The truth about serums

Serums are widely talked about in the cosmetics industry and highly recommended for most skin types, with the heavy burden of finding a beauty regimen that will work for you, you may ask 'Why use a serum, what's the point?' Or 'What is the difference between this and a moisturizer, cream, or lotion?' The difference is in the molecular structure of the product. Serums are made up of smaller molecules. This makes it easier for the ingredients to penetrate the lipid barrier of the skin. If used correctly, serums can deliver vitamins, peptides, and antioxidants in a concentrated form, deep into the dermis. The use of serums can enhance the effectiveness of your skin care regimen and also speed up results.

Everything that you put on your body gets absorbed, but due to the chemical makeup of most beauty products, only a small amount of the applied ingredients will penetrate the outer barrier of the skin. This is why it is important to use a skin care regimen that is highly concentrated with effective ingredients, if you are using water based products, it is likely that your skin is not absorbing anything beneficial. Serums comprise smaller molecules and will penetrate deep into the skin, this makes them a helpful addition to most regimens. Serums are not meant to be used as a replacement for your face wash, toner or moisturizer. For maximum absorption with a serum, use after a face wash and toner and apply all over clean face and use fingers to press the serum into the skin, wait about 10 minutes and then use your moisturizer on top of the serum. The moisturizer will form a protective seal and allow the serum to deliver the ingredients deeper.

There is a serum for every skin type and concern. Most serums are vehicles for ingredients that will fight pre mature aging; there are also serums available to help heal and prevent acne. It is important to remember that the younger you are when you start using these products, the more beneficial they will be in the long run.

Serum Ingredients

Serums can only hold water soluble ingredients, fats and oils will not be distributed properly in a serum because they are made up of larger molecules. Here are some of the ingredients that can be found in serums and the benefits they will provide.

Exfoliators

Lactic and Glycolic Acid are Alpha Hydroxy Acids that will remove dead surface skin that can clog pores and cause breakouts. Serums that include these ingredients can be used to treat oily or acne prone skin, fine lines and wrinkles, and discoloration/dark spots.

Antioxidants

These are necessary in protecting the skin from cell damage cause by free radicals. Serums that are rich in antioxidants are perfect for all skin types and are helpful in treating redness/blotchy skin, uneven skin tone, and fine lines and wrinkles.

Vitamins

Vitamins A, C and E are popular in a lot of serums because they have antioxidant properties. They also provide the skin with what it needs to heal and regenerate faster. Use for all skin types and to treat redness/blotchy skin, dry skin, under eye puffiness, discoloration/dark spots, and breakouts/acne prone skin.

Skin Brighteners

Some serums target dull skin, these will have natural skin brighteners like willow bark that will give your skin a glow. Serums with skin brighteners can treat dull lifeless skin, dry skin, and discoloration/dark spots.

Hyaluronic Acid

This ingredient allows serums to penetrate deeper and it encourages new cell growth which is vital in improving your skins elasticity and fighting pre mature aging. Use for all skin types and to treat dry skin, uneven skin tone, breakouts/acne prone skin, and fine lines/wrinkles.

Peptides

A very important ingredient to ward off wrinkles, thinning of the skin and other concerns. Works well for all skin types to treat dry skin, redness, uneven skin tone, and fine lines/wrinkles.