What are serums?
skin serums are oil or water-based products, that have the ability to penetrate deep within the layers of your skin, so that you get phenomenal results. Unlike other skin products, these have a higher concentration of active ingredients and usually come in a creamy gel form.
How are serums different from moisturizers?
While other face creams contain only 5 to 10 per cent of active ingredients, a face serum can contain up to 70 per cent! No wonder these potent products are able to deliver a much greater concentration of nutrients, deeper into the skin. The molecules in serums are smaller than those in your regular moisturizers; thus they penetrate deeper into the skin and give better results. A moisturizer has larger molecules, and so it works only on the first layer
Serums benefits…
Each face serum may be aimed at solving a specific skin problem, so the benefits vary. Dr Navin Taneja, director, National Skin Center says, “Since this highly concentrated treatment contains high levels of nourishing ingredients, all of them help restore moisture and elasticity to the skin, while regulating oil production.” The most common benefits include hydration, increased nourishment, brightening of the skin, and acne prevention. They also help in strengthening skin cells.
Choosing the right serum for your skin
Whether you’re blessed with a good complexion or have problematic skin, the sheer variety that you have in serums can be a conundrum for even a beauty junkie. To ensure that you find one that will suit your skin, begin by picking a serum as per your skin type — dry, oily, combination or sensitive. There is no such thing as the best face serum for everyone. You can determine the right product for you according to your age and needs.
Also consider what other skin care products and techniques you are using. Dr Taneja warns, “If you use chemical peels regularly, be careful if you are adding an anti-ageing serum to your routine. The Vitamin C and alpha hydroxyl acids in these serums are very acidic and can irritate freshly peeled skin. Be careful with other forms of exfoliation when using anti-ageing serums.” Get the best results from most skin care products by using them consistently. This is especially true if you are trying to remove wrinkles and age spots. Try a serum for at least a month before you give up on it. It can take some trial and error, but eventually you’ll find the best face serum for your needs.
How to Use a Face Serum
Serums deliver a highly concentrated blast of nutrients directly to your skin. To use, apply a few drops after you wash your face but before you apply moisturizer. Serums absorb deep into your skin, rather than sitting on the surface like moisturizers. Serums work great for specific concerns like acne, dry skin, brightness, and wrinkles. After you wash your face, apply a pea-sized amount of serum to your cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. For best results, use both a daytime and nighttime serum.
Wash and exfoliate your skin before you apply your serum.
Before you apply your serum, wash your face with a facial wash or scrub. Wet your face, then massage your face wash over your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Move your fingers in small, circular motions, then rinse the face wash away. Washing your face removes superficial dirt and oil, while exfoliating gets into your pores for a deep clean
Apply 1 drop to each section of your face if using a thin serum.
The amount of serum you use will vary depending on the consistency of the ingredients. When using thinner serums, you only need a tiny amount. Apply 1 drop to your finger, then rub onto your cheek. Repeat this for the other cheek, as well as your forehead and nose/chin area. Gently rub the serum in an upwards motion
Tap your skin gently for 30-60 seconds until the serum is absorbed.
After you’ve rubbed the serum onto your skin, place your fingers on your cheek and press your skin in small, circular motions. Repeat this across the entirety of your face for about a minute
Wait one minute to apply moisturizer over all of your face.
Your serum will mostly dissolve into your skin after about a minute. Then, squeeze a dime-size amount of moisturizer into your hand, and rub it over your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin
Warnings and Precautions
Always use serums according to the instructions and as per the prescribed amount because excessive use of serums can cause irritation, rashes and itching to the skin. Also, never use two serums at a time.