural repair process so improves the look of lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone. This serum contains hyaluronic acid which binds moisture to the skin. I have been using this for 3 weeks now and absolutely love it!
