It is essential at any age to follow a good basic skincare routine of cleansing, toning and moisturising twice a day. This routine is pretty simple to do most of the time, but then there are mask and scrubs and other lotions and potions to further complicate matters. Enter the complex world of face serums… it seems like every major beauty house has a face serum on the market. But what is face serum, what does it do and do we really need to add yet another step to our beauty regime?
Basically, serum is normally in a gel or creamy gel formula and should be used under your moisturiser. Why can’t you use a moisturiser alone? A serum contains loads of active ingredients like anti-oxidants and vitamins and it has tiny molecules specially formulated to penetrate into the deeper layers of skin. Moisturisers on the other hand, while essential to protect the top layer of skin, are formulated with larger molecules so cannot penetrate into the deeper layers. So, while a moisturiser is great for moisturising the surface of your skin, you really do need a serum to correct any problems below the surface.
When looking for the right serum for your skin-type, look for one containing anti-oxidants if you want to protect your skin from aging, and one containing retinol if you want to reduce the signs of aging, e.g. wrinkles.
Serums can correct a whole range of problems. From acne and redness right up to anti-aging and dark spot removal. I have come to the conclusion that if your skin isn’t perfect (and whose is?), a face serum is a great way to achieve good results, provided you take the time to look at the ingredients and pick the right one for your skin-type and problem.
How does one use a face serum? According to the experts, it is best to cleanse the face thoroughly and then use an alcohol-free toner. Whilst the skin is still slightly damp, apply your serum. The serum is applied by using a few drops on the palms of your hands and rubbing them together. Don’t rub too much that the product is absorbed into your hands (though you will have great looking palms haha) Rub just enough so that the product is spread evenly on your palms and then pat the product into your skin. Rest your palm on your skin for 3-5 seconds between each pat.
Another great trick I have heard of is to keep your moisturiser in the fridge and apply it about 2 minutes after your serum. This pushes the blood flow away from your skin and has the effect of sucking the active ingredients in your serum far deeper into the layers of your skin. Do wait the 2 minutes before applying your moisturiser as the moisturiser may decrease the effectiveness of the serum if applied straight away.
Some great serums on the market are Lancome Absolue Sublime Oleo-Serum Regeneratif, Clarins Double Serum and Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum.
Whilst they may be more expensive (because of all the concentrated active ingredients), a great serum is an excellent investment for great skin.
Article by: Maryanne Young
It is essential at any age to follow a good basic skincare routine of cleansing, toning and moisturising twice a day. This routine is pretty simple to do most of the time, but then there are mask and scrubs and other lotions and potions to further complicate matters. Enter the complex world of face serums… it seems like every major beauty house has a face serum on the market. But what is face serum, what does it do and do we really need to add yet another step to our beauty regime?