Effective home skin care products consist of several steps, one of which is the use of serum. This cosmetic protection allows you to get the desired results quickly: even out skin tone, clear it of inflammation 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 serials can be very compelling and promising. It's easy to believe that this is definitely a magic trick. In fact, in order not to be disappointed and not damage the skin, you need to be very critical of the marketing gimmicks and carefully approach your choices. Corrupt Warning: Serums are working. But sometimes it does not work out as you expect.
Every serum is an emulsion of oil and water base. Depending on the amount of emulsifier and the ratio of these two-phase emulsions, a distinction can be made between:
- liquid, homogeneous emulsions, which consist more of an aqueous phase. These serums are preferable to use in the summer or if you do not plan to go out in the winter, and also as a night watch.
- emulsions consisting mainly of the oil phase. These serums are designed to restore epidermal fat and are perfect for use during the cold season.
Why are serums needed in care and can they be used instead of creams?
Most serums are used as a sub-cream rather than a stand-alone product. Due to their chemical formula, whey provides greater access to the substances that make up their composition. In other words, by using serum, you will be able to quickly return the necessary substances to the skin and thus have an effect.
Serums can not be replaced by creams, as it is the cream that "closes" the serum and allows it to work fully. If you live where the climate is dry and there is not enough moisture in the air, be sure to apply the creamonly in this case with glycerin. Only in this case, such a serum will actually moisturize the skin.
What expectations will the serum meet?
The main goal of home nursing, in addition to treating and correcting existing problems, is prevention. And whey is exactly the product that will help you avoid a lot of trouble in the future.dermatologist, beautician Anna Smolyanova. . .
"If you use a serum that has sunscreen properties, the chances of age spots appearing on your face are much lower. And the pigment is a very persistent defect, which is rather difficult to get rid of. And certainly - it is long and expensive, where all the serious medical process will be required - broken up again, peeling, injection of special drugs. It is also about maintaining a water-lipid coating, optimal moisture, and maintaining the elasticity of the skin. If you create conditions for the skin where it can form collagen and elastin fully, get moisture, nutrition, oxygen, do not allow the metabolism and antioxidants of the skin to "fall asleep" - this will be noticeable not only for you.
Regular use of serum makes the skin well-groomed, removes or less obvious existing problems, compensates for deficiencies of biologically active substances: vitamins, scars and macrophages. Serums are a simple and affordable replacement therapy, giving all the effects we buy a product for.
Serums with antioxidants, peptides and acids are the most popular. Depending on the composition of these components, the product has a special effect. "
There are serums that are designed to solve and prevent specific problems.
Serums that stimulate skin rejuvenation
Serum with a noticeable effect on stimulating skin rejuvenation, and this is exactly what we mean by the word "rejuvenation". These are products that contain retinol, that is vitamin A. The concentration is not less than 0. 2%. Note thatthat the composition contains exactly retinol, not its derivatives, because most retinol derivatives - or precursors in beta - carotene form will have an antioxidant effect (protect against oxidative stress), and will not promote cell growth and division and skin regeneration.
Lifting serum for skin aging
The main biologically active ingredients of such funds are peptides that aim to reduce wrinkles or collagen-stimulating peptides and antioxidants, which help to prevent the oxidation of cell lipids and the destruction of cell membranes. Such serums restore tone and density in the aging of the skin, leading to a lifting effect.
Botulinum Serums
Serums containing complex peptides with botulinum-like effects: argireline, a botox-like sinus, are intended for those who wish to prolong the effects of botulinum therapy. Or you can use this tool as a standalone tool to minimize visits to beauticians to inject botulinum toxins. As you have already understood, smoothing such serum expression lines.
Bright serum
The product is used to even out skin tone. May contain peptides, retinol and antioxidants. Antioxidants act as light protection. This way we prevent photography, including the appearance of pigments and wrinkles, and do not overload the skin with hygiene protection. I want to point out that absolutely everyone needs to use sunscreen all year round. Especially for owners of sensitive, fair skin, prone to age spots. Regular use of such serums helps to gently and slightly correct dull freckles.
Serums for oily and high-quality skin
They usually contain acids, fat-reducing substances and anti-inflammatory and antiperspirant ingredients. As a rule, they contain: niocinamide, elements of seawater, represented by trace elements - silicon, magnesium and zinc, as well as acids. For example, salicylic acid. Salicylic acid serum is recommended for those who want to reduce the severity of blackheads on the face. Sugar glycolic acid reduces the formation of milia, closed comedones and stimulates cell division.
Serums for dry skin
Serums with vitamins C and E help to repair 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 are just beginning to form a mesh of fine wrinkles and early pigmentation. And also for those who want to postpone the appearance of these signs of aging as much as possible.
I would also like to mention a serum that contains 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 exfoliator.
It is important to understand that the final effects of serum use should not be assessed until after one and a half months. It is during this time that the skin will have time to fully renew itself.
How to use the serum correctly?
It depends on the composition of the product. For example, if the serum contains active acids, but the actions are aimed at removing and stimulating skin rejuvenation, then it is recommended to use it as an evening component in home care. If the serum contains mainly antioxidants which act as filters for ultraviolet radiation, then it is recommended to use such a serum in the morning. If you are prone to swelling of the face, you should not use a moisturizer at night before bed. Indeed, in this case, swelling of the face will be stronger. But for breakfast, such products are perfect.
Errors in serum use
- A common mistake is to mix up some incompatible serums. Very often another serum is applied on top of one serum. In most cases, this means that one or both tools do not work at the same time. If you want to solve more than one problem, choose a comprehensive serum with C and vitamins. If you are concerned about a specific problem, choose a custom serum.
- Other common mistakes are attention to serum validity. Many people forget it after opening a tube or jar. But serums are active from three to six months after opening. Then the product loses its properties. Write down the date you opened the serum. It is convenient to do this in a calendar or a special program.
- Storing whey in the wrong place is another big mistake. Do you see where your products stand? If stored in a window, in active sunlight or near ovens and heaters, in a bathroom where it is humid and warm, the components of the serum will break down faster. Store cosmetics in a cool, dark place. A handy plastic container suits you and is stored in a dark wardrobe in your bedroom. And before you do homework in the morning or in the evening, you will get it.
- If you have sensitive and irritated skin, try to avoid a lot of alcohol and preservatives in your cosmetics. Yes, this product will not be kept open for a long time. But if you see that the serum contains preservatives such as phenoxyethanol, parabens, then you 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 it was used.
- Pay attention to the amount of pigment in the serum. They are usually marked CL on the label, which means color (color - eng. ) And if you see several types listed in the composition, in addition to perfume or perfume is perfume, then you know that it is better not to use such a product.