Cosmetic serums have long been a product for salon use and are very expensive.Now they have become more accessible, but not everyone knows when and how to use them.What a serum is, how to use it correctly for the face and whether everyone needs it: this is what we will discover so as not to damage our skin.
what is serum
Women often ask if such a product is necessary if they can use a face cream.Serums differ from creams due to their higher concentration of active substances.There may be several of them, as opposed to extracts or extracts, and in different proportions.And if the cream is a cosmetic product for daily facial care, serums are designed to solve a specific problem.They usually have a homogeneous consistency and can be oil or water based.It depends on which environment is best suited for the ingredients included.
What is a facial serum for?
It is used when conventional skin care products do not solve the most relevant facial skin problem at the moment.The serum helps to quickly achieve the desired effect, for example, eliminating acne, eliminating dehydration, reducing or eliminating wrinkles.Before using a facial serum, you need to know what composition you need to obtain the expected result.Thanks to its nourishing components and light consistency, it has a very intense effect on the skin:
- refreshes and improves the complexion;deeply moisturizes the skin;
- acts against rosacea;
- restores the elasticity and firmness of the epidermis;
- slows down aging processes;
- removes age spots;
- rejuvenates, eliminates the first signs of aging;
- quickly improves the appearance of the dermis;
- Removes spots and acne marks.
If the condition of the skin is good, you should not use the serum.Due to the fact that this is a cosmetic product with a specific goal, when choosing it, you should carefully study the composition, focusing not on your skin type, but primarily on the problem that you need to get rid of.
what are the means
Depending on the problems that facial serums solve, there are several types:
- soothing: intended for sensitive skin, containing herbal extracts, niacinamide, allantoin, neurosensin;
- serums for problem and acne-prone skin - contain antiseptic substances and components that regulate the activity of the sebaceous glands: zinc, retinoids, propolis, AHA and BHA acids, herbal extracts;
- moisturizing - for dehydrated and sensitive dermis, with glycerin, butylene glycol, hyaluronic acid.These facial serums are used if there is a feeling of dry skin and insufficient moisture in summer.It can be used twice a day: morning and night;
- to combat pigmentation: contains arbutin, vitamin C, retinoids, azelaic acid;
- exfoliant: helps remove dead skin particles, with lactic, glycolic and salicylic acids.These serums should be used at night;
- Anti-aging lifting serums: help eliminate sagging skin, smooth wrinkles, increase skin tone and slow down the aging process.They contain antioxidants, peptides, ceramides, vitamin C and retinol in high concentrations.
You should also learn how to use a facial serum based on its composition and purpose.For example, retinol serum should only be used at night.It is also better to use a serum to combat pigmentation only at night, and during the day it is necessary to protect your face with sunscreen from exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Some active ingredients may be affected by the environment.Therefore, serum with retinoids or vitamin C is available in opaque containers.It should be stored in a dark place and minimize contact with air.
How to use serum correctly
Typically, facial serum is produced in a container with a dispenser, in microcapsules, or a pipette is attached to the package.Thanks to this, contact with air is minimized and the serum can be used sparingly.Before using the facial serum, you must follow the rules of its use and first cleanse your skin:
- remove cosmetics and impurities with micellar water or hydrophilic oil;
- use foam or gel for washing;
- Spray toner to tone the skin.
When applying serum, it's important to know when to stop.4-5 drops are enough to treat the entire face.To get the maximum effect on the skin, you can apply it in two ways.
Method 1. Apply the facial serum to your fingertips and spread it quickly without rubbing.Quickly apply to the face, following the massage lines.Next, use gentle pressure with your fingers to remove any remaining product that has not yet been absorbed.It is important to remember that the serum is absorbed almost instantly, so you should not hesitate.
Method 2 is best to apply the oil serum correctly.Apply to fingers and lightly rub palms to evenly distribute and warm serum.Apply your palms to your face with gentle movements, applying a little pressure.
After this, wait 5 to 10 minutes for the serum to be absorbed and then apply a cream to complement it and strengthen the skin's protective barrier.It is advisable to combine cosmetic products from the same line;This way they will complement each other better, guarantee quick results and the effect will last longer.