Cosmetic serums have long been a salon product and are very expensive.Today they have become more accessible, but not everyone knows when and how to use them.What is a serum, how to use it correctly for the face and if everyone needs it, this is what we will find out so as not to harm our skin.
What is serum
Women often ask whether such a product is necessary, whether they can use a face cream.Serums differ from creams in their increased concentration of active substances.There can be several, unlike extracts or extracts, and in different proportions.And if the cream is a cosmetic product intended for daily facial care, serums are designed to solve a specific problem.They generally have a consistent consistency and can be oil or water based.It depends on which environment is best suited to the ingredients included.
What is a facial serum used 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, getting rid of acne, eliminating dehydration, reducing or eliminating wrinkles.Before using a facial serum, you need to know what composition you need to achieve the expected result.Thanks to its nourishing components and its light consistency, it has a very intense effect on the skin:
- refreshes and improves complexion;deeply moisturizes the skin;
- acts against rosacea;
- restores 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 skin condition is good, you should not use the serum.Since this is a narrowly targeted cosmetic product, when choosing, 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, they come in several types:
- soothing - intended for sensitive skin, containing plant 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, plant extracts;
- moisturizing - for dehydrated and sensitive dermis, with glycerin, butylene glycol, hyaluronic acid.Such facial serums are used if in summer you experience a feeling of dry skin and insufficient hydration.Can be used twice a day – morning and evening;
- to combat pigmentation - contains arbutin, vitamin C, retinoids, azelaic acid;
- exfoliant - helps remove dead particles from the skin, with lactic, glycolic and salicylic acids.These serums should be used in the evening;
- 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 also need to learn how to use a facial serum based on its composition and purpose.For example, a retinol serum should only be used in the evening.It is also better to use a serum to combat pigmentation only in the evening, and during the day you should protect your face with sunscreen from exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Some active ingredients may be affected by the environment.Therefore, serum containing retinoids or vitamin C is available in opaque packaging.It should be stored in a dark place and minimize contact with air.
How to use serum correctly
Usually, facial serum is produced in a container with a dispenser, in the form of 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 use and first cleanse your skin:
- remove cosmetics and impurities using micellar water or hydrophilic oil;
- use foam or gel for washing;
- Tonic spray to tone the skin.
When applying serum, it is important to know when to stop.4 to 5 drops are enough to treat the entire face.To achieve maximum effect on the skin, you can apply it in two ways.
Method 1. Apply facial serum to your fingertips and distribute quickly without rubbing.Apply quickly to the face following the massage lines.Next, use light finger pressure 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 for applying oil serum properly.Apply it to your fingers and lightly rub your palms together to evenly distribute and warm the serum.Apply your palms to your face with gentle movements, applying a little pressure.
After that, wait 5-10 minutes for the serum to be absorbed, then apply a cream that will complement it and strengthen the skin's protective barrier.It is advisable to combine cosmetic products from the same range.They will thus complement each other better, guarantee rapid results and the effect will last longer.